Tip Leads to Arrest of Convicted Stalker Accused of Violating Probation in Coffee County

COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. — An anonymous tip led to the arrest of a convicted felon on Tuesday, April 28th, accused of violating court-ordered restrictions by returning to Coffee County, according to the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office.

James Michael Shelton, 32, of Waycross, was taken into custody after agents with the Sheriff’s Office D.I.C.E. Unit located him at a residence along Highway 441. Authorities said Shelton was arrested without incident and transported to the Coffee County Jail, where he remains pending further legal action.

Shelton was previously convicted of aggravated stalking in 2019 and initially sentenced under First Offender status to five years of probation. Officials said that same year he violated the terms of his probation, resulting in the revocation of his First Offender status and his classification as a convicted felon. He was later resentenced to a total of 10 years of probation.

As part of those conditions, Shelton was prohibited from entering Coffee County and Atkinson County for the duration of his probation. Authorities said any additional violations could result in the revocation of probation and the remainder of his sentence being served in confinement.

Investigators said the Sheriff’s Office began receiving tips in December 2025 indicating Shelton had returned to Coffee County. Continued information from the public helped agents confirm his location and obtain a warrant for his arrest.

Sheriff Fred Cole credited community members for their role in the case. “We are grateful for the citizens who stepped up and did the right thing,” Cole said. “This is exactly how law enforcement and the community work together to keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”

Officials said aggravated stalking is a serious offense and emphasized that violations of court-ordered restrictions will be addressed.