MERIWETHER COUNTY, Ga. — A months-long investigation into a series of entering-auto thefts in Meriwether County has led to three arrests and the recovery of 11 firearms, according to the sheriff’s office.
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The Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began after an increase in entering-auto complaints during the summer. Most involved unlocked vehicles parked in residents’ yards during overnight hours.
Investigators said firearms and cash were among the items stolen, while some cases involved backpack blowers and lawn equipment taken from truck beds.
The investigation expanded into neighboring jurisdictions after investigators found similar reports in Harris, Talbot and Pike counties. Investigators compared incident reports and surveillance footage and said the cases shared a similar pattern.
After developing a pattern based on dates, times and locations, investigators conducted surveillance operations during the early morning hours over about a month.
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The sheriff’s office said investigators eventually identified suspects and determined where some of the stolen firearms were being sold. Investigators used in-person and electronic surveillance to gather evidence before obtaining arrest and search warrants.
Search warrants were executed in Manchester, unincorporated Meriwether County and Talbot County.
The sheriff’s office said 11 firearms were recovered. Investigators were able to identify 10 of the guns as being connected to the entering-auto cases.
Three people were arrested:
- Lakelvis Antwon Leath, 42, of Manchester, was charged with seven counts of entering an auto and violation of probation. He was arrested Aug. 14 at his Manchester residence. The sheriff’s office said he also has charges pending in Harris, Pike and Talbot counties.
- Mattie Jean Brina Self, 25, of Manchester, was charged with seven counts of entering an auto. She was arrested Aug. 14 at her Manchester residence. She has since posted bond in Meriwether County and was transferred to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office to face charges there.
- Sandy Weaver Henderson, 66, of Manchester, was charged with seven counts of theft by receiving stolen property and 11 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was arrested Aug. 28 at his Manchester residence and has since posted bond.
The sheriff’s office said the cases remain active and additional charges are pending.
Sheriff Chuck Smith thanked investigators and agencies in Talbot, Pike, Harris and Fayette counties for assisting with the investigation.
Smith also reminded residents to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving firearms or other valuables inside unattended vehicles when possible.
The sheriff’s office recommends that gun owners keep a record of the make, model and serial number of their firearms.
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