2 nabbed for Paulding County crime spree

VW independent/submitted information

LATTY — Two people were arrested in this Paulding County village in connection with a series of break-ins and thefts that occurred over the past two months in that county.

Cody Lee Johnson, 26, and Ashley M. Thacker, 24, both of 910 Lewis St. in Latty, were arrested on related charges following execution of a search warrant at that residence on Sunday.

The two are suspects in a rash of recent break-ins and thefts in Paulding County, with approximately 30 area residents victimized during the crime spree, which began in late October.

Johnson faces preliminary charges of breaking and entering, a felony of the fifth degree, while Thacker was charged with receiving stolen property, a misdemeanor of the first degree. A third suspect, Michael W. Elders, 29, is being sought on two counts of breaking and entering, but has not yet been apprehended, according to Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers.

“I am pleased with my guys working this case; this was a team effort,” said Sheriff Landers. “This type of thing takes a toll on us when we can’t catch the bad guys right away.

“Thank goodness we got a break in this investigation late last week that allowed my deputies to zero in on these thieves and put a stop to this activity,” Landers added.

“The people of this county can rest assured my staff is working hard to keep them safe, as well as their property,” the sheriff noted. “Oakwood Police Chief Mark Figert and Payne Police Chief Rodney Miller were team players during this investigation as well and I appreciate that,” said Sheriff Landers.

Anyone who has information regarding this case or any other crime, can contact the sheriff’s office at 419.399.3791. Those with information can also contact the sheriff’s office via Facebook by searching Facebook/Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, or view the office’s website at www.pauldingohsheriff.com and leave an email for the sheriff.

Those with information can also leave an anonymous tip via the website by scrolling to the bottom of any page and clicking on “send us an anonymous tip.”