As a result of collaborative investigation, Tifton Police Department (TPD) and Tift County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 6 individuals thought to be in connection to multiple golf cart and lawn equipment thefts. 

Due to the associated thefts taking place within both City and County limits, TPD and Tift County Sheriff’s Office partnered to investigate the crimes. 

Following months-long investigation, detectives were able to identify and apprehend the following individuals:

•   Hovell Stevenson 
  •  18 Counts Theft by Taking 
  •  4 Counts Theft by Receiving 
• Jamarcus Brinkley 
  •  15 Counts Theft by Taking 
•  Christopher Baker 
  •  21 Counts Theft by Taking 
  •  2 Counts Entering Auto 
  • 1 Count Burglary in the 2nd degree 
• Roman Walker 
  •  1 Count Theft by Receiving 
• James Rutledge 
  •  1 Count Theft by Taking 
• Darryl Batts 
  •  1 Count Theft by Receiving 

TOTAL CHARGES: 64

At this time, detectives believe the above individuals were acting in correspondence. 

“This successful operation is a testament to the seamless cooperation between our City and County investigators,' said Sheriff Gene Scarbrough. “By combining our resources and utilizing shared intelligence, we were able to quickly put a stop to these crimes and hold those responsible accountable for their actions."

Detectives used independent surveillance to identify the alleged parties involved in the thefts. So far, they have been able to recover 14 stolen items.

“Our investigators did an outstanding job putting this case together and following the leads needed to identify and arrest those responsible,” said Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman. 

TPD and Tift County Sheriff’s Office remind residents that they must continue to secure their golf carts, vehicles, lawn equipment, trailers, and other valuable property. 

A few simple ways that residents can reduce risk of theft:

• Remove keys and lock equipment when not in use 

• Store property in a locked garage, shed, or secure area whenever possible

 • Consider installing GPS or tracking devices on valuable items 

• Use security cameras and motion lighting to help deter thieves

The two departments also urge residents to report suspicious activity immediately. “Your call could help prevent a crime or help us to solve one,” Chief Hyman added. 

Although there have been arrests made and items recovered, this investigation remains active and ongoing, and TPD and Tift County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work together to solve these crimes. 

Tifton Police Department is thankful to work with Tift County Sheriff’s Office on this case to continue to make our community a safer place for our citizens. TPD is dedicated to reducing crime, preventing accidents, and appropriately investigating and apprehending offenders within the City of Tifton. To anonymously report crimes to TPD, contact the tip411 alert system by texting keyword TIFTONPD (space) to 847411, or by downloading the TPD app.

Tift County Sheriff’s Office protects Tift County with courage, and serves with compassion, honor and integrity. Serving a county of over 260 square miles and a population of nearly 45,000, the sheriff’s office is responsible for primary law enforcement services of the unincorporated area and the city of Ty Ty. Tift County Sheriff's Office recognizes that no law enforcement agency can operate at its maximum potential without the support of the citizens that it serves. To accomplish this goal, the sheriff's office actively solicits and encourages the cooperation of all citizens. Learn more about the sheriff’s office at https://www.tiftsheriff.org.