Local repairman scam
On Oct. 17, law enforcement made contact with Monroe Davis at the sheriff's office in reference to theft by deception. Davis stated he paid James Mazza $1,500 in August to repair a boat lift, located at his property in Eatonton. Davis stated after the lift was repaired, he was not satisfied with the results. Davis contacted Mazza to alter the repairs and Mazza advised Davis that he needed an additional $1,500 to complete the job. Davis stated he paid Mazza the second $1,500 in cash at the shop at 112 Joyner Rd. Davis stated he had been texting Mazza up until Mazza blocked his number. A warrant for theft by deception was issued for Mazza.
On the same day, Loraine Curtis reported a theft by deception regarding Mazza. She paid Mazza to repair her father's chimney, several windows, and a door at the residence. Curtis stated she wrote Mazza a check in March of 2024 for $1,900 to cover the repair costs. The check was cashed on March 22. Curtis stated Mazza showed up and took measurements but did not return to do the repairs. Curtis has tried to contact Mazza to do the repairs, but she cannot get in touch with him. A second warrant for theft by deception was issued for Mazza.
Drunk driver safely stopped
On Oct. 19, law enforcement responded to the area of Gordon Highway and State Route 29, regarding a possible intoxicated driver. Dispatch had received a call that the driver had left her residence after consuming alcohol. While in the area, an officer observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed toward the intersection and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, Charity Suggs, stated she was trying to get away from her husband after the pair had an argument. She stated the argument did not become physical and that she just wanted to leave. A deputy conducted a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and determined it was not safe for Suggs to drive. Suggs also provided a breath sample on a portable breath test, which showed a positive reading for alcohol above the legal limit. Suggs was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Woman steals tip jar during checkout
On Oct. 18, law enforcement was contacted in reference to a theft which occurred at King of Smoke located at 1835 N. Columbia St. The caller stated on Oct. 17, a female was seen taking its tip jar, which contained approximately $80 in miscellaneous bills. The female was also seen on surveillance taking an unknown amount of Delta 8, each pack valued at approximately $20.
Video surveillance was reviewed, and officers saw where the male subject accompanying the female was making a purchase while the female took the tip jar from the counter area. Video surveillance also showed the female take, what the employee described as Delta 8 packages, and concealed them underneath her jacket. As of The Baldwin Bulletin’s deadline, the female has not been identified.
Man attempts to steal items at Walmart
On Oct. 21, law enforcement was dispatched to Walmart, at 2592 N.
Columbia St., in reference to shoplifting. Asset protection personnel stated, while watching the cameras, she observed a male fail to scan and pay for food items including a cube steak totaling $7.32, canned smoked sausage, BP HD 30 oz totaling $8.87, KFT singles totaling $7.37, a whole chicken totaling $8.03, two chicken ground totaling $0.63 a piece, and grapes totaling $4.42. The thief, identified as Miguel Santrez Covington, was taken into custody by asset protection. Covington had a bench warrant for failure to appear for cruelty to animals and was placed under arrest for shoplifting. While conducting a pat down, an officer located three small zip-locked baggies with small leafy substances suspected to be marijuana and cigars in his inside left pocket, less than an ounce. Covington was transported to the Baldwin County Jail without further incident.
Vendor attempts to steal items
On Oct. 21, law enforcement was dispatched to Dollar General, at 831 S. Elbert St., in reference to a vendor placing items outside the store to take.
An employee stated she watched the video cameras and saw the independent vendor taking items out of the back door and placing them behind the dumpster.
She notified the vending company and then her manager before calling the police. She had already recovered the items and the total was $72.85. The suspect was identified as Sara Lynn Wilson, who admitted to taking the items. Wilson was issued a citation for theft by shoplifting and trespassed from the Dollar General.