An aggravated burglary has been solved through the cooperative efforts of the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office and Middlesboro Police Department.

According to Sheriff David Ray, an aggravated burglary occurred at a home in the Lone Mountain Shores area of Claiborne County on or about July 5, 2010.

The victim of the burglary suffered a loss in excess of $4,000.

Detectives Anthony Veillon and Bob Morelock of the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation.

After an extensive investigation, several witnesses were interviewed that led the investigators throughout Claiborne County and Bell County Kentucky. The investigators had the cooperation of Sgt. Eddie Myers and Chuck Bruce of the Middlesboro Police Department.

Due to statements from witnesses and the cooperation they received in Claiborne County and Bell County, they were able to recover a large amount of the property that had been stolen from the victim in a short amount of time.

Investigators are still searching for more property due to not all of it being recovered.

The investigation led to the arrest of James Gerrells.

Gerrells is being charged with Aggravated Burglary, Theft Over $1,000 and Violation of Probation.

He is being held in the Claiborne County Jail waiting arraignment from Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton.

Scottie Laws and Brian England have also been charged but cannot be located at this time.

If you have any information on a possible location for Laws or England, contact the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office at 423-626-2501.