Officers in the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) recently took a suspect into custody in connection with a slate of church burglaries and an attempted burglary at an area convenience store.

According to Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum, local officials stepped up surveillance around churches following a rash of church fires in the past weeks.

After receiving reports of the break-ins, DCSO deputies began investigating the scenes and found that both had similar items stolen, including furniture and appliances.

Upon further investigation, deputies landed on Joseph Dillard as a suspect and brought him in for an interview, during which they uncovered enough evidence to arrest him.

Granthum said Dillard admitted to his part in the burglaries, but he suspects another individual is likely involved.

“I don’t think he acted alone,” Granthum said. “We suspect there will be some more arrests.”

According to Granthum, Dillard took part in the robberies at a church on County Road 7 in Tyler and another on County Road 209 in Selma, for which he was charged with a felony count of third degree burglary and received a $15,000 bond for each.

Additionally, Dillard was charged with second degree criminal mischief for his part in the attempted burglary of Cougar Oil on Highway 41, which caused a significant amount of damage.

Dillard is being held at Dallas County Jail on a total $45,000 bond.