THOMAS COUNTY, Ga. (WCTV/WALB) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced June 1 that a former Chief Deputy from South Georgia was arrested and charged with Theft by Taking and Violation of Oath of Office.

Ron James, 55, previously worked with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO). The GBI said they were requested in April by Sheriff Tim Watkins to investigate James. Watkins alleged that James had stolen multiple firearms belonging to the TCSO.

James was reportedly booked into the Thomas County Jail on May 29. He had previously resigned from the sheriff’s office.

The Thomas County government is now looking to audit the sheriff’s office over unauthorized spending, allegedly involving James and his subordinate.

TCSO Lieutenant Jeff Brinson is accused of making a personal purchase while using a county-issued credit card. Brinson was allowed to use the card to buy a new undercover vehicle, but also bought a “gym station,” according to Sheriff Tim Watkins.

The “gym station” was worth a total of $250 through the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS).

Brinson claimed that his supervisor at the time, former Chief Deputy Ron James, signed off on his purchase.

“The information that he relayed to me... He had spoken to the chief deputy at that time and it was approved by the chief deputy, that chief deputy is no longer here, so I can’t verify that,” Watkins said.

Watkins said the lieutenant did attempt to reimburse the county. However, once the county learned of the reimbursement, the purchase was brought into question, and a meeting was held where the sheriff disciplined him.

“I immediately came back [and] told Lt. Brinson that he needed to return that property to surplus property for the county, and that he could not make that purchase using the county’s account,” the sheriff said.

Sheriff Watkins said he is stepping in to personally sign off on all future TCSO purchases and will inquire about an inventory tracking system with the county again.

“I don’t care if you buy a stapler. I want a purchase order for it,” he said. “Especially if you use one of the agency’s credit cards.”

The sheriff said TCSO was doing this beforehand, but it was not being tracked very well, and he is looking to change that.

While the sheriff said that all department funds are now accounted for, county leaders said they want to look further. They are now asking the Georgia DOAS to step in and do a compliance review of other TCSO purchases made.

“[Brinson] was reprimanded, and it’ll stay on his file for six months if he has another infraction within those six months. Then, he’ll be terminated,” Watkins said.

Brinson has not been charged with any crime.

The Georgia DOAS said that property can only be used for official purposes delegated by the local government.

Read the Georgia DOAS’ full statement below:

“The local government entity specifies who may select and/or approve property selectors on its behalf. Only Donee employees designated by the local government may request or sign for receipt of property.  

Please refer to the Surplus Property Manual. Property may only be used for official entity purposes; personal use is prohibited and property acquired must be used by the donee organization for the intended purpose."

Thomas County commissioners and other government officials have not responded to WALB’s request for comment on the audit.

The GBI said their investigation into James is ongoing, and that anyone with information should contact their Regional Investigative Office in Thomasville at (229) 225-4090. Callers may choose to remain anonymous.

The case file will be given to the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office once the GBI’s investigation is complete.

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