Recent News
The Echols County Sheriff’s Office was proud to participate in Career Day at Echols County High School today. Deputies had the opportunity to speak with students about careers in law enforcement, the equipment we use, and what it takes to serve our community.
We appreciate the invitation and always enjoy connecting with the next generation.
🚔 Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Property
Sheriff Courson states, on February 26th, 2026, deputies with the Echols County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop at Dollar General in Statenville after recognizing a subject with an active warrant for Failure to Appear in Echols County.
Megan Lofton, 41, of Fargo, was taken into custody without incident.
During the arrest, deputies located approximately $68 worth of stolen merchandise from Dollar General concealed on her person. While conducting an inventory of the vehicle, deputies recovered a quantity of a controlled substance. Further investigation determined the substance was being possessed with intent to distribute. Deputies also recovered additional stolen merchandise from Walmart earlier that day totaling nearly $950. Lofton admitted to shoplifting from both businesses.
Lofton has been charged with:
• Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute (Felony)
• Shoplifting (Misdemeanor)
• Failure to Maintain Lane (Misdemeanor)
• Suspended Registration (Misdemeanor)
• Suspended License (Misdemeanor)
She is also facing felony shoplifting charges in Valdosta.
The Echols County Sheriff’s Office will continue proactive enforcement efforts to protect our community and local businesses. Criminal activity — whether theft or drug distribution — will not be tolerated in Echols County.
Today the badge feels heavier.
Sheriff Courson and the entire staff of the Echols County Sheriff’s Office is mourning alongside our neighboring department after the loss of one of their officers. Different patches, same calling and the risk is one every family who loves someone in this profession quietly lives with.
Behind every end of watch is a chair that won’t be filled, a voice that won’t come through the door, and a family whose world changed forever.
Please keep his loved ones and the Hahira Police Department in your prayers today.
We will carry his memory with us on every call we answer.
Rest easy, Officer. We’ve got it from here. 🖤💙
Breaking news 🚨
The Grinch has been spotted at the Echols County Sheriff’s Office…
Turns out it’s just K9 Nos in full Grinch mode 💚🐾🎄
Don’t worry, even when he’s feeling a little grinchy, Nos is still on duty keeping Echols County safe.
💙 SHOP WITH THE SHERIFF – THANK YOU! 💙
The Echols County Sheriff’s Office is incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support that made this year’s Shop with the Sheriff a huge success. Because of our generous community, local children were able to enjoy a special day filled with smiles, laughter, and the joy of the holiday season.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, contributed, and supported this event. Your kindness and generosity truly made a difference in the lives of these children and their families.
A special thank you to Target for welcoming us into your store and helping make this event run so smoothly. Your continued support of our community does not go unnoticed.
Events like this remind us that when our community comes together, incredible things happen. From Sheriff Courson and the staff at Echols County Sheriff’s Office — thank you for helping us spread holiday cheer and make lasting memories. 🎄✨
🚨 FOURTH ARREST MADE IN HOME INVASION / ARMED ROBBERY / KIDNAPPING CASE 🚨
Sheriff Courson reports that the Echols County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), continues to investigate the violent home invasion, armed robbery, and kidnapping that occurred on July 7, 2025, at a migrant housing camp located off Highway 129 South.
A total of four arrests have now been made in connection with this incident:
• Jeremiah Gilbert
• Quinterius Neloms
• Cameron Williams
• Dexter Reynolds, 22, of Valdosta – the most recent arrest
Reynolds was taken into custody November 19th, 2025 at his place of business located in the 2500 block of North Ashley Street in Valdosta. He has been charged with:
• 6 counts of Felony Armed Robbery
• 9 counts of Felony Aggravated Assault
• 8 counts of Felony Kidnapping
• 1 count of 1st Degree Felony Home Invasion
• 1 count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
⸻
This case remains active and ongoing, and additional arrests are possible.
Sheriff Courson extends his appreciation to the deputies and investigators of the Echols County Sheriff’s Office, the GBI, and all partnering agencies for their continued hard work and dedication throughout this complex investigation.
