On March 3rd, 2020 our patrol deputies responded to a 911 call regarding a reported armed robbery that was alleged to have occurred in the 6000 block of Roosevelt Highway, Warm Spring, Georgia. Upon arrival on the scene the suspect in this case had fled the location on foot. Our investigators responded to the scene for the follow-up investigation. Based on our investigative results this incident occurred during an illegal gambling game in which U.S. Currency and other items of value were taken. Through the course of the investigation our investigators were able to collect evidence and develop a suspect in this case. Our investigators obtained arrest warrants for Keyon Devante Johnson, B/M, 24 years of age, of Warm Springs, Ga. for the offenses of Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime. On May 14, 2020, our personnel, along with the assistance of the Georgia State Patrol and Warm Springs P.D. were able to take Johnson into custody without incident at a location in the City Limits of Warm Springs. Johnson was transported to the Meriwether County Jail where he is being held without bond on the charges stated.
On May 10th, 2020 our criminal investigation division received information regarding a theft by taking that occurred at a business in the 14000 block of Highway 85, Woodbury, Ga. During the course of the investigation our personnel began tracking all the available leads, however we were unable to identify the suspect that was captured on video surveillance. 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.
“I appreciate the work that our personnel have put forth related to these case investigations along with the assistance of the other agencies listed. We are grateful of the communities’ assistance in providing us with information related to our social media post requesting help with the suspect’s identity.” Sheriff Smith advised.
Note: Arrest Booking Reports can be obtained from the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office Records or Jail Division by news agencies that have waivers on file with this agency, (706) 672-4489. If news agencies do not have a waiver on file one can be obtained from this agency in accordance to O.C.G.A. 35-1-18.