5 Arrested, Stolen Trailers and Vehicle Recovered in Georgia Burglary Investigation

STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — Five people have been charged with burglary and other offenses after a multi-week investigation in northeast Georgia that led to the recovery of stolen trailers, a vehicle and other property, authorities said. 

Stephens County deputies responded Dec. 31, 2025, to a burglary at a home along Highway 123, where homeowners reported multiple items missing, including trailers, trail cameras and a vehicle, according to a news release. Deputies also noted that security cameras on the property had been disabled and found damage to an exterior door consistent with forced entry.

On Jan. 5, investigators received information that someone was attempting to sell some of the stolen items to a local scrap metal business, helping them identify suspects, authorities said.

The first arrest came Jan. 7 when 33-year-old Billy Peeples of Toccoa was taken into custody by Habersham County deputies after being seen selling allegedly stolen property. Peeples faces burglary and theft charges, as well as a probation violation in connection with a previous burglary, and was booked into the Stephens County Jail with no bond, officials said.

Search warrants executed Jan. 9 at a shop on West Franklin Street and a residence on Busha Street in Toccoa yielded additional evidence, leading to warrants for four more suspects: Jeffery Bohannon, 54; Devin Walker, 35; Billie Walker, 41; and Chester Allan Manns, 51.

Billie and Devin Walker were arrested Jan. 12. Billie Walker was charged with burglary and two counts of felony theft by receiving stolen property and later released on a $30,000 bond. Devin Walker was charged with burglary and theft by receiving stolen property and remained jailed on a $25,000 bond.

Manns surrendered to deputies after being featured on a “most wanted” post and was held on a $20,000 bond for burglary and a probation violation. Bohannon was arrested Jan. 29 during a traffic stop and faces felony theft charges; he was held on a $10,000 bond, according to law enforcement.

The investigation remains active as deputies continue working to recover additional stolen property. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.