Four suspects arrested in $3.6 million Georgia hemp oil theft

Georgia Department of Agriculture leads multi-state investigation into CBD distillate warehouse burglary

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Georgia Department of Agriculture officers, in collaboration with Texas law enforcement agencies, have arrested four individuals in connection with a multimillion-dollar interstate hemp oil theft that officials say may be one of the largest on record, according to a news release from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The arrests stem from the January 2025 theft of approximately 3,000 liters of CBD distillate—valued at $3.6 million—from the Second Century Ag warehouse in Irwin County, Georgia. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper announced the arrests this week, crediting the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Law Enforcement Division, Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Irwin County Sheriff’s Office for their coordination.

Elaborate theft uncovered through interstate investigation

Investigators say the suspects used a U-Haul vehicle, rented in Atlanta, to transport the stolen distillate. Surveillance and rental records led authorities to two suspects living in Houston, Texas—Maurice Cornelius Williams, 41, and Deandre Meshack, 24. The pair allegedly traveled to Georgia, broke into the facility, loaded the product into the truck, and transferred the cargo to another vehicle in a different county.

Forensic evidence and financial data later identified two more suspects, believed to be the organizers of the crime: LaShayla Jones, 31, and Aaron Wayne Smith, 29, both originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and residing in Dallas, Texas. Smith is believed to be the ringleader.

All four suspects were extradited to Georgia and are being held in Irwin County pending trial.

Charges filed against suspects

The following individuals face felony charges:

• Maurice Cornelius Williams (Houston, TX):

  • Second Degree Burglary (O.C.G.A. §16-7-1)

• Deandre Meshack (Houston, TX):

  • Second Degree Burglary (O.C.G.A. §16-7-1)

• LaShayla Jones (Dallas, TX):

  • Second Degree Burglary

  • Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (O.C.G.A. §16-4-8)

• Aaron Wayne Smith (Dallas, TX):

  • Second Degree Burglary

  • Conspiracy to Commit a Crime

  • Use of a Communication Facility in a Drug Transaction (O.C.G.A. §16-13-32.3)

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute (O.C.G.A. §16-13-30(b))

  • Felony Theft by Taking (O.C.G.A. §16-8-2)

Commissioner vows accountability

“I am incredibly proud of the work our officers did to ensure the perpetrators of this crime face swift justice,” said Commissioner Harper. “In Georgia we are sending a clear message: if you attempt to use agriculture as a cover for criminal activity – we will catch you and you will go to prison.”

The investigation remains ongoing.