Former Thomas County Chief Deputy Arrested After Investigation Into Missing Firearms

THOMAS COUNTY, Georgia – A former chief deputy with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested following an investigation into allegations that firearms belonging to the agency were stolen.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, former Thomas County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ron William James, 55, of Thomasville, has been charged with Theft by Taking and Violation of Oath of Office.

The investigation began on April 8, 2026, when Tim Watkins, sheriff of the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, requested that the GBI investigate allegations that James had stolen multiple firearms owned by the sheriff’s office. James has previously resigned. He had been with the department for 33 years.

Following the investigation, James was booked into the Thomas County Jail on May 29.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding the number of firearms involved or the circumstances surrounding the alleged thefts.

The GBI said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Thomasville at (229) 225-4090. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.