Three Charged in Connection With Stolen Property in Hart County

Three people are behind bars in Hart County – the result of an investigation into theft charges on Ivey Trail last week.

The story began after accusations of child molestation that allegedly occurred 2 years ago were made in a house where two families resided.

Those accusations led to one of the families moving out, and when they did, they allegedly took property belonging to the other family with them.

That alleged victim called the Hart County Sheriffs office to report his items missing.

Investigator Chris Carroll with the Hart County Sheriffs office said investigators found not only a property dispute, but also that the property disputed, was stolen from several locations.

Items recovered included two jet skis, a refrigerator, a flat screen TV and other household items – all initially stolen allegedly by the victim who reported them taken from him.

However, during the course of the investigation, the accusations of child molestation came out which lead to even further investigations.

After a week long investigation 3 persons were arrested.

43-year old Michael Patrick, of Hartwell is charged with theft by receiving stolen property and giving false statements to police.

18-year old Daniel Patrick of Hartwell is charged with theft by taking, burglary, criminal damage to property, and child molestation.

And 23-year old Chris Hawkins of Toccoa is charged with theft by receiving.

All three were taken to the Hart CountyJail.

The investigation is continuing.