Two Metro Atlanta residents are wanted in connection with an alleged 18-month theft pattern at a Franklin County livestock auction, where deputies say unlocked vehicles became easy targets. The suspects allegedly arrived during sale days, searched parked cars and trucks, and took cash before moving on. Warrants were obtained Tuesday, but investigators say the case is still active.
According to FOX Carolina, Makeshia Lewis and Monterio Patrick are wanted in connection with multiple entering-auto incidents at Franklin County Livestock, also known as the Sale Barn. Deputies said the pair allegedly used a rental vehicle with a falsified license plate and remained in the area for more than an hour during livestock auctions.
Deputies Say The Suspects Avoided Locked Cars
The alleged thieves reportedly focused on unsecured vehicles and took U.S. currency while avoiding items that could be easily traced, according to investigators. Deputies said Lewis and Patrick skipped vehicles as soon as they saw the doors were locked, making the case a particularly blunt reminder that a locked car can ruin a thief’s plans before they begin. According to a U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office report, British research found that parking facilities with pedestrian throughways experienced higher theft rates.
The Sale Barn Draws Tuesday Crowds
Franklin County Livestock holds cattle, goat and sheep sales every Tuesday at noon, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The auction market is located at 6461 Stone Bridge Road in Carnesville, a detail that gives local residents and regular buyers a clear sense of where deputies say the incidents occurred. According to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, its weekly Franklin County Livestock auction report records prices paid for livestock and includes livestock graded and reported according to official USDA standards. Franklin County Livestock's official website describes the market's services as hauling, buying, selling and cattle working.
More Charges May Be Coming
Additional charges may be filed as investigators work to identify other people who may be connected to the alleged theft ring, FOX Carolina reported. The investigation remains active, and the warrants represent allegations rather than convictions; any charges would still have to be resolved in court.
Sheriff’s Office Repeats A Basic Vehicle-Safety Rule
Deputies are asking residents not to leave valuables inside unattended vehicles and to lock their doors whenever they walk away. The official Franklin County government website lists the Sheriff’s Office at 706-384-2525 for crime-related information.
