A burglary investigation in Stephens County has resulted in the arrest of two main suspects and several fugitives wanted on felony warrants. The operation involved multiple state and local law enforcement agencies.
Break-in on Shady Lane
The case began on July 24 when Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies responded to a break-in at a home on Shady Lane in Toccoa. A woman checking on the property after a family member’s death found it ransacked, with guns, jewelry, and personal documents missing.
During the investigation, investigators obtained enough evidence to identify Brandon Lee Threlkeld, 32, of Toccoa, as a suspect. Arrest warrants were issued for him for first-degree burglary and criminal trespass.
Second burglary suspect caught
On August 4, deputies arrested 26-year-old Sydnie Alexander of Toccoa after catching her allegedly attempting to break into a building on Phillips Road, the sheriff’s office said.
She was later linked to another burglary on Lake Louise Road, said SCSO Public Information Officer Rebekah Smith.
Deputies charged Alexander with burglary, three counts of criminal trespass, 2nd-degree criminal damage to property, entering auto with intent to steal, and criminal attempt to commit a felony. As of Monday, August 11, she remained in the Stephens County Jail on a $75,000 bond.
Deputies later confirmed Threlkeld was at the Phillips Road location with Alexander.
“After several attempts to capture Threlkeld, the suspect was able to flee law enforcement into neighboring counties,” said Smith. The sheriff’s office issued a lookout for him, asking for the public’s help to locate him.
Fugitive roundup
Two days later, on August 6, deputies searched a home on Davis Avenue in Toccoa where Threlkeld was allegedly hiding. Although he was not there, investigators arrested 52-year-old Courtney Bohannon for allegedly helping him hide. Authorities arrested Bohannon and transported her to the Stephens County Jail, where she remains on a felony charge for tampering with evidence.
During the Davis Avenue search, Smith said, “Deputies discovered a nest of wanted fugitives.” They arrested four people, all wanted for felony probation and parole violations. Authorities identified them as 35-year-old Nichole Mote, 24-year-old Austin Goggans, 34-year-old William Smith, and 41-year-old Stephen Maye, all of Toccoa.
Threlkeld taken into custody
Threlkeld was captured on August 9 during a late-night traffic stop on Big A Road near Rock Creek Road. Deputies found him in a Toyota Camry and arrested him without incident, Smith said. In addition to the Shady Lane break-in, Threlkeld now faces additional charges connected to the Lake Louise Road case, including burglary, criminal attempt to commit a felony, and entering auto with intent to steal.
Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright credited the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) Task Force, Toccoa Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources for their assistance.
The investigation is ongoing, and Fulbright said more arrests may follow.
