Cops recover motorcycle, trailer and guns after arrest of two brothers

Two brothers were arrested this week in connection to a rash of burglary reports the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received all within a six-day span.

Madison County Capt. Mike Dixon said investigators faced “a difficult task” as burglary reports sprung up in at least three different areas in the county including Troy, St. Jacob and Grantfork. As part of the investigation, authorities recovered a motorcycle, a trailer, firearms and tools. At least three cases were reported earlier this week by the sheriff’s office.

The suspects in custody were identified as Joseph A. Herling and Steven J. Herling. The sheriff’s office said the two 30-year-old men from Troy were brothers. The Herlings were each charged with three counts of burglary, according to online court records.

“This is a lengthy investigation that will be continuing in the oncoming days and weeks,” Dixon said. “To make these arrests within roughly a week is pretty phenomenal work on part of the sheriff's office and investigators.”

Dixon said authorities gathered evidence that led to the arrest of Joseph Herling outside his home this week in Troy. Steven Herling was arrested on Thursday.

Both remained in the Madison County Jail on Friday with their bail set at $100,000 each.

Authorities said on Monday that in each case, the suspects had allegedly entered outbuildings to steal utility or all-terrain vehicles, lawn equipment and chainsaws. Dixon said about $20,000 worth of equipment was taken in the three break-ins recorded between Aug. 15 and Aug. 21.

The investigation into the burglaries was pending, Dixon said.

Dixon encouraged residents living in rural Madison County to be proactive in reporting suspicious activity to the sheriff’s office.

"We need to be more cognizant of suspicious behavior in these rural areas,” he said.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at its dispatch center by calling 618-692-4433 or by calling the anonymous tip line at 618-296-3000.

This story was originally published August 26, 2016 at 1:25 PM with the headline "Cops recover motorcycle, trailer and guns after arrest of two brothers."