Sheriff: Car theft ring busted
www.valdostadailytimes.com, September 5, 2025
VALDOSTA — A Lowndes County Grand Jury handed down indictments late last month against multiple people in connection with a case dating back to 2022.
In 2022, a Lowndes County sheriff’s deputy assigned to the Interstate Criminal Enforcement Unit stopped a gray Dodge Charger for a minor traffic infraction, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk said on Friday. This stop turned into a narcotics investigation, and during that investigation it was learned that the vehicle was stolen. The vehicle had its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) changed, and it was registered with a fraudulent VIN. From this vehicle investigation, deputies found numerous other stolen vehicles, around Lowndes and surrounding counties.
Ultimately, approximately 30 or more stolen vehicles were either recovered or identified, Paulk said. From these vehicles, suspects in three groups were identified.
Allen Ray Weldon of AB Motorsports was indicted on charges of violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO); theft by deception; theft by receiving stolen property; involvement with motor vehicle having identification removed; buy, sell, etc., motor vehicle or part which serial numbers have been altered to conceal identity; false statements or writings (conceal facts or fraudulent documents in matters of government); and unlawful filing of false documents.
Chris Hollis of Reliable Rentals, along with Eric Davis, Ronald Haggins, Taimikielle Smith, Nathaniel Brinson, Khuram Azhar, Ashley Kawai and Garry Haggins, were indicted on charges of RICO, involvement with motor vehicle having identification removed, possession of altered certificate of title, making a false statement and theft by receiving stolen property.
Six people — Jeremy Miller, Kedrek McKinney, Quante Wright, Kayleigh Roberts, William Roberts and Tyler Jones — were indicted on charges of RICO, theft by receiving stolen property, involvement with motor vehicle having identification removed, false information in application for title, making a false statement and possession of altered certificate of title.
Paulk said as the investigation continues, more people may be added to these indictments.
Paulk said he wants the public to understand this is a complex case and hopes anyone with information to assist will come forward.
If anyone has any information, please contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at (229) 671-2900.
News article: Sheriff: Car theft ring busted | Valdosta Daily Times