Two arrested after stole property was recovered

HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. – On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 4:59 PM, deputies were dispatched to the 7000 block of GA Highway 120 in reference to a theft already occurred.

The complainant reported that she looked out and saw a truck exiting her driveway pulling a log splitter and when she went outside, she saw that their log splitter and wood pile were gone.

The complainant was able to give a description of the vehicle that she saw leave her yard.

On Tuesday, the case was turned over to the Criminal Investigative Division and was investigated by Sgt. Dan Browner.

During the investigation, Sgt. Browner and Captain Mapp went to Corinth Quick Stop to check on surveillance video.

While checking video surveillance at Corinth Quick Stop, a truck matching the complainant’s description is seen pulling into the parking lot.

Two white males, later identified as Michael Waters and Joshua Crawford, are seen getting out of the vehicle and entering the Quick Stop.

A short time later, both suspects are seen getting in this vehicle and going east on GA HWY 120. A short time later, the blue/silver truck is seen traveling west on GA HWY 120 and making a left onto Corinth Poseyville Road pulling a wood splitter.

Captain Mapp recognized the truck and who it was owned by. As they went toward the address of the truck owner, they observed that vehicle and followed it to where it went on Corinth Poseyville Road.

Members of the Criminal Investigative Division and Crime Suppression Unit went to the address on Corinth Poseyville for a knock and talk.

The wood splitter was in plain sight at the residence and Sgt. Browner observed one of the males from the truck.

The property owner advised he did not know the wood splitter was stolen and gave permission for Law Enforcement to retrieve it. The other male was also found at the home.

The wood splitter was recovered and returned to its rightful owner.

Joshua Nathan Crawford, a 37-year-old W/M out of Buchanan, GA and Michael James Waters, a 40-year-old W/M out of Bremen, GA have been charged with Felony Theft by Taking.

“I am proud of the work done in this case by my investigators,” states Sheriff Stacy Williams. “It is always a good day when we can return stolen property to citizens who have worked hard to earn the things that they have. We wish we could solve every theft, but we need good information and solid leads to follow. Fortunately in this case, we had both.”

Emma Dunn