Burglaries in Pickens County

On May 4th, 2011 several businesses were burglarized during the night time around the area of Town of Norris in Pickens County. These businesses had their offices entered by either breaking through the door, or climbing through a window, that accessed the offices. A variety of items were stolen, included money, automobile batteries, a safe, car titles and paperwork for operations of these businesses. There were also some businesses on Gentry Memorial Highway (West Specialty Products and Blue Ridge Automotive) that were entered and had batteries and money stolen. On Moorefield Memorial Highway (Harris Automotive) Liberty, was entered during the night time and a safe was stolen that contained several vehicle titles. Information obtained revealed that Dyar’s Diner and Granny’s Kitchen, in Pendleton area of Anderson County, was entered the same night and a surveillance video was available. There was also some property dropped from the vehicle at one crime scene that revealed that the white Saturn automobile, which the suspects were traveling in, belonged to Robin Shanai Holden of Cherry Street, Pendleton SC. Further investigation shows that she was traveling with a male named Jerry “Cotton Raymond Gillespie, of Dublin Lane, Pickens. Citizen participation in this investigation was extremely important in the apprehension of these suspects. Businesses entered in the area of Norris are Pam’s Used Cars, Margaret’s Restaurant, C&S Recycling, Harris Auto Parts, and Enviro Mulch. There was also damage and property stolen at S&K Automotive and Monks Corner Cafe.

Investigators with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office have charged Jerry “Cotton” Raymond Gillespie with (7) counts of Burglary 2nd Degree; (9) counts of Simple Larceny and (1) count of Malicious Damage to Property. Additionally charged is Robin Shanai Holden, with (7) counts of Burglary 2nd Degree; (9) counts of Simple Larceny and (1) count of Malicious Damage to Property. Defendants also have pending Burglary and Simple Larceny charges in Anderson County. Additional copies of warrants issued and served on defendants, are available upon request.