Teen Gets 6 Years for Burglary/Vandalism

ATHENS — A Mabank teen, Anthony Shane Morgan, 18, has been sentenced to 6 years in prison for heavily vandalizing a home during a burglary. According to KETK, county officials say Morgan was remanded into custody of law enforcement after a sentencing hearing in Athens. During the hearing, the court heard testimony from a victim whose family’s home sustained nearly $50,000 in damage.

Vandalism included squirting various liquids and powders throughout the house, shattering glasses, breaking windows, ripping wiring out of the wall, and what appeared to be an attempt to start a fire inside the house. Morgan admitted to stealing alcohol from the home so that he could throw a party. The homeowner testified that there was vomit and urine throughout the house and that one of his toilets had been clogged after someone defecated in it. So much damage was done that all of the carpet in the home had to be replaced. Multiple items were stolen from the home including a stereo.

The homeowner also testified that entry had been made into his boathouse. where it appeared that several people had been “living hard”. Alcohol and cigarettes were found along with makeshift beds made of pool floats. The homeowner added that his family’s clothing had been worn and that it was obvious that someone had gone through their personal belongings. Officials say an irreplaceable family heirloom was also ruined during the burglary. During an interview by Investigator Monte Mansfield of the Gun Barrel City Police Department, Morgan admitted to entering the home on four different occasions.