Despite six arrests, Carson City area burglary ring investigation still ongoing

Despite the arrest of Drake Van Cleave, Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said detectives aren’t finished breaking up the burglary ring.

Van Cleave, 50, was taken into custody by a bailbondsman and turned over to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department. He’s believed to be a key member of the burglary ring that has hit more than 30 residences in western Nevada was arrested Wednesday night.

Van Cleave was originally arrested Nevada Day on charges of possession of property stolen from the home belonging to the owners of Capital Coin. He was released on bail and fled, failing to show up for his court appearances.

He was scheduled to be returned to Carson City where he faced charges of possession of stolen property and failure to appear.

“He ain’t getting out of jail again,” said Furlong.

His arrest brings the total number of people taken into custody in the case to six but Furlong said detectives aren’t done yet. He said there’s going to be several more arrests before the case is closed.

“It’s the intent of this operation to not only get the guys who broke into the houses but all of their associates,” he said.

The investigation began after a series of burglaries in the capital starting last summer. The crimes then started occurring in Douglas County and, more recently, in Washoe Valley. Furlong said law enforcement officers from all three counties have worked together on the case.

He pointed out at this point the burglaries have stopped because the perpetrators have been completely disrupted.

Van Cleave joins Tracey Lock, 40, who was arrested Tuesday and, according to the arrest report, has admitted his involvement in something like 18 area burglaries to support his drug and gambling addictions.