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On 11-29-11 it was discovered that 15 manhole covers, that were used to cover storm drains, had been stolen from the Augusta Woods subdivision off of Reed Rd in Villa Rica. The cost to replace the manhole covers was estimated at $1,800.00.
Villa Rica Police began an investigation which led to the arrest of Freddie Strickland, 35 years old, from Villa Rica. The investigation revealed that Strickland had stole the manhole covers and sold them for scrap metal at a recycling center in Temple. All of the property was recovered. Strickland presented paperwork to the recycling center showing he had obtained the manhole covers legally but the paperwork was fake.
Strickland was charged with Theft by Taking, which is a felony, and was housed in the Carroll County Jail.
Captain Shaddix stated “Taking the manhole covers put people in the subdivision at risk. A child could have easily fallen into the storm drains and been injured. It was a good job by the detectives involved in getting the property back the same day as they were reported stolen.”