ALLIANCE — Two men believed to be responsible for multiple burglaries, break-ins and thefts from vehicles in Portage and Stark counties have been arrested.

Benjamin M. Robinson, 26, and James B. Davis, 22, both of 2350 Ansley St. in Alliance, were arrested and charged in connection with multiple incidents in Atwater, Deerfield, Edinburg, Randolph and Rootstown between mid-October and mid-December 2017, according to the Portage County Sheriff’s Department.

Currently charged with one count of burglary, Davis is being held in the Portage County jail on $200,000 cash bond, according to court records. Robinson is being held in the Stark County jail. Doak said detectives are preparing to take their case to the Portage County Prosecutor’s Office and grand jurors in search of additional charges.

Lab results allegedly tie Robinson and Davis to 14 burglaries. Those include one in which a gun was stolen, two break-ins in which two guns were stolen and seven thefts from vehicles, including one where a firearm was taken, Doak said. Another gun also was stolen from a vehicle in Stark County, he said.

Doak said deputies experienced an increase in the number of reported thefts from vehicles that were occurring in those Southern Portage County townships. Gradually the thefts turned into residential burglaries, usually taking place between 1 and 4 a.m.

Detectives worked the case for "countless hours looking at several possible suspects" until a break happened: An alleged victim used her "Find My iPhone" app and was able to track its location to a Dumpster in the 2300 block of Ansley Street in Alliance, Doak said.

Further investigation narrowed the list of suspects down to four, all of whom were living in the same residence in that neighborhood. Detectives and Alliance police then focused their investigation there, he said.

Doak said the case "was becoming more intense for investigators as the burglars escalated their crime spree to going into unlocked residences while homeowners were sleeping, taking purses, money, prescription drugs and any small items of value."

In at least one case on Dec. 20, 2017, Robinson allegedly drove Davis to a house on Porter Road in Atwater. Davis then allegedly broke in while two people were inside the home, stole a purse and wallet both containing credit cards and cash and a pair of shoes as well, according to a criminal complaint. 

After a news story focusing on the break-ins and burglaries was published in the Record-Courier that same day, the criminal activity appeared to stop. At the time, authorities were awaiting lab results that could identify the suspects, Doak said.

On Jan. 31, Alliance police responded to 2350 Ansley Street to check on the welfare of Robins, whose mother had called them, concerned that she couldn't contact her son. While speaking with Robinson at the house, officers located a handgun they discovered had been reported stolen during a burglary in Stark County, according to Doak.

Robinson and 21-year-old Robert Littell, of the 900 block of Ohio Street in Sebring, both were arrested and charged with felony receiving stolen property. They both were taken to the Stark County jail, where Portage County sheriff's detectives were waiting thanks to a heads-up from Alliance police who were aware of their investigation, Doak said. 

Other property reported stolen during the spree included ammunition, backpacks, video games and consoles, Apple iPods and iPads, tablet and laptop computers, cameras, knives, designer sunglasses, jewelry, purses, wallets, gift cards, credit cards and cash, according to the sheriff's office.

Davis also has a prior address in Clemson, S.C., according to court records. 

Reporter Dave O'Brien can be reached at 330-298-1128, dobrien@recordpub.com or @daveobrien_RC.