A Chatsworth man has been sentenced to eight years in state prison after pleading guilty to second-degree burglary in connection with a January break-in at a Summerville business. Clifton Lee Mitchell’s conviction highlights the crucial role of diligent detective work and modern technology in solving not just a local crime, but a series of regional burglaries.

The incident occurred on January 11th at Bridge Health, located at 11578 Highway 27 in Summerville. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader told WZQZ News in January, Mitchell and an accomplice had allegedly intended to target World Finance, located in the same shopping center. However, the duo reportedly entered the wrong door while attempting to access the financial institution.

The local investigation by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office began with a review of surveillance footage from the scene. Detectives were able to swiftly identify a vehicle tag number, providing a crucial lead. This initial discovery served as the foundation for a broader, collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

The case took a significant turn once Mitchell and his accomplice were apprehended. Investigators observed that one of the men was wearing an ankle monitor. Data retrieved from this device provided compelling evidence, not only placing them at the scene of the Summerville burglary but also connecting them to a series of other burglaries across the region.

The ankle monitor data linked the individuals to incidents in both LaFayette and Floyd County, demonstrating a wider pattern of criminal activity. This technological assistance, combined with the initial investigative groundwork, proved instrumental in building a comprehensive case against Mitchell.

Mitchell’s guilty plea and subsequent eight-year prison sentence underscore the effectiveness of persistent detective work and the critical role technology plays in bringing offenders to justice, particularly in multi-jurisdictional investigations.