Williamson County Crime Stoppers lead to arrests in check crimes

Williamson County Crime Stoppers lead to arrests in check crimes

By Kelsey Wilkinson Thursday, 14 May 2009

Williamson County Crime Stoppers helped the County Attorney’s office apprehend 67 of 93 wanted suspects accused of both felony and misdemeanor theft by check crimes. During a special operation conducted April 1 though April 15, county law enforcement officials joined forces with local and state entities to recover nearly $160,000 in restitution for Williamson County merchants.

Royger Harris, a criminal investigator for the County Attorney’s office, contributed the success of the operation to Williamson County Crime Stoppers who helped lead to the arrest of several suspects. “They were a huge asset and valuable resource in getting information out there,” Harris said. “They were good not only at offering tips but for people turning themselves in.”

Crime Stoppers is a program that takes a three-part approach to solving ongoing crimes. They rely on cooperation between the police, the media and the general community to provide them with a flow of information about crime and criminals. Crime Stoppers offers three ways for citizens to offer tips about possible crimes: by phone, on their website and via text message.

Harris added that under the current economic downturn, check theft takes on a different significance. “With the economy like it is there has been an increase of theft-by-check cases. It’s not a victimless crime. The vendors are out of money and when that happens its passes cost on to the consumers.”

No trial dates have been set and the County Attorney’s office is still actively searching for the remaining suspects.