Teens arrested in theft of judges’ vehicles; deputies probe possible connection

Three teens are in custody after four vehicles were stolen from two local judges late Monday and early Tuesday.

Bibb County sheriff’s investigators arrested two Macon 18-year-olds, Maury Makel Frye and Monteris Jackson, and a 14-year-old girl, whose identity was not released.

Sometime after 11:30 p.m. Monday, three vehicles and a gun were taken from the driveway of Bibb Superior Court Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self.

A Ford Expedition found nearby was stolen from the wife of Houston State Court Judge Jason Ashford.

“I’m convinced its random,” Self emailed The Telegraph after the arrests.

Ashford said he had not received any recent threats and assumed it was a “strange coincidence.”

Deputies recovered all of the vehicles, including a rental Dodge Journey that was in Self’s driveway, along with his Ford F150 pickup and his wife’s Toyota Sequoia.

The pickup was found wrecked early Tuesday morning, which prompted deputies to go to Self’s home off Zebulon Road.

Self said he was asleep when the vehicles were taken.

A handgun stolen with other personal items has been recovered, according to the news release.

Investigators still are trying to determine how Ashford’s wife’s vehicle was used in the case.

Tina Ashford’s 2002 white Ford Expedition was taken from Middle Georgia State University between 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday.

It was found at Powers Plantation off Zebulon Road, near Self’s home, and is considered evidence in the theft at the Bibb judge’s home.

Frye is charged with theft by taking and criminal trespass.

He also is wanted for other crimes and is being held on a $26,600 bond. Jackson is charged with theft by receiving stolen property and is being held on a bond of $4,050.

The juvenile female was charged with theft by receiving stolen property.

She was released to a parent and has a court date pending.

This story was originally published November 30, 2016 at 10:03 AM with the headline "Teens arrested in theft of judges’ vehicles; deputies probe possible connection."