In mid-March, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the public’s help in identifying two persons who attempted to burglarize a residence on Old Lake Road in Mt. Hermon. As a result of tips from the public and good detective work, two men are now in jail for that crime, according to WPSO Chief Deputy Mike Haley.

One suspect was arrested in late March and the other was arrested in late April.

Haley said that Adrian McGee, 29, a resident of Wilbur Smith Road, was located by detectives and arrested on March 19. In addition to the current charges of criminal trespass and attempted burglary of an inhabited dwelling, he also faces charges from previous warrants for possession of schedule three drugs, introduction of contraband to a penal institute and two counts of failure to appear in court. He remains in jail with his bond set at $8,500.

McGee has two previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail. In July 2017, he was arrested for issuing worthless checks and two counts of failure to appear in court. In January 2018, he was arrested for theft by shoplifting, criminal trespass, issuing worthless checks and two counts of failure to honor a written promise. He was released on bond after each arrest.

Haley said that the other man arrested for the attempted burglary was Entre D. Dillon, 31, a resident of Tom Lewis Road in Tylertown, Miss. Dillon was located Saturday after he was stopped for a traffic violation, Haley said. He remains in jail with his bond set at $2,500 on charges of criminal trespass and attempted burglary of an inhabited dwelling.

Dillon has been in the Washington Parish Jail on nine previous occasions, dating back to 2007. Haley said that his previous charges include being a fugitive from another jurisdiction, possession of marijuana, domestic battery, obstruction of justice, cruelty to a juvenile, resisting an officer by flight, simple battery, contempt of court, burglary of an inhabited dwelling, criminal damage and failure to appear in court.

“Three key elements led to the capture of these two thieves,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “First was the homeowner’s surveillance system that provided good images of the two intruders. Next, was information provided by honest citizens.

“The third was the diligence of our detectives, who quickly identified the thieves and stayed on the case until they were in custody. This is another good outcome for honest homeowners.”