The Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office sent out a community request via our local social media government page in an attempt to identify the offender that was captured on tape. Once this was sent out additional information was received by our personnel regarding the same suspect committing a theft by shoplifting at a business located in Manchester, Ga. on or around May 16, 2020. Through a plethora of community response from our social media post along with information received from the Upson County Sheriff’s Office our investigators were able to positively identify the offender in both incidents. Our investigators obtained arrest warrants for the suspect identified as Richard Anthony Covington, W/M, 59 years of age, Thomaston, Ga. On May 21, 2020 our investigators were able to locate and arrest Covington on Barnesville Street in Thomaston, Ga. regarding the warrants for his arrest. Our investigators recovered approximately $500.00 worth of stolen property related to these case investigation that will be returned to the rightful owners. Covington was transported to the Meriwether County Jail and charged with the offenses of Theft by Taking and Theft by Shoplifting. Covington is being held on $2,000.00 bond.” Sheriff Chuck Smith said.
The Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division has been able to positively identify the offender related to this case investigation along with another incident that developed through this community request. We greatly appreciate the community and outside agency response which led to the successful outcome. More to follow at a later date. Thanks again.
"On May 10, 2020 on or around 3:50 pm. an unknown W/M driving a E-Series Ford Van, White in color, with no tag displayed, was observed at an area business. The business being located in the 14000 block of GA-Hwy 85, just north of Woodbury, Ga. The business was not open at the time of occurrence. Upon departure the W/M left the scene traveling North bound on GA-Hwy 85. The Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the subject depicted in regard to a reported theft by taking from the location. If anyone has any information related to this case investigation being conducted by the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, please call Investigator Carl White (706) 672-6651 or Investigator Matt Lawson (706) 775-8326. Callers can remain anonymous." Thanks in advance Sheriff Chuck Smith.