Walker County authorities in Georgia, working with Tennessee lawmen, have cracked a theft ring that operated in both states and stole thousands of dollars worth of items, Walker Sheriff Steve Wilson said.

Four arrests came after weeks of investigation, the sheriff said. More arrests, plus additional charges against those already arrested, are possible, he said.

According to Sheriff Wilson:

Among the items recovered by Georgia authorities were an all-terrain vehicle stolen in LaFayette, two utility trailers traced to thefts in Rock Spring, a 16-foot construction trailer, an ATV stolen in Floyd County, two Honda ATVs taken from a Dalton dealership, and a 2006 Cargo van stolen from Chase Air Systems in Cleveland, Tenn.

Stolen items recovered in Bradley County, Tenn., included a jet ski, a trailer that was traced to a theft report filed in Georgia, and two vehicles, including one stolen in Whitfield County. Detectives also recovered guns and jewelry taken in a burglary at George’s Pawn Shop, a truck stolen from Lloyd’s Used Cars on Waterlevel Highway, and property taken during a residential burglary on Weese Road.

Arrested by Walker County authorities were Jimmy Dale Lowder, 29, of Benton, Tenn., and Jason Scott Smith, 24, of LaFayette. Both suspects face three felony counts of theft by taking.

Bradley County sheriff’s detectives have charged Kimberly Dawn Defriece, 39, of Live Oak Trail, with burglary and theft. Also arrested was Jason Wade Turner, 26, of Riceville, Tenn., on charges of aggravated burglary, criminal simulation, escape, vandalism of county property and resisting arrest.

Bradley County sheriff’s detectives are looking for Chad Turner, 30, of Live Oak Trail. He has active warrants for burglary, theft over $500, theft over $1,000, and theft over $10,000.

An additional suspect, who is being held in Gulf County in Florida for thefts there, could face Tennessee charges after detectives go before the Bradley County grand jury to seek indictments.

The lead investigative agencies were the Bradley County and Walker County sheriff’s departments. Murray County Sheriff’s Department and Chatsworth Police Department, both in Georgia, and the Cleveland Police Department assisted in the investigation.

CLICK ON THESE LINKS

---

FEEDBACK: Send a

letter to the editor

SUBSCRIBE: Get the

Walker County Messenger each Wednesday and Friday

GO

BACK: Return to our homepage