Five Arrested for Burglary, Theft in Stephens County

PRESS RELEASE – On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded to a residence on Highway 123 in reference to a burglary. While meeting with the homeowners, investigators observed security cameras around the residence had been disconnected. The homeowners stated that multiple items were stolen including trailers, trail cameras, and a vehicle. Investigators also observed damage to an exterior door suspected to be a point of entry for intruders, as well as physical damage to the property.

On Monday, January 5, 2026, investigators obtained further evidence that an individual was selling the stolen items to a local scrap metal business. During the investigation, investigators obtained evidence linking several individuals to multiple burglaries at the residence.

Arrest warrants were first issued for Billy Peeples, 33 of Toccoa, who was seen selling stolen items. Habersham County Sheriff’s Office made contact with and arrested Peeples on January 7, 2026, on Stephens County charges for Burglary, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, and probation violation for a 2024 burglary. He was transported to the Stephens County Jail the same day, where he remains on a denied bond.

On January 9, 2026, the SCSO Crime Suppression Unit conducted multiple search warrants in Toccoa where stolen property was allegedly located. During a search of a shop on West Franklin Street and a residence on Busha Street, investigators located evidence linking several of the stolen items to the property. As a result, warrants were issued for the following individuals: Jeffery Bohannon, 54 of Toccoa; Devin Walker, 35 of Toccoa; Billie Walker, 41 of Toccoa; and Chester Allan Manns, 51 of Toccoa.

Billie and Devin Walker were arrested on Monday, January 12, 2026. Billie Walker was charged with Burglary and two counts of Felony Theft by Receiving Stolen Property. She was transported to the Stephens County Jail and later released on a $30,000 bond. Devin Walker was arrested for Burglary and Theft by Receiving Stolen Property. He remains in the Stephens County Jail with a $25,000 bond.

In the afternoon on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the SCSO shared Most Wanted posters on social media requesting the public’s assistance in locating the remaining two individuals: Chester Allan Manns and Jeffrey Bohannon. Within a few hours, Manns turned himself in to the Stephens County Jail on a Burglary charge. He later received a probation violation. Manns remains in jail with a $20,000 bond.

On Friday, January 29, 2026, SCSO deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on East Tugalo Street near Prather Bridge Road. During the stop, deputies identified and arrested Bohannon. He was transported to the Stephens County Jail on a charge of Felony Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, where he remains with a $10,000 bond.

This investigation remains active and ongoing as SCSO investigators continue attempts to recover stolen items. If you have any information, please contact SCSO CID at (706) 886-7048.

Emma Dunn

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