MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — The theft of nearly $10,000 worth of assorted tools and other items from a construction site in Baldwin County several months ago has yielded the arrest of a third man, The Union-Recorder has learned.

The latest suspect arrested in the case was identified as Cody Fountain, of Milledgeville, according to Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Thomas “T.J.” Hargrove.

Fountain, who had been sought on an outstanding warrant and was believed to be in the White Plains area of Greene County, was taken into custody Friday by Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joshua Holcomb.

Hargrove said Fountain was charged with a felony count of theft by taking. After his arrest, the suspect was taken to the Baldwin County Law Enforcement Center and jailed.

Hargrove said Fountain previously had been interviewed by him, but there was not enough evidence to make an arrest.

“I just didn’t have enough probable cause to arrest him at the time,” Hargrove said. “In recent weeks, I ended up getting the probable cause needed to arrest him on a warrant.”

Fountain is accused of having stolen tools valued at about $10,000 from the 10 Meriwether Place where the theft happened.

The latest suspect is the third person arrested and charged in connection with the case.

Early on during the course of the investigation, Justin Wheatley was arrested and charged with felony theft by taking.

Wheatley since has pleaded guilty to the charge in Baldwin County Superior Court and received a probated sentence.

A second man was arrested a short time later and charged with felony theft by receiving stolen property, Hargrove said. He was identified as John Michael Register. 

Hargrove said his case, like Fountain’s, still was awaiting disposition within the local court system.

During the course of the investigation, Hargrove said he learned that the tools were taken from the construction site to Register’s residence.

“One of the most pleasing things about this investigation aside from being able to make an arrest of all the parties involved, [is] we’ve also recovered all the property,” Hargrove said. “And anytime we can do that we’re real pleased.”