Anthony Cloud

Staff Writer

Charges have been filed involving two separate burglaries at the same business Jan. 10 and April 10, according to the Lee County, Va., Sheriff’s Office. Five people face charges stemming from the break-ins at the Black Diamond Market in Ewing, Va.

William Slayton Jr. and Stephen B. Slayton were charged in both cases. These include two counts of breaking and entering, two counts of grand larceny, six counts of conspiracy and two counts of destruction of property over $1,000.

Carolyn Ann Dixon was charged in the Jan. 10 break-in. She was charged with breaking and entering, grand larceny, three counts of conspiracy and destruction of property over $1,000.

William Slayton Sr. and Angela Seals were also charged in the April 10 break-in. They are charged with breaking and entering, grand larceny, three counts of conspiracy and destruction of property over $1,000.

On Jan. 10 at approximately 2 a.m., Deputy Chad Rouse discovered the front door of the Black Diamond Market had been broken. Criminal Investigator Lt. Bobby Ellis was also dispatched to the scene.

While reviewing surveillance video, Ellis observed a subject entering the Black Diamond Market. The subject then put cartons of cigarettes into a trash bag and proceeded to leave the property, according to the police.

Dixon, 55, of Jonesville, Va., stated she had received a call from Stephen Slayton, 31, of Jonesville, asking her to give himself and Slayton Jr., 26, of Jonesville, a ride to the market. Dixon also stated she dropped Slayton Jr. off near the market, according to the press release.

Police said Dixon told them that he and Stephen Slayton drove through Ewing to People’s Bank and traveled east on Wilderness Road and picked up Slayton Jr. beside the road. She then took the two back to the residence, when she discovered Slayton Jr. had several cartons of Marlboro cigarettes, police said.

The second break-in occurred on April 10. It was very similar to the first incident. Rouse said he responded to an alarm sounding at the market. When he reviewed the surveillance video, he observed two individuals, one wearing a dark colored sweatshirt and one wearing a tan and white hooded sweatshirt.

Rouse said the two individuals entered the market and put several cartons of Marlboro cigarettes into a trash bag and then proceeded to leave. The tan and white sweatshirt was recovered on Hubbard Springs Road. The dark sweatshirt was recovered on U.S. 58.

Rouse interviewed Seals, 34, of Jonesville. Rouse said he learned that Seals drove Slayton Jr., Slayton Sr., and Stephen Slayton to a location near the market and dropped them off.

Rouse said Slayton Sr. broke the glass out of the door, and Slayton Jr. and Stephen Slayton then proceeded inside, where they allegedly stole several cartons of cigarettes. The two then exited the market, returning to the residence.

Stephen Slayton, Slayton Jr. and Seals are all being held at the Duffield Regional Jail without bond. Slayton Sr. and Dixon were released on bond.

Anthony Cloud is a staff writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted via email at acloud@heartlandpublications.com or by phone at 606-248-1010 ext. 208.