THOMAS COUNTY, Ga. (WCTV) - The former chief deputy of the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office was arrested on theft charges, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Ron James, 55, was booked into the Thomas County Jail on May 29 following a lengthy investigation.

According to GBI, the investigation was requested by Sheriff Tim Watkins in early April regarding allegations that James had stolen multiple TCSO firearms.

James is charged with Theft by Taking and Violation of Oath of Office.

WCTV first learned of the arrest on Friday while speaking with Watkins about the potential audit of the sheriff’s office.

Thomas County is requesting an audit over unauthorized spending, unrelated to James’s theft charges.

Lieutenant Jeff Brinson is accused of making a personal purchase while using a county-issued credit card. He has not been charged with any crime.

Brinson said his supervisor, James, signed off on the purchase.

The investigation surrounding James is still ongoing, according to GBI.

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