Former Judge Among Three Arrested in Camden County Burglary Investigation

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested three individuals, including a former Camden County Assistant Magistrate Judge, in connection with a burglary and property damage case.

William Ashe, 64, former Assistant Magistrate Judge, Merinda Watson, 64, and Troy Dennis Cox, 68, all of Camden County, were arrested and booked into the Camden County Jail following a joint investigation. Ashe and Watson were each charged with one count of Burglary. Cox faces one count of Burglary and one count of 2nd Degree Criminal Damage to Property.

According to the GBI, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance on March 11, 2025, after Cox allegedly entered a property unlawfully by presenting altered documents to a deputy. Once on the premises, Cox reportedly took several items and caused property damage.

Investigators determined that Watson, who worked for Ashe, created the falsified documents. Ashe then provided the documents to Cox and later confirmed their legitimacy to the deputy when questioned.

All three suspects have since been released on bond. The investigation is ongoing.