Sex Offender In Violation Now In Custody After Calling 911 To Report His Truck Stolen

On the morning of February 14, 2025, 65-year-old David Taft contacted 911 to report that his vehicle had been stolen from Super 8 Hotel in Douglas, Georgia. Shortly before a member of the Douglas Police Department made contact with him, Taft's name was identified by a member of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office as a registered sex offender. DPD was informed that if this was indeed David Taft, he should be detained for questioning, as he had failed to register his vehicle with the Sheriff’s Office and had not informed them of his new address.

When DPD officers arrived at Super 8 Hotel, they confirmed that it was the right David Taft, and he was promptly detained and taken into custody. Taft, who was convicted in August 2003 for child molestation, was in violation of the law for failing to register his change of address as a sex offender and for not complying with registration requirements. A turn of events revealed that Taft had gotten intoxicated the night before and did not recall lending his truck to his girlfriend. This information only came to light after he was in custody & sobered.

As per Georgia law, a registered sex offender must report all vehicles they own or operate. They are also obligated to notify the Sheriff’s Office at least 72 hours before moving, even if it's within the same county. Under Georgia Code 42-1-12, Taft could face a prison sentence ranging from one to thirty years for each violation.