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ZEBULON - Sheriff Jimmy Thomas makes the following press release: The Pike County Sheriff's Office received a complaint of two individuals posing as Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agents and passing counterfeit payroll checks several weeks ago. During the investigation it was learned that the two suspects were wearing law enforcement attire including gun belts and appeared to be armed with hand guns.
Investigators coordinated with other agencies to determine the extent of the fraudsters activities and found that numerous counterfeit checks had been passed in other counties during which the suspects represented themselves as law enforcement personnel. At this time it is believed that thousands of dollars were illicitly gained through the cashing of these checks.
The suspects were identified by investigators as Troy Shane McCranie (48 years of age) and Charles Levy Jones (39 years of age). McCranie was found to have no permanent address as he moved amongst different motels on a regular basis. Jones was residing in Lithonia.
The duo was tracked down at a motel in the City of McDonough at which time they were confronted and arrested by Investigators. At the time of arrest McCranie was wearing duty gear commonly used by law enforcement with an apparent weapon in his holster, this later was found to be a BB gun.
Jones attempted to flee into a bathroom during which he was arrested and found to have disposed of two BB pistols that were very similar to real handguns.
A large amount of evidence was found on the suspects and in their vehicle. These items included methamphetamine, counterfeit checks, counterfeit drivers licenses and social security cards, computers and printers used to manufacture all of the fraudulent items. Clothing in the vehicle was also found to have been altered to appear as law enforcement issued equipment by affixing patches that had been made that are commonly associated with law enforcement.
Pike, Upson, Spalding, Fayette, Lamar, and Henry counties have all been struck by the suspects during their crime spree. As checks are processed by local banks, it is possible that additional charges will be forthcoming.
The pair are currently housed in the Pike County Jail and are facing the following charges: Impersonating a Police Officer, Printing, Executing Fictitious Checks, Identity Fraud, Possession of Tools During Commission of a Crime, and Manufacturing False ID Documents and Forgery. Numerous other charges are expected as other agencies compile the crimes committed in their jurisdictions.
McCranie was currently on bond in Carroll County for additional Forgery charges. All photos courtesy of the Pike County Sheriff's Office.
