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After working around the clock for several days, a total of seven suspects have now been arrested in conjunction with the case; four from Saginaw County and three from Midland County.

The Saginaw County arrests include one person arrested at a residence in Chesaning, two people arrested at a residence in St. Charles, and one person arrested in Saginaw.

The suspect arrested at a Chesaning residence, and one of the suspects arrested at the St. Charles residence, along with the suspect arrested in Saginaw, were arraigned Wednesday on charges connected to the Midland County heist.

Geri L. McClure, 22, was arrested at 16551 Gary Road in Chesaning, while her boyfriend, Michael A. Louchart, 33, was later arrested at a residence in the 1200 block of Townline Road in St. Charles.

An additional suspect, who is awaiting arraignment, was arrested at the Townline residence along with Louchart. The name of that suspect has not yet been released pending the arraignment.

Wayne Parcham, 20, of Saginaw, was arrested at a location in Saginaw.

More than 200 guns, including around 130 rifles and approximately 70 handguns, along with a multitude of ammunition and other related items were taken from the gun shop.

Total value of the property stolen was estimated at $92,000, in addition to damage to the building from the break in.

Saginaw County Sheriff Charles L. Brown said authorities are strongly urging anyone who purchased stolen merchandise that resulted from the February 6 burglary to come forward and surrender any items in their possession.

"For those who bought guns or other items from the suspects in this case it is to their advantage to get the merchandise to us voluntarily before we execute search warrants," Sheriff Brown stated.

"As we investigate further and we conduct interviews and get more information, and names start coming up, we will serve search warrants on these people and then we will be looking at 'receiving and concealing,'" Sheriff Brown added.

Sheriff Brown noted that authorities in the case understand that those who may have purchased items from the suspects were most likely not aware that the property was stolen so they are being offering a "brief" grace period to turn in any of the remaining items not yet recovered, but that it won't last for long.

"They've had several days to come forward so anyone who believes they may have some of these items needs to contact us."

Sheriff Brown said anyone who believes they may have any of the stolen merchandise in their possession can contact his office at 989-790-5408, or they can contact their local police department.

According to Sheriff Brown approximately 160-165 of the firearms have been recovered at this time.

The investigation began on February 9 as the result of a tip authorities received in connection with the burglary.

Two search warrants were executed February 18 including one at Meadowood apartments in Chesaning where weapons and other items from the burglary were found.

While under surveillance, three suspects left the residence and deputies attempted to stop them at a Chesaning gas station, but the suspect vehicle eluded police by running a red light.

In the interest of public safety the deputies, who were in unmarked police vehicles, did not pursue the suspect vehicle.

Patrol units later spotted the suspect vehicle at the Gary Road address where they took McClure into custody.

Following a press conference held Tuesday, February 19 authorities received a tip as to the whereabouts of Louchart and arrested him, along with another suspect at the St. Charles residence.

From that arrest, officials shared information with Midland County authorities and then executed search warrants for residences in Midland County that led to other arrests in the case.

Louchart and McClure were arraigned Wednesday on multiple felony charges including, conducting a criminal enterprise, receiving and concealing stolen property over $20,000, felony firearm, possession of burglar tools, and conspiracy to commit receiving and concealing stolen property over $20,000. Louchart also faces an additional charge of felon in possession of a firearm.

Preliminary hearings for the pair are scheduled for March 5.

Parcham was charged with manufacturing and delivery of marijuana, receiving and concealing firearms, and two counts felony firearm. A March 10 preliminary hearing is scheduled.

As of press time, the remaining four suspects were still awaiting arraignment.

Sheriff Brown noted that law enforcement agencies have been working around the clock on this case and the cooperation they have gotten is key to the swift progress that has been made.

"These have been very, very, long days for us. Our guys went all day and all night for several days," stated Sheriff Brown.

"In 40 years this is one of the largest gun cases I have ever seen and the fact that we made this kind of recovery and had this much cooperation from citizens is great. We received a lot of good tips and information from the public along with tremendous cooperation from all law enforcement agencies including the Saginaw County Sheriff's Department, the Midland County Sheriff's Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and our prosecutors and judges," he stated.

"In law enforcement we are only as good as the people working with us and this was a real team effort from the judges who came out in the middle of the night to sign search warrants, to everyone coming in on weekends, the holiday, and in the middle of the night. Everyone worked very hard and the results are evidence of that. It's great the we got so far so fast."

Montrose Business Expo scheduled for April 12

MONTROSE - The Montrose Area Chamber of Commerce's April 12 Business Expo will showcase businesses and offer giveaways in the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. event.

Businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services at the expo, located at the Montrose High School Cafeteria and Auditorium. Business workshops, food and entertainment will also highlight the event, along with hourly drawings, a raffle for a large wheel barrow filled with garden items, display of Jerry Whitney's "Around the World Travelogue" and an opportunity to donate to projects for the Montrose Depot. A Prom Dress sale will also run in concurrence with the expo.

Admission to the event is free with a donation of a non-perishable food product; food items collected will be donated to the Open Cupboard.

Concessions will offer a menu from Debbie's Kitchen and Montrose Orchard.

Vendors may purchase premium booths for $125 or other booths for $50, with Chamber members saving $25 of the cost. Businesses may use multiple booths, with additional booths available for 10% off.

Sponsors for the event, as of February 12, include Community State Bank, Westside Welding and Fabrication, The Tri-County Citizen, Mott Community College, CarQuest Auto Parts and WRSR The Fox 103.9 FM.

Organizers are looking for volunteers from the community and high school students to help with the event. Sponsorships are also available.

Watch upcoming issues of the Tri-County Citizen for more information.