W.Va. man charged in burglary spree

View larger image William George

Authorities say defendant stole Victorian fireplace mantles, Lionel trains in string of break-ins

By Alex Bridges -- abridges@nvdaily.com

WINCHESTER -- A West Virginia man burglarized several properties in Frederick County, one of which he struck twice, from 2010 through late last year, according to authorities.

A grand jury indicted William Gene George Jr., 40, of 1693 Fils Crossroads, Martinsburg, on Thursday in Frederick County on three counts each of breaking and entering a building, one count of breaking and entering into a dwelling, and five counts of grand larceny. Indictments charge George with committing the offenses between Oct. 1, 2010, and Dec. 27 or 28, 2011.

George posted bond for his release from the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center in mid January, a jail worker said Friday.

George broke into a building affixed to realty owned by Charles William Orndoff Sr., sometime between Oct. 1, 2010, and March 31, 2011, according to an indictment. The defendant took from the building six Victorian fireplace mantles and seven mirrors with wooden frames, all valued at more than $200, the indictment states.

Sometime between Dec. 1, 2010, and Aug. 23, 2011, George broke into a building connected to property owned by Elizabeth Ann Haymaker, according to another indictment. George took Lionel trains, figurines, photo albums, foot lockers, Christmas decorations, stamp collections and personal items valued at more than $200, the indictment states.

The grand jury indicted George for breaking into a building connected to property owned by Kelly Bennett Ritter sometime between Dec. 4 and Dec. 6. George took from Ritter a Honda Fourtrax 4x4 four-wheeler, a Honda Rubicon TRX FA four-wheeler, a Coleman generator, a Stihl chainsaw and a set of chrome ramps, all valued at more than $200, according to the indictment.

George broke into the home of Mildred Louise Taylor sometime on either Dec. 15 or 16, his indictment states. George took a tool box containing miscellaneous tools and an iron bench with a horse head all valued at more than $200 from Taylor's home, according to the indictment.

Authorities claim in another indictment that George stole more items from Orndoff -- tools and equipment, chains, desk drawers, tires and wheels, all valued at more than $200 -- sometime on either Dec. 27 or 28.