STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — Five people have been arrested in connection with a burglary and theft investigation that began at a residence on Highway 123, according to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators were called to the home on Dec. 31 after homeowners reported a burglary. Deputies said security cameras at the residence had been disconnected and multiple items were stolen, including trailers, trail cameras and a vehicle. Investigators also found damage to an exterior door believed to be the point of entry, along with other damage to the property.
The investigation expanded after deputies learned that some of the stolen items were being sold to a local scrap metal business. Authorities said evidence linked several individuals to multiple burglaries at the same residence.
Arrest warrants were first issued for Billy Peeples, 33, of Toccoa, who investigators said was seen selling stolen items. Peeples was arrested Jan. 7 by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office on Stephens County charges of burglary, theft by receiving stolen property and a probation violation tied to a 2024 burglary. He remains in the Stephens County Jail on a denied bond.
On Jan. 9, investigators executed search warrants at a shop on West Franklin Street and a residence on Busha Street in Toccoa. Deputies said evidence recovered during the searches linked several stolen items to the properties. Warrants were then issued for Jeffery Bohannon, 54; Devin Walker, 35; Billie Walker, 41; and Chester Allan Manns, 51, all of Toccoa.
Billie Walker and Devin Walker were arrested Jan. 12. Billie Walker was charged with burglary and two counts of felony theft by receiving stolen property and later released on a $30,000 bond. Devin Walker was charged with burglary and theft by receiving stolen property and remains in jail with a $25,000 bond.
After the sheriff’s office shared most-wanted information on social media Jan. 20, Manns turned himself in the same day. He was charged with burglary and later received a probation violation. Manns remains in jail with a $20,000 bond.
Bohannon was arrested Jan. 29 following a traffic stop on East Tugalo Street near Prather Bridge Road. He was charged with felony theft by receiving stolen property and remains in the Stephens County Jail with a $10,000 bond.
The investigation remains active as deputies continue efforts to recover stolen property. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 706-886-7048.
