TAYLOR COUNTY, GA (LOOTPRESS) – Taylor County, Georgia deputies have arrested one man and are seeking additional suspects after investigators say a metal roof was stolen from a vacant home in a case the county sheriff described as unlike any he has encountered in decades of law enforcement.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a complaint at approximately 9:45 a.m. on June 4 regarding the theft of a metal roof from a vacant residence on S.B. Eubanks Road.
Investigators responded to the property and began collecting evidence. Authorities said the investigation quickly led deputies to identify those responsible, allowing the case to be solved within about 30 hours of the initial report.
As a result of the investigation, Jason Childree, of Butler, was arrested and charged with theft by taking, burglary, criminal trespass and criminal property damage.
The sheriff’s office said three additional suspects have been identified. Warrants are being obtained, and more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Taylor County Sheriff John Sawyer said the unusual nature of the theft makes the case stand out among the thousands he has worked throughout his career.
“In my 35-year law enforcement career, I have never seen anyone steal the roof off of a house,” Sawyer said in a statement.
Sawyer also warned that property crimes will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.
“Anyone who steals from the citizens of Taylor County can expect to be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Sawyer said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
