Stephens County Deputies Arrest Burglary Suspect After Public Tips Lead to Identification
TOCCOA, Ga. — A 30-year-old Elberton man has been arrested in connection with the burglary of a convenience store in Stephens County after investigators identified him through public tips, according to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded at approximately 6:30 a.m. on June 22 to a convenience store on Rock Creek Road after receiving a report of a burglary that occurred overnight.
When deputies arrived, they found a broken window, scattered cash, and other items inside the business.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video and determined that a partially masked man first arrived at the store at approximately 11:48 p.m. on June 21. He was wearing a red shirt, khaki pants, and gloves and attempted to pry open the front door with a sharp tool before leaving without gaining entry.
Authorities said the suspect returned at approximately 2:45 a.m. on June 22, this time wearing a blue shirt. During the second visit, he allegedly used a sharp object to break into the store, stole multiple items, and fled on foot toward Rock Creek Road.
On June 25, the sheriff’s office released surveillance images and asked the public for help identifying the suspect.
Investigators said multiple tips led them to identify Jeremy Frank Scarborough, 30, of Elberton, as the primary suspect. Authorities also learned Scarborough had outstanding probation violation warrants from Elbert County.
At approximately 8:52 a.m. on June 29, members of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit arrested Scarborough without incident at his workplace on Broad Street in Toccoa.
Later that day, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence on Rumsey Avenue in Toccoa, where Scarborough had been living. During the search, deputies recovered evidence they said links him to the burglary.
Scarborough was booked into the Stephens County Detention Center and is charged with:
- Burglary in the Second Degree
- Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime
- Theft by Taking
- Criminal Damage to Property
He also remains wanted on warrants from Elbert County and is awaiting a first appearance bond hearing before a Stephens County magistrate judge.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office thanked community members whose tips helped identify the suspect and encouraged anyone with information about illegal activity to contact its Criminal Investigation Division Tip Line at (706) 886-7048 or submit information through the agency’s mobile app.
