Recent News
Sheriff Courson states, on July 15, 2026, deputies with the Echols County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported residential burglary on Highway 129 North in Statenville. During the burglary, cash, personal belongings, and two firearms were reported stolen from the residence.
Following an investigation conducted by Echols County Sheriff’s Office Investigators, three individuals have been arrested in connection with this case.
The following charges have been filed:
• Gary Shannon Moore – Party to the Crime (Burglary) (Felony) and False Statements (Felony)
• Matthew Price – Burglary in the First Degree (Felony)
• William Watts – Burglary in the First Degree (Felony)
As part of the investigation, investigators from Echols County as well as Lowndes County were led to a residence inside of Lowndes County, where a search was conducted where one of the suspects was arrested. The search of the residence recovered one firearm matching the make and model of one of the firearms reported stolen. Investigators are awaiting official verification that it is the stolen firearm.
Sheriff Courson stated he appreciates the hard work of everyone involved in this investigation and remains committed to holding those responsible for crimes in our community accountable.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
WANTED FUGITIVE LOCATED AND ARRESTED
Sheriff Courson states that on June 22, 2026, deputies with the Echols County Sheriff’s Office acted on information received from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation regarding the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive.
Deputies responded to a residence on Charles Circle, where Christi Lynn Williams was located and taken into custody without incident. Williams was wanted by Colquitt County authorities for a Probation Violation on an original charge of Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree.
During the investigation, suspected methamphetamine was located inside the residence. The substance has been submitted to the crime laboratory for testing, and additional charges may be pending based on the results of that analysis.
Williams was transported to the Lowndes County Jail and is being held on the outstanding warrant.
Sheriff Randy Courson would like to thank the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for providing the information that led to the successful location and arrest of this wanted individual.
If you have information regarding criminal activity or wanted individuals, please contact the Echols County Sheriff’s Office. You can remain anonymous
The Echols County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce that we have been awarded $4,606.83 through the U.S. Department of Justice's Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program.
This funding will help offset the cost of replacing expired ballistic vests worn by our deputies. Body armor is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment an officer wears, and ensuring our deputies have properly maintained and up to date protection remains a top priority.
The grant application was submitted by Lieutenant Kathryn Lewis on behalf of the Sheriff's Office and will provide valuable assistance to our agency while reducing costs to local taxpayers.
Sheriff Randy Courson stated, "The safety of our deputies is paramount. This grant helps us continue providing the equipment necessary to protect those who serve our community every day. We appreciate the Department of Justice's continued support of law enforcement agencies through programs like the Bulletproof Vest Partnership."
The Echols County Sheriff's Office remains committed to seeking funding opportunities that enhance officer safety and strengthen our ability to serve the citizens of Echols County.
