Suspect arrested in connection to DeKalb County burglaries
Earniest Jerome Westmoreland
DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) — Authorities in DeKalb County arrested a suspect in connection to recent burglaries.
Between June 3 & 4, 2025, two separate burglaries were reported at a photography studio in the Aroney Community.
The victims attempted to secure the business following the first burglary.
However, the suspect(s) gained access to the studio a second time to continue what the victim called a “shopping spree”.
A large number of formal gowns, hundreds of high-end clothing items, photography equipment, props, furniture, hair and make equipment, and household goods were stolen from the business.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), the total value of the stolen items were estimated to be around $80,000.
The investigation led authorities to a residence on Lee Gap Road in the early hours Monday June 9, 2025.
At the residence, two subjects were interviewed, and investigators recovered most of the stolen items inside the residence.
Authorities arrested Earniest Jerome Westmoreland and charged with the following:
- 4th Degree Theft of Property (2 counts)
- 3rd Degree Burglary (2 counts)
- 1st Degree Theft of Property (2 counts)
