CRISP COUNTY and PERRY, Ga. (WALB) - Three people were charged in connection to a bank fraud investigation out of Crisp County and Perry.

At around 4:45 p.m. on Jan. 3, Planters First Bank in Cordele contacted Crisp County Sheriff’s Office about a possible fraud, according to a release by the sheriff’s office.

When deputies arrived and spoke with personnel, it became “clear that the bank had fallen victim to a significant criminal act,” the release said.

Shortly after, Planters First Bank in Perry had also experienced a similar fraudulent incident.

Both agencies collaborated closely in response to these alarming events, meticulously comparing notes and reviewing available video footage from the banks and surrounding businesses. Their efforts led to the identification of a suspect vehicle.

On Jan. 6, law enforcement found the vehicle at a motel in Clayton County, according to the sheriff’s office.

Perry police officers and various law enforcement agencies executed search and arrest warrants at the motel.

Four suspects were apprehended without incident. The suspects were also in possession of multiple stolen checks of individuals from the Birmingham, AL area, according to the release.

Three people are facing the following charges in this case:

Cody Wayne Crowe, 28, of Alabama, is charged with:

• 1 Count of Forgery 3rd Degree (Felony)
• 1 Count of Identity Fraud (Felony)
• 1 Count of Deposit Account Fraud (Felony)
• 1 Count of Printing/Executing/Negotiating Fictitious Checks (Felony)
• 1 Count of Theft by Deception (Felony)
• 1 Count of Forgery 1st Degree (Felony)

Brandi Lawley, 37, of Alabama, is charged with:

• 1 Count of Felony Party to Crime of Theft by Deception
• 1 Count of Felony Party to Crime of Forgery 3rd Degree
• 1 Count of Felony Party to Crime Identity Fraud

George Walford Jr, 24, of New York, is charged with:

• 1 Count of Felony Party to Crime of Theft by Deception
• 1 Count of Felony Party to Crime of Forgery 3rd Degree
• 1 Count of Felony Party to Crime Identity Fraud
• 1 Count of Felony Party to Crime of Forgery 1st Degree
• 1 Count of Felony Criminal Solicitation

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to local law enforcement, businesses, and community members for their swift action and collaboration in fighting fraud. Together, we are stronger in protecting against financial harm, which costs banks and businesses billions annually. At Planters First Bank, we remain committed to offering tools like Positive Pay, Card Management Fraud Alerts, Secure Payment options, and Online Security Center, which includes Free Community Fraud Prevention Resources to empower consumers and businesses to stay vigilant. Together, we can continue to stand firm against fraud and protect our community,” said Eli Tinsley, President and CEO of Planters First Bank.

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