Deputies investigate Marlboro County home invasions

Marlboro County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a string of home invasions that took place near Clio during the past month.

They responded to three separate incidents that all took place in the S.C. 381 and Lauren Willis Road area.

In each case, masked men came into the victims’ homes, tied them up, demanded money and, in one case stole electronics and a vehicle that was later recovered, according to a sheriff’s office press release.

The victims told investigators the men were armed with handguns and long guns.

Investigators “take these crimes very seriously ... and are working diligently to bring the suspects to justice quickly,” according to the release.

They are working with the Dillon County and Robeson County, N.C., sheriff’s offices, as well as the State Law Enforcement Division, on the investigation.

If the suspects are convicted of the crimes, they could face life in prison, according to the release.

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the sheriff’s office at (843) 479-5607 and speak with an investigator or call the state Crime Stoppers hotline at (888) CRIME SC (274-6372). Callers need not reveal their identities, and a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.