Just hours after church officials discovered a vandalism and burglary at a Georgetown church, law enforcement had their suspects in custody. An adult and juvenile have been charged in connection with the burglary and neighboring counties are continuing to investigate.

Joey Thomas Granger, 20, and an unnamed 17-year-old juvenile have been charged with two counts of burglary and one count each of vandalism and theft over $500.

Officials responded Thursday to a 911 call on Georgetown Road at Georgetown Baptist Church.

“Patrol deputies arriving first Thursday morning found broken windows in two buildings were the points of entry. Inside those buildings locked doors to two offices had been forced open, one of those was the pastor’s office. Damages were in excess of $1,600.

During early stages of the crime scene investigation detectives were given the name of Joey Thomas Granger as a possible suspect.

Additional investigation revealed Granger was staying with a 17-year-old acquaintance on Francisco Road,” according to Bob Gault, media relations coordinator for the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.

The two suspects were questioned regarding the incident and a laptop computer which was allegedly taken from the pastor’s office recovered, according to Gault.

Hamilton County detectives are also investigating a church burglary which was reported around the time of the Georgetown Baptist burglary.

“Additional charges may be filed in that investigation,” according to Gault.

Sheriff Jim Ruth said, “We aren’t going to put up with people who damage or steal from our places of worship or public buildings. We will aggressively seek suspects.”

n Drivers License Roadside Safety Checkpoints are scheduled by the Tennessee Highway Patrol for Bradley and Polk counties.

The checkpoints are set to begin one week from today and last until Sept. 25.

The checkpoints are designed to recognize the danger presented by drivers who would otherwise disregard the laws of the state of Tennessee.

All scheduled checkpoints are contingent upon manpower availability and weather conditions.