PRESS RELEASE
Crisp County, GA
November 4, 2026
Quick Investigation Leads to Theft Arrest in Two Hours
At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, deputies with the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office responded to South Georgia Technical College on North Midway Road in reference to a reported theft.
The theft, which occurred on October 29, was captured on campus security cameras. Video footage showed a male subject entering a restricted outdoor maintenance area and stealing two boxes containing approximately 50 feet of copper tubing and a heater strip kit.
Following a review of the surveillance footage and investigative efforts, deputies quickly identified the suspect as Johnny Bagwell, Jr. A vehicle matching the description seen in the video was located at Bagwell’s residence.
By approximately 10:30 a.m., just two hours after the initial call, Bagwell had been identified and taken into custody. He was transported to the Crisp County Jail without incident.
Sheriff Billy Hancock commends the deputies involved for their quick response, teamwork, and investigative efforts.
The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the cooperation of South Georgia Technical College and its security personnel.
Johnny Lawrence Bagwell Jr., age 42, from Cordele, GA, is charged with:
- Burglary 2nd Degree
- Damaging, injuring or interfering with property of public utility companies, municipalities, or political subdivisions
- Theft of service (misdemeanor)