Thomson, McDuffie County, GA (October 1, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged James Ed Lewis, age 66, of Thomson, GA, with three counts of Filing False Documents and one count of Theft by Taking.

On March 24, 2026, the Thomson Police Department asked the GBI to investigate an allegation of theft. Preliminary information indicates that several daycare businesses and adult care facilities located in Thomson, GA, paid Lewis to provide CPR certification courses to employees. Those businesses were later informed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning that the courses taught by Lewis and the CPR certification cards provided to attendees were invalid.

Lewis turned himself in on September 30, 2026, and was booked into the McDuffie County Jail.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Thomson at 706-595-2575. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Toombs Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Contact

Special Agent in Charge Pat Morgan

[email protected]