Warner Robins man sentenced to 10 years in prison for hotel burglary

James Ray Clower III pleaded guilty June 24 to five counts of second-degree burglary and one count of possession of tools for the commission of a crime.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 53-year-old Warner Robins man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple burglary charges in Houston County Superior Court, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office.

James Ray Clower III pleaded guilty June 24 to five counts of second-degree burglary and one count of possession of tools for the commission of a crime. Clower was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison.

According to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office, Clower attempted to steal metal from the former Ramada Inn at 2024 Watson Blvd. in Warner Robins on May 7. The hotel was undergoing renovations at the time.

Warner Robins police officers responded to the hotel and found Clower inside a hotel room allegedly attempting to cut metal from the building. Officials said Clower falsely claimed he worked for the renovation company.

Investigators determined metal had been cut from five hotel rooms. Officers also found numerous tools used to remove metal throughout the rooms and on Clower’s person, according to the district attorney’s office.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Mike Smith released the following statement:

“The Houston County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Warner Robins Police Department for its efforts in bringing this career criminal to justice. The Office would especially like to highlight the efforts of Officer John Jump for his quick thinking in this case. Our local businesses and community members should feel free to operate in our community without having to worry about criminals literally stealing the metal out of the walls of their businesses. The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the community from career thieves.”

District Attorney Eric Ewards released the following statement:

“Career thieves do not simply steal property—they impose significant financial burdens on local businesses and, ultimately, on the communities those businesses serve. In this case, the defendant was cutting metal out of the walls of a building under renovation in an effort to profit from scrap value, causing damage far beyond the value of the metal itself. What makes this case particularly noteworthy is that the defendant was caught in the act because of the quick response and excellent work of the Warner Robins Police Department. Had officers not arrived when they did, the property owner would have been left to discover extensive damage only after the fact. I appreciate the efforts of Officer John Jump and the Warner Robins Police Department, as well as the prosecution of this case by Senior Assistant District Attorney Mike Smith. Repeat offenders who make a living by victimizing businesses and property owners should expect substantial prison sentences, and our office will continue to seek them.”