GBI Arrests Former Kingsland Police Department Officer

Kingsland, GA (September 18, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged Dereck Thomas, age 33, of Kingsland, GA, with three counts of Felony Theft by Receiving, one count of Felony Theft by Taking, one count of Felony Removal or Falsification of Identification Number, one count of Filing False Documents, and one count of Violation of Oath of Office. Thomas is a former Kingsland Police Department Officer. On November 26, 2024, the Kingsland Police Department requested GBI to investigate the theft of a truck from the Bennett Chrysler dealership in Kingsland, GA.

The initial investigation indicated that a 2018 Chevy Silverado had been stolen from the dealership. On June 25, 2026, the truck was stopped at an inspection station in Yulee, Florida. Thomas was driving the truck, pulling a trailer reported stolen from the Camden County School System. The trailer contained a lawn mower also reported stolen from the Bennett Chevrolet dealership lot in Kingsland, GA. In addition, Thomas was in possession of two tablets that belonged to the Glynn County Police Department.

At the time of the stop in Yulee, FL, Thomas was employed by the Kingsland Police Department but was not on duty. Thomas was later terminated by the Kingsland Police Department.

Thomas turned himself in on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and was booked into the Camden County Jail.

This investigation is still active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Kingsland at (912) 729-6198 or the Kingsland Police Department at (912) 729-8254. 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 Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.