The search for a stolen motorcycle landed three Habersham County men in jail and provided possible clues to solving other thefts in the county, officials say.
On August 25, Habersham County sheriff’s investigators executed a search warrant at 2507 B.C. Grant Road in Alto. During their search, they say they found several stolen items, including a 2020 KTM motorcycle and related motorcycle gear and accessories.
Habersham County Sheriff’s Lt. Matthew Wurtz says the bike and other items were stolen during a recent burglary. “We were also able to recover several other items in this search warrant that may offer leads into several other ongoing thefts/burglary investigations,” he adds.
Deputies arrested Joel Benjamin Heard, 51, of Alto, and charged him with second-degree burglary, theft by taking motor vehicle, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
During the search, officers also arrested Luca Vandiver, age 30, of Alto, and Louis Vasquez, 51, of Cornelia. They charged Vasquez with possession of methamphetamine and obstruction. Vandiver was picked up on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court.
Online jail records show Heard is being held in the Habersham County Detention Center on a $19,600 bond and Vasquez is being held on a $3500 bond. No bond has been set for Vandiver.
Wurtz says the investigation is ongoing.
