CAIRO — Pecans are an important crop in Southwest Georgia and in Grady County, ill-gotten pecans could land you in jail.  

Grady County Sheriff Harry Young is encouraging the public to report pecan theft if spotted. 

“It would help if they call 911 and let us handle it,” Young said.  

Pecan harvesting season begins Oct. 1 and lasts until Dec. 31. 

Since the season begin, Young said, Grady deputies have responded to approximately 14 incidents and made one arrest involving pecan theft. 

“I responded to several,” Young added. 

Two codes, 44-12-241 and 44-12-242, in Georgia law prohibits pecan theft.

“It shall be unlawful for any person, without the permission of the owner of pecan trees grown on private property, to pick or otherwise remove any pecans from the limbs or branches of the trees or to cause pecans to fall from the trees,” the code reads. 

Before and after the harvesting season, Young pointed out, any pecans remaining on public roads, streets, and rights-of-way are considered abandoned and unlawful to remove from public areas. 

Charges can be lodged, starting with a misdemeanor, and could reach felony status if stolen pecans net over $1,500, according to Young. 

“It’s a serious offense,” the sheriff noted. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.