Thomson Man Arrested for Selling Invalid CPR Certifications to Daycare and Adult Care Facilities
THOMSON, Ga. – A 66-year-old Thomson man has been arrested after investigators say several daycare businesses and adult care facilities paid him to provide CPR training, only to later learn that the courses and certification cards were invalid.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced that James Ed Lewis, 66, of Thomson, faces three counts of filing false documents and one count of theft by taking.
The investigation began March 24, 2026, when the Thomson Police Department requested assistance from the GBI regarding an allegation of theft.
According to preliminary findings, multiple daycare businesses and adult care facilities in Thomson hired Lewis to conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification courses for their employees.
The businesses paid Lewis for the training, which was intended to provide employees with CPR certifications.
However, the facilities were later notified by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning that the courses Lewis provided and the CPR certification cards issued to participants were not valid.
The discovery raised concerns about whether employees who completed the training possessed the certifications required for their jobs.
Authorities have not disclosed how many businesses or employees were affected, how much money Lewis allegedly collected or why the certifications were determined to be invalid.
The GBI also has not specified whether Lewis was authorized to teach CPR courses or whether the alleged problems involved the training itself, the certification documents or both.
Lewis surrendered to authorities Sept. 30, 2026, and was booked into the McDuffie County Jail.
The GBI said its investigation remains active.
Once the investigation is completed, the case will be forwarded to the Toombs Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Anyone with information about Lewis or the CPR certification courses is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Thomson at 706-595-2575.
