Former Kingsland Police Officer Accused of Possessing Stolen Truck, Trailer and Police Equipment
KINGSLAND, Ga. – A former Kingsland police sergeant has been arrested on multiple felony charges after investigators say he was caught driving a stolen pickup while towing a stolen trailer containing a stolen lawn mower.
Dereck Thomas, 33, of Kingsland, is charged with three counts of felony theft by receiving, one count of felony theft by taking, felony removal or falsification of an identification number, filing false documents and violation of oath of office, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation began Nov. 26, 2024, when Kingsland Police Chief Rick Evans requested assistance from the GBI following the reported theft of a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado from Bennett Chrysler in Kingsland.
The case took another turn June 25, 2026, when the Silverado was stopped at an inspection station in Yulee, Florida.
Thomas, who was still employed by the Kingsland Police Department but was off duty, was driving the truck and towing a trailer reported stolen from the Camden County School System, according to the GBI.
Inside the trailer, authorities found a lawn mower that had also been reported stolen from the Bennett Chevrolet dealership lot in Kingsland. Investigators said Thomas was additionally in possession of two tablets belonging to the Glynn County Police Department.
The Kingsland Police Department said Thomas was placed on administrative leave while the department conducted an Internal Affairs investigation separate from the GBI’s criminal investigation.
That investigation found Thomas violated several departmental policies, according to the department. He was subsequently fired.
Kingsland police said the department did not previously issue a statement about the criminal case because the GBI was conducting an independent investigation.
“This decision was made to preserve the integrity and independence of the GBI investigation and to ensure complete transparency throughout the process,” the department said.
Evans said officers are expected to be held to the same legal and departmental standards as anyone else.
“No individual who wears the badge is above the law or exempt from the standards of this Department,” Evans said. “When allegations of misconduct arise, they will be addressed promptly, objectively, and without exception.”
Thomas turned himself in Sept. 16 and was booked into the Camden County Jail.
The GBI has not disclosed how Thomas allegedly obtained the truck, trailer, lawn mower or police tablets. The agency also has not provided details about the conduct underlying the filing false documents and violation of oath charges.
The charges are accusations, and Thomas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Anyone with information can contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Kingsland at 912-729-6198, the Kingsland Police Department at 912-729-8254 or the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).
