SCSO identify, arrest burglary suspect after Facebook Marketplace listing

A Toccoa man has been arrested by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, on February 14, his office received a report of a burglary at a residence on Hewitt Drive.

Shirley says a variety of antique items were stolen from the residence.

The victim reported that someone gained entry by force and stole the items.

Deputies learned that a witness at a nearby business had reported seeing the suspect removing some of the described items from a dumpster located on the property.

Upon inspection around the dumpster revealed 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 were also able to locate some of the stolen items through a Facebook Marketplace listing.

Investigators, according to Shirley, 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.

During the arrest, Shirley says, the suspect, identified as Jimmy Lee Cochran, 48, of Toccoa, was found 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 put a hold on Cochran that will be followed by a parole warrant.

Shirley says additional charges and arrests could occur as the investigation continues.