Authorites: Man admits to 20 burglaries

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Authorities say that a man arrested as he was committing a home invasion has admitted to stealing from 20 Kent County homes since March.

Arlen Darren Oakes, 45, was arrested Tuesday after a resident noticed him entering a neighbor's house and called 911, according to the Kent County Sheriff's Department. Deputies arrived on scene on 100th Street SE just as Oakes was exiting the home.

While being interviewed by authorities, the suspect apparently admitted to breaking into a number of other homes in southern Kent County. He identified 20 homes he burglarized since March, the sheriff's department said. He allegedly stole jewelry and money from the homes.

A search of Oakes's residence recovered some of the stolen jewelry, but authorities said most of it was likely sold or traded on the streets.

Oakes was already on parole at the time of his arrest. He's being held on a parole detainer and the home invasion charges.

Bond for the home invasion charges was set at $10,000 cash surety.