Investigation into Georgia Sheriff’s Deputy Accused of Theft
A chief deputy in Georgia is facing serious allegations of stealing firearms from his department, purportedly to support a hidden drug addiction. The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Chief Deputy, Ron James, 55, came under scrutiny after a meth pipe was discovered in his police car. Subsequent investigations revealed that he had removed and swapped multiple firearms dating back to 2018, as per new investigative records.
The internal inquiry kicked off in March when Sheriff Tim Watkins received a tip from drug enforcement agents. They reported seeing a video of James purportedly using what looked like a meth-related device at his home while off duty. Given the nature of the claim, it raised quite a few eyebrows.
Watkins confronted James, who admitted to using marijuana instead of meth, although he eventually confessed to being addicted to Adderall and requested assistance. A urine test later confirmed the presence of methamphetamine.
Pursuing the matter further, law enforcement discovered a device typically used for smoking meth hidden under the passenger seat of James’ vehicle. This device was sent off for analysis, which also returned a positive drug result.
Not long afterward, Sheriff Watkins learned that James had reportedly handed over several firearms to former employees of the sheriff’s office. Law enforcement managed to recover five guns, which a former employee claimed to have received from James in exchange for Adderall. This prompted officials to notify the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
According to Sheriff Watkins, James resigned in April before the investigation concluded. He expressed in his resignation notice that serving the community and institution for 33 years had been a great honor. However, he felt that recent events were taking a toll on his health and family, leading him to conclude that stepping down was in his best interest.
Following these revelations, James was arrested and booked into the county jail on nine counts of theft and one count of criminal mischief.
