Man charged in business burglaries

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
A Russellville man was arrested this week in connection with a series of business break-ins.
Matthew Justin O'Neal, 24, Alabama 187, Russellville, has been charged with four counts of third-degree burglary, one count of third-degree theft of property, one count of second-degree theft of property, three counts of third-degree criminal mischief and one count of second-degree criminal mischief.
Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said officers found O'Neal in possession of prescription drugs and paraphernalia, resulting in other charges as well.
He was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of burglary tools.
Hargett said O'Neal admitted to breaking into Southern Rural Health Care, Video and Varmints, the Franklin County Baptist Association and Lana's Hair Salon this week.
Authorities are also looking into break-ins at Jonathan's Steakhouse, Goodsprings Fish and More and Russellville Pharmacy.
Hargett said a computer, tool set and saws were taken and were all found in O'Neal's position at the time he was found just a few yards from the businesses behind the Franklin Shopping Center.
An officer found that several of the businesses on St. Claire Street had been burglarized over night Wednesday. While investigating the scene, he noticed a car parked behind the shopping center.
O'Neal is being held in the city jail without bail.