MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A Memphis man was charged with aggravated burglary not once, not twice, but five times since 2002. Despite that, Mickey Edwards is a free man.
His girlfriend posted his $100,000 bond Tuesday, November 29, 2011. His mother, Mamie Edwards spoke exclusively with abc24.com. She said it's not her fault her son is a menace. Edwards told abc24.com she has no control over her son. He's charged with 3 counts of aggravated burglary in connection with break-ins over Thanksgiving weekend 2001, but this is only the latest time he's been accused of burglary in Shelby County.
"He doesn't talk to me about nothing," said Mamie Edwards.
Investigators told abc24.com Mickey Edwards drove his car through several neighborhoods, staking out homes. A Germantown police officer followed his car and pulled him over and that’s when the officer discovered a list of more than 30 homes in Germantown Edwards had been targeting.
According to the affidavit, Edwards noted if people didn't pick up their newspapers, mail, or trash. That list also outlined the addresses of homes already burglarized.
Police said Edwards would cut phone lines and force his way inside to steal electronics and jewelry.
"I can’t believe they would let him out, after all those other convictions he's had. I thought 3 strikes and you're out,” said neighbor Jess Dotson. “It concerns me a lot. We'll have to be more on the alert around here."
His mother can't understand it. She told abc24.com he’s unemployed, but her son makes his money gambling at casinos.
"I've talked with him and I tell him what's right and what's wrong and hopefully he'll take it,” said Edwards. “I can't make him do nothing but I can tell him if he's at this house he can’t do that and live here."
Edwards' mother told abc24.com he's currently staying with his girlfriend in East Memphis. Police said he has several home addresses on file and it's hard to track him down.
