Toccoa Man Arrested After Trying to Sell Stolen Items on Facebook

By Ethan Jordan, WNEG Radio, Toccoa

A Toccoa man is behind bars after trying to sell on social media antiques he allegedly stole.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, on February 14, his office received a report of a burglary at a residence on Hewitt Drive where a variety of antique items were stolen.

The victim told deputies the suspect gained entry to the home by force and stole the items.

During their investigation, deputies learned that a witness at a nearby business reported seeing the suspect removing some of the described items from a dumpster located on the property.

As they inspected the area around the dumpster, deputies also found a heavily traveled trail from the residence to the dumpster and determined that the dumpster was likely being used as a stash location so that multiple trips could be made by the suspect to retrieve the items.

Investigators later found some of the stolen items listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

The Sheriff said investigators used another individual’s Facebook account to reach out to the listed seller and arrange a meet-up to purchase the items.

When the seller arrived for the meeting, he was placed under arrest.

The suspect is identified as 48-year old Jimmy Lee Cochran, of Toccoa.

Sheriff Shirley said deputies also found Cochran to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine.

Cochran is charged with burglary in the first degree and possession of methamphetamine.

He is being held at the Stephens County Jail with a bond of $25,000.

The State of Georgia Pardons and Paroles have also put a hold on Cochran that will be followed by a parole warrant.

Shirley says the investigation is continuing and additional charges and arrests could be forthcoming.