Five missing children found

The children were found unharmed and safely returned to their parents. Agencies responding to assist the Sheriff’s Office were Dodge County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the Eastman Fire Department, the Georgia Department of Corrections K-9 Unit, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Dodge County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Eastman Police Department.

Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched late Friday afternoon to the area of Airport Road and Lovely Grove Church Road in reference to a 911 call about a suspicious vehicle and persons attempting to gain entry into a business. Deputies located the vehicle and stopped the vehicle to investigate. Deputies observed that the vehicle contained scrap metal and other allegedly stolen items. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested and charged with theft by taking. The arrested persons were identified as Troy Edward “Bud” Jones III (age 39) and Cheri Jones (age 37), both of an Eastman address.

Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious vehicles and persons to 911 and/or the Sheriff’s Office. The more detailed the reports, the quicker the cases can be solved, in most instances. Sheriff Jeff Hinson says reporting is all about “looking after your neighbors” and preventing them or you from becoming a victim of crime.