LITHIA SPRINGS, Ga. — A 43-year-old man is accused of trying to use another person’s check to make a down payment on a motorcycle at a Harley-Davidson dealership in Lithia Springs.
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According to a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Nicholas Ryan Clifton went to the dealership on Thornton Road on May 15 to purchase a 2026 Harley-Davidson RH975S Nightster Special.
The report states Clifton was required to provide a $1,500 down payment. He initially told dealership employees he was going through a divorce and could not withdraw the money from his account at the time.
On May 18, Clifton emailed the dealership a $1,500 check. According to the report, the check was issued in the name of Leonard C. Wood, and Clifton told the dealership Wood was paying the down payment for him.
The check was processed but later returned.
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A dealership manager told deputies he contacted Wood, who said he did not send the check to Harley-Davidson and did not know Clifton. The report states Wood also said Clifton had previously scammed him by taking money from his account.
The deputy who wrote the report said he attempted to contact Wood but was unable to reach him.
Clifton was arrested Sept. 17, according to the report. He faces charges including criminal attempt to commit a felony, third-degree forgery, identity fraud and exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults, elder persons and residents/obstruction of investigation.
The allegations in the report have not been adjudicated in court.
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