Sheriff Jeff Hinson reports that Dodge County Sheriff’s investigators and agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) have solved a multi jurisdictional identity theft ring and have recovered two (2) stolen vehicles.
The investigation began as the result of a traffic accident that occurred two (2) months ago at the end of September at the intersection of Georgia Highways 27 and 117 (By-pass and the Rhine Highway). A Georgia State Trooper investigating the accident discovered that one of the vehicles involved in the accident information did not match the records of the state. The vehicle’s identification numbers (VIN #) and tag number were similar but did not match. The trooper determined that the 2008 Ford F-150 was stolen and charged the driver, Keith Williams (age 37), with theft by receiving stolen property and using a license plate to conceal/misrepresent the identity of a vehicle.
Williams was booked into the Dodge County jail and the matter was turned over to sheriff’s investigators. Investigators quickly determined that Williams had been in possession of several different stolen vehicles and had used various people’s identifying information to further the thefts. Investigators began working with investigators from Ben Hill County. Investigators then determined that the case involved multiple counties in Georgia. Agents from the GBI were requested to assist in the investigation.
Investigators and agents determined that Williams had been employed as a delivery driver for an auto parts vendor, which serviced multiple car dealerships throughout south Georgia. Williams had access through his employment to the various dealerships’ customer’s information, such as social security and account numbers. In addition, Williams had access to where the dealerships stored the keys to vehicles in the dealerships’ inventory.
Law enforcement officers recovered a stolen 2004 Chevy Tahoe during the investigation. Officers are still attempting to recover a gray 2010 Ford Mustang and silver 2008 Honda Accord vehicle that were in Williams’ possession. Anyone with information on either of these vehicles is asked to contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.
Williams has been charged with two (2) counts of receiving stolen property and fifty-six (56) counts of identity theft in Dodge County. Williams is also facing charges in Ben Hill, Laurens, and Houston Counties.
An additional co-conspirator has also been charged in connection with the investigation. The co-conspirator’s name is being withheld by law enforcement at this time.
Sheriff Hinson would also like to remind motorists not to drink and drive this New Year’s holiday. Use a designated driver and have a safe and happy new year.
