Franklinton police utilized the popular social media website Facebook to help solve an investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of two men in the theft of a utility trailer from Franklinton High School.

Major Justin Brown of FPD said the trailer was stolen Aug. 11 and during the investigation detectives made the decision to use Facebook to help solicit information. Within hours, Brown said, detectives received tips that led them to two suspects, Justin Seth Jenkins and Craig David Painter, who were subsequently arrested.

The investigation, Brown said, then broadened as a result of multiple interviews and led to an additional recovery of stolen property. Brown said the detectives recovered an $18,000 Polaris Razor stolen from the Enon community, a flat screen television and numerous firearms.

He said the recovered property came from two separate residential burglaries as well as Franklinton High School.

“Ironically, one of the suspects had actually burglarized the other suspect’s hunting camp,” Brown said. “I guess it goes to show there is no honor among thieves.”

Jenkins has been booked with two counts of aggravated burglary and two counts of theft more than $500. Painter has been charged with one count of aggravated burglary and two counts of theft more than $500, Brown said, and he expects additional charges to follow.

“Franklinton detectives worked tirelessly over a three-day period to bring the investigation to an end,” said Brown, adding the investigation is continuing and he anticipates two more arrests to be made in the near future.

“Our department’s Facebook page is a great resource for updates and information, and we encourage all those interested to join,” he said.

Brown specially recognized deputies Michelle Brumfield, Randy Reviere and Terry Harris for their efforts in recovering stolen property.