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CRISP COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - A Moultrie man was arrested on fraud charges in Crisp County on Wednesday, June 4.

According to the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), at around 3:45 a.m., a deputy saw a black Nissan Altima with a temporary tag turning into a home on Old Hartley Road. Since the deputy was familiar with the area and its residents, he recognized that the vehicle did not frequent the area.

The deputy watched the vehicle for several minutes before approaching and speaking with 26-year-old Johnnie McNeal, of Moultrie. McNeal told the deputy that he was not driving and claimed that his cousin was driving and had just left on foot, said CCSO.

CCSO said that the deputy called for backup after noticing the strong smell of marijuana and the possibility of another suspect fleeing on foot.

The sheriff’s office said that a search was done, which revealed multiple checks, money orders, articles of mail, ATM receipts and debit cards belonging to several victims across multiple states.

A background check on McNeal revealed an active warrant for a probation violation due to identity fraud out of Forsyth County.

He was arrested and taken to the Crisp County Jail.

An investigation done by the CCSO investigative division found that McNeal had stolen mail from mailboxes across Georgia and Florida.

The United States Postal Inspection Service was brought in to assist with the investigation.

The sheriff’s office said that one of the victims was from Worth County, prompting contact with the Worth County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation by the Worth County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) led to warrants for forgery and identity fraud being secured.

McNeal was taken to WCSO.

“We take pride in serving a community where we know each other by name and are attuned to unusual activities. Deputy Kendrick’s attentiveness and knowledge of his community may have prevented potential victims in Crisp County,” said CCSO.

This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding it, please contact the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, the Worth County Sheriff’s Office or the United States Postal Inspectors, according to CCSO.

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