North Carolina Man Arrested in Connection to Covington Church Auto Break-Ins

COVINGTON, GA – The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection to a series of vehicle break-ins that occurred on July 6, 2025, at two churches in Covington.

Deshawn Johnson, 26, of North Carolina, was taken into custody in Raleigh following a multi-agency investigation involving the NCSO Criminal Investigations Division, Loganville Police Department, and Raleigh Police Department. He is accused of committing multiple entering auto offenses at Journey Baptist Church and Community Fellowship Baptist Church.

Johnson faces eight counts of entering auto and one count of aggravated assault. He will be extradited to Newton County, where additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Authorities also indicated that other suspects may be identified.

Sheriff Ezell Brown extended gratitude to all individuals and partner agencies for their swift and collaborative efforts in the case.