Juveniles arrested in Hope Store robberies

Three juveniles are in custody related to a string of burglaries at the Hope Country Store on Highway 488, auhtorities say.

“A string of burglaries at Hope Country Store, 12901 Highway 488, that span over three months has been solved,” Sheriff Eric Clark said.  

The first burglary was on July 30, 2023, at 11:44 pm.  The burglars took candy, drinks, vape pens, cigars and $300 in cash. 

The second burglary occurred on August 15, 2023 at 4:16 am. The owner reported chips, drinks, vape pens and $300 in cash missing.  

The most recent burglary was on September 4, 2023 at 1:27 am. The burglars only spent a few minutes inside the store and grabbed vape pens from the display case.

The three burglaries were committed by group of 5 juveniles from the surrounding community.  The juveniles ranged in age of 13 to 16 years of age.  Three of the juveniles were involved in more than one store burglary.  

“Neshoba County Sheriff’s Deputies have worked many hours in the community following leads on these cases,” Clark said. “Deputies have analyzed videos, interviewed potential suspects, increased patrol efforts and even hid nearby and kept the store under surveillance during the past few weeks.”  

The Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office has turned the files into Neshoba County Youth Court Services, Clark said. He said all five juveniles will be prosecuted through Neshoba County Youth Court.

If you have any information on criminal activity in the Neshoba County- Philadelphia area, call 601-656-1414 or East Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 1-855-485-8477.