GBI Arrests Tift County Principal in Theft Investigation

Tifton, GA (February 21, 2024) – The GBI has arrested and charged Chad Stone, age 50, of Tifton, GA, with theft by taking and unauthorized use of a financial transaction card; misuse of government issued cards. On February 6, 2024, the Tifton Police Department asked the GBI to investigate.  

The investigation shows that Stone, while serving as the Principal of Tift County High School, misused school credit cards and made unauthorized purchases. He resigned from his position on February 12, 2024, at about 12 p.m.  

Stone turned himself in to the Tift County Jail on February 21, 2024.  

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tifton Police Department at 229-382-3132 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080. 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 Tift County DA’s Office for prosecution.