Lowndes County, Georgia - January 20, 2012 -

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office has recently been investigating a number of residential burglaries, including one that occurred at a residence located on Georgia Highway 122 on Wednesday, January 18 and another on U.S. Highway 41 North on Thursday, January 19. Both of these events are in the Hahira area of Lowndes County. During these investigations, investigators identified Zachary Mark Richards as a potential suspect.

It was learned that Richards lived in Lakeland so the assistance of the Lakeland Police Department and the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office was sought in furthering the investigations. During a joint effort, Zachary Richards was located at his home and subsequently interviewed. These interviews resulted in the admission of Richards of his participation in burglaries in Lowndes and Lanier County. Richards may have possibly committed burglaries in other surrounding counties. Sheriff’s Office investigators have reached out to the other jurisdictions to assist in those events. This investigation is on-going and additional arrest may be forthcoming.

Additional information on the burglaries that occurred in Lanier County can be obtained from the Lakeland Police Department at {229} 482-3300.

Zachary Richards was transported to the Lowndes County Jail where he awaits on arraignment hearing this afternoon where a bond will be considered.

I.D. data: Richards, Zachary Mark
40 years old
78 West Thigpen Avenue – Lakeland, Georgia
Charges: 2 counts burglary – felony

Sheriff Prine commended the efforts not only of Sergeant Jack Winningham and Investigator Troy Black, but that of the all the investigators and agencies that were involved. The combined efforts of all involved resulted in the speedy identification and arrest of Richards.