Authorities in Georgia have cracked one of the state’s largest CBD Oil Heist, arresting four individuals suspected of stealing a staggering 3,000 liters of CBD distillate valued at $3.6 million. The theft, which occurred in January at a hemp processing facility in Irwin County, triggered a multi-agency investigation spanning several months.
According to the Ocilla Police Department, the suspects made off with the oil, a concentrated form of cannabidiol used for pain relief, in a highly coordinated operation. Unlike marijuana, CBD contains minimal THC, the psychoactive component, and is widely sold in health stores and supermarkets as an additive in products like sodas and creams. Due to the scale and complexity of the case, local authorities quickly involved the Ohio Department of Agriculture and later collaborated with law enforcement in Texas to track down the alleged criminals.
Criminal Mastermind and Crew Apprehended
After a five-month investigation, officials arrested the four suspects believed to have orchestrated and executed the heist. Two of the suspects, Maurice Cornelius Williams, 41, and Deandre Meshack, were captured in Houston, Texas. They are accused of physically breaking into the Irwin County facility and loading the stolen oil into a rented U-Haul truck.
The other two suspects, LaShayla Jones, 31, and Aaron Wayne Smith, 29, were arrested in Dallas. Authorities consider Smith the operation’s mastermind, while Jones is suspected of playing a key role in coordinating logistics. After the oil was loaded into the truck, investigators believe it was transferred to another vehicle outside the county, making recovery difficult. As of now, the 3,000 liters of CBD Oil Heist remain missing, and it is unclear whether they have been sold or transported out of state.
Felony Charges and Tough Talk from Officials
All four suspects now face a range of felony charges, including second-degree burglary and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, with most of the charges directed at Smith. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper commended the efforts of the investigating officers and thanked the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, and the Irwin County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation.
“This case sends a strong message,” Harper said. “If you attempt to use agriculture as a cover for criminal activity, we will catch you and you will go to prison.” He emphasized the magnitude of the crime, suggesting it may be one of the largest thefts of CBD Oil Heist distillate not only in Georgia but possibly in the entire country.
As the investigation continues and authorities work to trace the missing oil, the arrests mark a significant milestone in what officials describe as a bold and calculated crime that crossed state lines and targeted a booming industry.
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