Eloy man Jake Hardin suspected in Pinal County burglary spree

FLORENCE, AZ - Authorities say an Eloy man in custody is considered a suspect in up to 25 home burglaries in Pinal County over the past few months.

County Sheriff's officials said Thursday that 27-year-old Jake Hardin was arrested Oct. 23 by Casa Grande police on suspicion of auto theft, burglary and identity theft.

Authorities say they found items from numerous other burglary cases in a more than 12-hour search of Hardin's home.

An Arizona City homeowner reported that a box containing the ashes of her late husband was stolen on Sept. 10. Authorities say that item was found in Hardin's residence.

Sheriff's detectives say they'll continue to process the items collected and work with other law enforcement agencies in an effort to return the property to the victims of the other burglaries.