Stolen merchandise found in couple’s car

A DeKalb County couple with a car full of stolen merchandise and burglary tools was caught red-handed recently during a routine traffic stop.

The defendants, Michelle Lee Culwell and Bryon Ray Gibbs, will face preliminary hearing Oct. 9 in General Sessions Court on charges of burglary, theft and possession of burglary tools.

Their charges come after the two were stopped by deputy Travis Thaxton around 2 a.m. Monday morning for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed the backseat was full of equipment, prompting his suspicion something was not right.

A closer search of the vehicle revealed there were 18 car and truck batteries, a generator, weed trimmer, and a chainsaw crammed into the car. An inspection of the front section of the car revealed a wealth of burglary tools including a hacksaw, vice grips and a bolt cutter.

During questioning by investigators, the two reportedly admitted stealing the items from Johnny Ledbetter at a location on Short Mountain Road. And, in addition to the crime for which they were caught, the two also confessed to stealing from Ledbetter in the past, taking a chainsaw and air compressor during their earlier crime.