Stolen hot air balloon leads to several arrests

On July 14, a citizen called police to report people trespassing on his property on the Apalachee River (which borders with Barrow County).
This citizen confronted the trespassers, who were riding a Kawasaki Mule UTV across his property. The suspects fled on foot.
They were later identified as Amber Spinks and Jason Gordon, 33. Detectives determined that the Mule had been stolen in Barrow County.
While conducting a search of the area, detectives located pieces of equipment stolen from the hot air balloon trailer. Amber Spinks was ultimately arrested in Gwinnett on July 24, and charged with two counts of theft by receiving.
Jason Gordon was arrested in Barrow County and has also been charged with two counts of theft by receiving.

On July 21, detectives developed enough information to search a residence on Fence Road, Dacula.
Detectives recovered a stolen Chevrolet Trailblazer, two stolen vehicle tags and items from a commercial burglary. They also located evidence that a chop shop was being operated on the property.
Detectives determined that Dustin Martin, 23, Brandon Steedley, 27, and Jessica Baker, 25, were responsible for the chop shop.
They were not present at the time of the search warrant. Steedley was ultimately arrested in Barrow County. He has been charged with operating a chop shop, theft by receiving a motor vehicle, and two counts of theft by receiving stolen property. Douglas Hampton, 23, was present at the home when the search warrant was served. He had an outstanding warrant and was taken into custody.

On July 21, officers located Martin and Baker at the Sun Suites (extended stay hotel) located on Steve Reynolds Boulevard in Duluth.
When Martin realized that officers were there to arrest him, he jumped from the third story window of his room. Martin was apprehended by a K-9 officer who was waiting below.
Baker did not attempt to flee and was taken into custody without incident. Martin was ultimately charged with operating a chop shop, theft by receiving a motor vehicle, two counts of theft by receiving stolen property, and seven counts of VGCSA (he had seven varieties of illegal drugs on his person when arrested).
Baker was charged with conspiracy to operate a chop shop and possession of methamphetamine.

Further investigation revealed that Martin was an associate of Richard Spinks. They sent photos and information on the stolen Mule back and forth.
Warrants were obtained against Spinks for two counts of theft by receiving for the stolen hot air balloon trailer and equipment.
The charges against Amber Spinks and Jason Gordon also stemmed from the theft of the hot air balloon trailer.

Richard Spinks is still at large. Anyone with information on Richard Spinks should call detectives at 770-513-5300.
Anyone with information on his current location should please call 911.