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Couple suspected of cross-country crime spree arrested in Martin Co., sheriff's office says

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Posted at 3:27 PM, May 31, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-31 18:36:59-04

Authorities in Martin County say they have arrested a Texas couple suspected of a cross-country crime spree.

A vehicle burglary at Bryn Mawr Beach Sunday led investigators to begin staking out beaches and specifically keep alert for a vehicle with Texas plates.

The Martin County Sheriff's Office says a car with Texas plates did show up at a beach. The department posted video of a man it said got out of the car and use a brick to break into another vehicle.

The sheriff's office says detectives moved in and arrested 26-year old James Rodgers as well as 30-year old Chelsea Mott.

They say Mott admitted to a stealing spree. According to the sheriff's office, Mott and Rodgers are suspected of committing as many as 200 auto burglaries in Texas, California, and Florida.

Investigators said Rodgers was wanted on a warrant in Texas for stealing a gun and credit cards. Detectives charged him burglary, grand theft, unlawful possession of credit cards and fraudulent use of credit cards. He will likely be extradited to Texas.

Detectives charged Mott with burglary and petit theft.