Crisp County Deputies Uncover Multi-State Mail Theft and Identity Fraud Scheme

A routine patrol by a Crisp County deputy in the early hours of June 4, 2025, led to the arrest of a Moultrie man accused of orchestrating a multi-state mail theft and identity fraud operation.

At approximately 3:45 a.m., Deputy Kendrick observed a black Nissan Altima with a temporary tag pulling into a residence on Old Hatley Road. Recognizing that the vehicle was unfamiliar to the area, Kendrick watched as the car began to leave, then reversed into the yard.

After a few minutes of observation, Deputy Kendrick approached the vehicle and encountered 26-year-old Johnnie McNeal in the driver’s seat. McNeal claimed he was not the driver and said his cousin had fled on foot. Due to the suspicious circumstances, the strong odor of marijuana, and the possibility of another suspect nearby, Kendrick called for backup and conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.

Inside the car, deputies discovered numerous checks, money orders, ATM receipts, debit cards, and pieces of mail linked to victims from multiple states. A background check on McNeal revealed an active warrant out of Forsyth County for a probation violation related to identity fraud.

McNeal was arrested and booked into the Crisp County Jail. The case was handed over to the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division, which determined that McNeal had been stealing mail from mailboxes across Georgia and Florida. The United States Postal Inspection Service was contacted and joined the investigation.

Further investigation revealed at least one victim resided in Worth County, prompting involvement from the Worth County Sheriff’s Office. WCSO investigators later secured warrants for forgery and identity fraud. McNeal was transferred into Worth County custody.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Worth County Sheriff’s Office, or the United States Postal Inspection Service.