Multi-Jurisdictional Shoplifting Scheme Leads to Arrests in Coffee County Investigation
On March 24, 2026, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office turned up the spin cycle on a pair of suspected shoplifters following a calculated retail theft at a Dollar General on Highway 158 East. With assistance from the public and a little investigative work, the suspects were identified as 40-year-old Tawanda Tucker and 44-year-old Amanda Nelson.
According to investigators, the duo attempted to pull off what they likely thought was a spotless plan. Nelson reportedly kept the store clerk tied up in conversation, while Tucker went aisle to aisle loading a shopping cart with merchandise, including laundry detergent, air fresheners, and plug-in products, before making a not-so-clean getaway without paying.
Fortunately, their load didn’t quite make it to rinse cycle as deputies and agents with the D.I.C.E. Unit dug deeper, and discovered this wasn’t just a one and done operation. The suspects had had an eventful day with similar thefts reported earlier in Pearson, Alma, and Willacoochee.
Under Georgia law, each unlawful act of theft by shoplifting constitutes a separate prosecutable offense within the jurisdiction in which it occurred. Charges have been filed accordingly:
In Pearson, both suspects face misdemeanor theft by shoplifting charges.
In Alma, Tucker has been charged with misdemeanor theft by shoplifting, while Nelson faces charges as a party to a crime in the commission of shoplifting.
In Willacoochee, where the value of stolen merchandise exceeded $500, both suspects face felony theft by shoplifting charges.
Pursuant to Georgia’s statutory framework governing theft offenses, felony theft by shoplifting carries a potential penalty of one to ten years of incarceration.
This investigation remains active, and additional charges are anticipated as authorities continue to coordinate with partnering jurisdictions.
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the community for its assistance in identifying the suspects and supporting ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable.