Barren County man charged after long-term burglary investigation

CAVE CITY, Ky. – A Barren County man faces several charges following an investigation into a string of burglaries.

According to the Cave City Police Department, officers responded to multiple reports of burglaries between March and August of 2026.

CCPD says several tools were stolen from a new construction home along Meadowland Drive, and officers observed a suspect illegally entering other properties in the same neighborhood.

Officers say they recovered several stolen tools from a local pawn shop.

During the investigation, officers identified 35-year-old Eric Hillirech, of Cave City, as a suspect.

A Barren County grand jury returned an indictment in August.

Officers say Erich Hillirech was located riding a bicycle Aug. 29 on S Dixie Highway and arrested.

Hillrech is charged with second-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking or disposition greater than $1,000 but less than $10,000, first-degree criminal mischief, receiving stolen property more than $1,000 but less than $10,000, second-degree criminal mischief and first-degree persistent felony offender.

Hillirech was lodged at the Barren County Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing.