Suspected Thief In Custody after 6 Day Search

Blairsville, Ga – William Trannies “Rainbow” Jones, a suspected thief, arrested on Saturday, August 3 by Fannin County Deputies after several days of eluding officers.

Fannin Deputies recognized Jones during a traffic stop and arrested him for outstanding warrants in Union County. Jones was wanted for violating parole, burglary, theft by taking, and obstruction/hindering an officer.

A resident of Young Harris, Jones evaded law enforcement from July 28 to August 3 before being apprehended by Fannin County Sheriff’s Office. His bond is currently set at $14,000.

According to Lt. Daren Osborn, Jones burglarized a couple’s home after being hired to help out with their Pleasant Grove Property.

Originally, he turned up on the property asking for scrap metal. Since the couple was moving out of state soon, they agreed to let Jones help out. Currently, only the wife resides in Union because her husband already moved to Alaska for work.

When she left town for a few days, Jones allegedly entered the residence through back windows and took several items from the home. He took approximately $4,000 worth of goods, and at this time, $75 has been recovered.

“He knew they were going to be gone for a few days, and he basically came back and entered the house through the back window,” said Osborn.

The owner of the home reported the items missing on Saturday, July 27.

A deputy spotted Jones’ truck on Sunday, July 28 with items that matched the description of the stolen goods.

However, by the time the deputy had turned around Jones had exited the vehicle and parked it at an Ivy Log residence before disappearing in the woods. He did know the people who lived at the residence, but they’re not involved with the crime.

The deputy ran the pick-up’s tags and discovered Jones had violated parole, but due to slow technology, it allowed Jones to escape.

“He didn’t know it was him. They just fit the description,” explained Osborn, “by the time [Georgia Crime Information Center] got all the information back to the deputy, he had fled.”

The deputy did impound Jones’ truck and confirmed that some of the stolen goods were in the truck bed.

Fannin County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jones during a traffic stop and held him for Union County for suspected burglary.

After being taken in, Jones stated that the owner of the home told him to have the items. Osborn confirmed that she did give him some of the items, but not all the items missing or found in Jones possession.

Jones has been helpful with the investigation and asset recovery since being questioned by officers.

Osborn noted that the Union County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Fannin County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation in this matter.