MORENCI, Mich. — Law enforcement officials aren’t giving specifics, but they say a routine training session Saturday may have turned up items tied to the case of three missing brothers.

Morenci was the site chosen by the Shiawassee County Search and Rescue team to carry out its routine training Saturday, a decision made in large part because searchers could sweep the area for any evidence connected to the case of the three Skelton brothers — Alexander, Andrew, and Tanner — who were 9, 7, and 5, respectively, when they were last seen, at Thanksgiving.

Morenci fire and police departments teamed up with Shiawassee County for the sweep, along with several volunteers from around the area.

Michigan State Trooper Andrew Coohon said items were found during the sweep by the search and rescue team, but he cautioned it is too early to tell if they are related to the case.

“The items found were all at one specific location,” Trooper Coohon said. “The items found will not be released until further testing to determine that they are related to the case.”

At this point, Trooper Coohon said, the items have been locked away in a secure location and will be sent to a crime lab in Lansing for more analysis.

He would not give specifics on what type of items may have been found.

“The amount of time it takes just depends on the DNA analysis,” he said. “However, major cases like these are expedited.”

The prime suspect in the boys’ disappearance is their father, John Skelton, who has said the boys are alive and are being held by a sanctuary group.

He is being held in the Lenawee County jail in lieu of $30 million bond, awaiting trial on charges of kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment.

— Payton Willey

First Published July 10, 2011, 4:30 a.m.