Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Seneca Man and Woman on First Degree Burglary Charges

Tonya Denise Shook

Richard J. Certain

(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------A Seneca man and woman remain in jail today as a result of a burglary investigation conducted by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office yesterday morning.

56 year old Richard J. Certain and 47 year old Tonya Denise Shook, both of Owens Road, were booked into the Oconee County Detention Center around 10:02am and 10:21am respectively Tuesday. Both Certain and Shook have been charged with one count each of First Degree Burglary and Petit Larceny. Certain has also been charged with having Burglary Tools in his Possession.

Deputies from the Uniform Patrol Bureau responded to an address on Meadow Drive, which is near the Utica Mill Hill, yesterday morning in reference to a burglary in progress call. After arriving on scene, a Deputy made contact with Certain and Shook on the property and began an investigation.

The Deputy was informed by Certain and Shook that they had permission to be on the property; however, a resident of the property told the Deputy that she never gave Certain or Shook permission to be there.

Based upon evidence that was gathered during the investigation, it was determined that Certain and Shook stole items, which included a pressure cooker and a hemostat, from the carport of the residence and took them to the back of the property. Certain and Shook were placed under arrest and transported to jail.

According to arrest warrants obtained by the Sheriff’s Office, the burglary occurred during the nighttime hours. Also, Certain had a screwdriver and a pair of plyers in his possession.

During a bond hearing, Certain was given a combined $79,250.00 surety bond while Shook was given a combined $77,125.00 surety bond during her bond hearing.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation.