From Staff Reports

Jemison Police have arrested a Pelham man in connection with a recent burglary at Jemison High School.

Alton William Bean, 54, was arrested Tuesday and charged with burglary and felony theft of property.

Bean allegedly entered the eighth grade wing of the school on Sept. 2 and took a clarinet, music books and other items of value, totaling about $600.

Largely thanks to the school’s surveillance system, JPD investigators quickly developed a suspect and made the arrest in Calera four days after the burglary.

All of the stolen property was recovered inside a vacant house in Calera.

“It is difficult sometimes to identify suspects who are not local people, nor is it that common the stolen property is ever recovered,” Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer said. “I am proud of our officers and investigators for doing an outstanding job and delighted that we were able to solve this case.

“The clarinet belonged to a 13-year-old eighth grade student and band member. It is as much gratifying to me and our department that the stolen clarinet will be returned back to this kid as it is solving the case and making an arrest.”

Bean is being held in the Chilton County Jail on a $15,000 bond.