Meriwether Sheriff’s Office cracks entering auto cases in multiple counties

Meriwether County Sheriff Chuck Smith reported that his agency has made multiple arrests regarding entering auto incidents. Through the course of this investigation our personnel were able to identify suspects and determined that these entering auto complaints had occurred not only in our jurisdiction but in surrounding counties as well. At the conclusion of this investigation our personnel were able to make three arrests and recover 11 firearms.

During the summer months of 2026 Meriwether County began experiencing an influx of entering auto complaints being filed. The majority these complaints involved unlocked vehicles parked in the homeowner’s yards and the incidents were occurring under the cover of darkness. Most of the items that were taken were firearms and currency from the vehicle. Some of the complaints involved backpack blowers and lawn equipment taken out of the bed of trucks.

Investigators began checking with our neighboring jurisdictions to see if they were having any similar incidents. We were able to determine that entering auto reports had occurred in Harris, Talbot, and Pike Counties. We were able to obtain copies of their incident reports along with any video camera footage they had available. The offenders in the captured video surveillance always had coverings on their face and head. However, we had size
and clothing descriptions for comparison to other incident video/photos obtained.

Our thefts and the neighboring jurisdictions shared the same modus operandi, commonly referred to as M.O. Our personnel were able to develop a pattern to include date, time and location information. Through this gathering of facts our personnel were able to establish a concentrated surveillance operation to apprehend and identify the offenders.

Investigators, along with our patrol deputies and administrative command worked during the early morning hours over approximately a month span during this investigation. Our operational objectives were not only to capture the offenders but to recover as much stolen property as possible. Through our investigations we were not only able to identify the suspects, but we were able to determine where many of the stolen firearms were being fenced.

Not only did we utilize in person surveillance techniques, but we also utilized electronic surveillance as well. Through this culmination of evidence gathering during this
investigation, we were able to establish probable cause for the execution of arrest warrants and search warrants. These searches allowed our personnel to collect items of evidentiary value connected to not only our incidents but to the surrounding jurisdictions as well.

We executed search warrants in Manchester, Ga., unincorporated Meriwether County and Talbot County, Ga. The following suspects were arrested: Lakelvis Antwon Leath, 42 years of age of Manchester, Ga., charged with the offense entering an auto, 7 counts and violation of probation. He is currently being housed in the Meriwether County Jail on a $35,000.00 bond on the entering an auto charges and no bond on the VOP. Leath also has charges pending out of Harris, Pike and Talbot County. Leath was arrested at his residence in Manchester.

Mattie Jean Brina Self, 25 years of age of Manchester, is also charged with the offense of entering an auto, 7 counts. Self was being held in the Meriwether County Jail on bonds totaling $35,000.00. Self has since posted bond in Meriwether County and was transferred to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office to face charges in that jurisdiction.

Sandy Weaver Henderson, 66 years of age of Manchester, was charged with the offenses of theft by receiving stolen property, 7 counts and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 11 counts. Henderson was being held in the Meriwether County jail on bonds totaling $90,000.00. Henderson has since posted bond on these charges.

Of the 11 guns recovered investigators were able to identify 10 of the weapons related to the reported entering auto case investigations. These case investigations are still active with additional charges pending.

“I want to express my appreciation to Talbot, Pike and Harris County Sheriff’s Offices for their assistance in these case investigations. I appreciate Talbot County Sheriff Gates and his investigator who assisted our personnel by securing a search warrant in their jurisdiction along with providing us with additional time for us to gather additional evidence in our case investigation. Harris County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division also assisted our personnel with an area search north of Waverly Hall, Ga., after our personnel had tracked the offenders into their jurisdiction. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office also assisted our investigators by providing bloodhound tracking teams. I cannot say enough about the outstanding job that my investigators and patrol deputies did during this month’s long investigation. I also appreciate my Chief Deputy, Col. Byron Hadley spearheading this investigation. Through his efforts we were able to locate items of evidentiary value that were critical to the case investigation and the recovery of these firearms.” Sheriff Chuck Smith said.

“Recovering these stolen firearms was especially important. It will allow them to be returned to their rightful owners. Most important is the fact that every stolen gun we recover is one less firearm available to be used in another crime. I want to remind our citizens to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving firearms or other valuables unattended inside whenever possible. Many entering-auto thefts are crimes of opportunity involving unlocked vehicles. Always record your make, model and serial number to your firearms.” Sheriff Smith advised.