A multi-county all terrain vehicle (ATV) theft ring has been busted after a vehicle identification number matched on the Georgia Crime Information Center.
The theft ring had been taking ATVs in several counties including Dodge, Telfair, Laurens, Dooly and Houston.
A four-wheeler was discovered in Dooly County by the sheriff’s office and the identification number matched one stolen from a hunting club in Laurens County where two four-wheelers and a utility trailer were taken.
The owner led authorities to where he purchased the ATV in Houston County where three more stolen ATVs were located. Then, investigators came to Dodge County where more stolen ATVs were discovered at two residences between Chauncey and McRae.
Arrested was Jerry Brown, age 30, of Chauncey. He was charged with a theft in Laurens County. Also arrested was James Matthew McCranie, age 23, of Helena. He faces charges in Dodge County.
Authorities from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, Laurens County Sheriff’s Department, Telfair County Sheriff’s Department, Wheeler County Sheriff’s Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have been working on the case. More charges are expected.
