Suspects face gang charges
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Staff report LaGRANGE — Three teens accused of breaking into more than 20 vehicles and another who allegedly received some of the stolen items last week now also face more than 30 gang charges. Troup County sheriff’s officials said Monday that the department’s continued joint investigation with the LaGrange police Special Investigation Unit revealed the crimes were gang related. William Durga, 17, is charged with theft by receiving stolen property, possession of a handgun while under 21 and five gang participation charges. Sheriff’s officials allege he was in possession of some of the stolen items. Kelton Flowers, 17, is charged with 10 counts of entering automobiles; one count each of altering ID on a weapon, theft by receiving a stolen vehicle, carrying weapons within school safety zones and possession of a handgun under 21; and 13 counts of gang participation. Ramon Leslie, 18, is charged with 11 counts of entering automobiles and 11 gang participation charges. Nathan Wilborn, 19, is charged with 12 counts of entering automobiles, one count of robbery by purse snatching and 13 gang participation charges. Flowers, Leslie and Wilborn are accused of entering 20 or more vehicles, mostly in subdivisions in the west side of Troup County, sheriff’s officials said. They allegedly stole items from vehicles that include weapons, cash, wallets, purses, IDs and financial cards. Sheriff’s officials didn’t have an estimate of the total value of items stolen, but said previously some of the property was recovered and slated to be returned to owners. Sheriff James Woodruff thanked his investigators for their work and the LaGrange Police Department for its support in the investigation. Editor’s note: This story was updated June 30, 2016, to clarify charges and correct one suspect’s age. Reach the LaGrange Daily News at 706-884-7311.