The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office says the two men were caught attempting to steal diesel fuel from a convenience store; one man struck before in September
LOWNDES COUNTY, GA -- Two men are in jail after police found them trying to steal diesel fuel from a store’s underground tank.
A Lowndes County Sheriff’s Officer noticed Matt Ponsell, 40, and Shane Popham, 42, behind a convenience store at 5145 Madison Highway and soon discovered their intentions to use their tank truck trying to steal the gas. Authorities say the locks used to secure the caps of the underground tank were busted open.
Later on authorities also found a homemade smoking pipe used to inhale illegal narcotics.
After police arrested Ponsell and Popham, investigators learned Ponsell was connected to an incident that occurred at another convenience store at 7415 Georgia Highway 376 on Sept. 27 where nearly 300 gallons of diesel was pumped from the store’s underground tank.
Ponsell is charges with theft by taking, criminal attempt to commit theft by taking, violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of the tools for the commission of a crime and criminal damage to property.
Popham is charged with criminal attempt to commit theft by taking, violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of the tools for the commission of a crime and criminal damage to property.
A bond of $15,000 is set for both Popham and Ponsell.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWFXL