Florence County, South Carolina – A string of break-ins that unsettled several neighborhoods across Florence County has led to the arrest of two men, according to investigators with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the investigation focused on a pattern of vehicle and church burglaries reported in late February and early March.
After reviewing evidence and tracking multiple incidents across several streets, deputies identified 37-year-old Frank Rickie Cooper Jr. as a suspect in numerous break-ins throughout the county.
Investigators allege that between February 19 and February 26, 2026, Cooper broke into vehicles along 5th Street, Sundance Street, and Old Mars Bluff Road. The alleged activity did not stop there. Officials say additional incidents occurred between February 19 and March 5, when Cooper is accused of entering several vehicles and churches across a wide area that included Old Mars Bluff, Sundance Street, Gaillard Street, New Street, Palmetto Street, 5th Street, North Cromwell Drive, and North Marigold Street.
Cooper was taken into custody on March 8 and now faces multiple charges tied to the investigation. Those include four counts of breaking into motor vehicles, two counts of trespassing after notice, one count of third-degree burglary, and five counts of second-degree burglary.
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Authorities also noted that when he was arrested, Cooper had outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions along with a Family Court bench warrant. He is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center on a $60,000 surety bond.
The investigation also led deputies to a second suspect. On March 10, Florence County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Carlos Charles Burgess, also 37, in connection with separate burglary and theft incidents.
According to investigators, Burgess allegedly broke into a vehicle on North Cromwell Street on January 30, 2026, making off with roughly $5,000 in cash. Authorities further allege that between February 28 and March 2, Burgess entered a church on the same street and stole approximately $700.
Burgess now faces two counts of second-degree burglary along with a charge related to breaking into motor vehicles and larceny. He is also being held at the Florence County Detention Center and is currently detained on a $19,000 surety bond.
Officials say the arrests mark an important step in addressing the recent wave of break-ins that targeted both personal property and places of worship across the county. Investigators continue to review the cases as the legal process moves forward.
