The Tift County Sheriff's Office, the Tifton Police Department, in conjunction with Georgia Power Investigators, have been conducting a criminal investigation into power outages that occurred July 5 and August 12, 2023.

It was determined that someone had trespassed onto Georgia Power property on South Ridge Avenue in Tifton and cut off power from the substation.  Investigators also obtained information that the same person was involved in causing damage to other government buildings and vehicles.

That investigation has led to the arrest Sunday of 34-year-old Erik Stephens of Tifton.  Stephens is charged with two counts of Interference with Government Property, Criminal Damage to Property in the 2nd degree, two counts of Criminal Damage to Property in the 1st Degree and Damaging, Injuring or Interfering with Property of Public Utility Companies.

"This arrest once again points out the importance of working together in keeping this community safe.  These power outages affected thousands of people and businesses during the hottest part of the year and could have been detrimental to those in poor health and the elderly," according to Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough.

"We want to thank the members of local law enforcement for working with us on this investigation.  Any interference with our equipment not only harms our ability to serve the community, but is extremely dangerous," added Georgia Power Area Manager Toni Reid.

Stephens is currently housed at the Tift County Law Enforcement Center.