Baird

THOMASVILLE — Three men are each facing felony theft charges after attempting to sell stolen property to an off-duty deputy from Grady County law enforcement. 

Matthew James Champion, of Cairo, and Claude Nelson Cowart and Jason Lee Baird, both of Moultrie, were arrested for theft by receiving stolen property after having a trailer full of stolen property, according to Lt. Tim Watkins, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office chief investigator. 

Several individuals pulled up to a local truck stop with a trailer full of various equipment and tools, Watkins said. 

An off-duty deputy from the Grady County Sheriff’s Office also was in the area. 

“They attempted to sell the off-duty deputy from Grady County a lawnmower,” Watkins said. 

The deputy was suspicious of the sale, Watkins said, and alerted Thomas County law enforcement. 

The property — two lawnmowers, an array of tools, and the trailer — was determined stolen out of Grady County, according to Watkins. 

The three suspects were charged in Thomas County. 

“I’m sure they’ll have pending charges in Grady County,” Watkins added. 

Law enforcement was able to determine the owners of the lawnmowers. The sheriff’s office is looking to find the owners of the trailer and tools. 

For more information, contact the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office at (229) 225-3300.