Richmond County Sheriff Eugene “Gino Rock” Brantley has done it again, personally intervening to stop a shoplifter at a local Walmart, marking his second on-the-spot arrest in just four months.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the most recent incident occurred around 3:39 p.m. Friday at the Walmart on Wrightsboro Road. Deputies were dispatched after store employees spotted a woman, later identified as Shateria Glover, attempting to leave with $51.66 worth of merchandise by scanning incorrect prices. It’s a technique often referred to as “ticket switching.”
But before Glover could make her exit, she ran into an unexpected obstacle: the county’s top law enforcement officer.
As Glover passed through the first set of doors, a Walmart employee recognized her and immediately alerted Sheriff Brantley, who happened to be entering the store at the time. Sheriff Brantley quickly turned around, located the suspect outside, and detained her until store security and deputies arrived. Glover was arrested and taken to jail.
“Those who steal are the reason prices continue to rise for others who may be struggling but do not resort to crime,” Sheriff Brantley said in a statement. “We must do better as a community. Less than 10 percent of our population are causing problems for all of us in Augusta, and we at the RCSO are going to do our part to change that.”
The Sheriff’s remarks follow a similar arrest he made back in May, when he chased down a shoplifting suspect who fled on foot from the very same Walmart. In that case, Brantley sprinted after the suspect — later identified as John Henebery — and detained him near North Leg Road.
Henebery was convicted five days later and sentenced to 12 months’ probation and a fine.
Sheriff Brantley has made no secret of his desire to be a “working Sheriff,” one who doesn’t just manage from behind a desk but actively patrols, engages with the public, and steps in when needed.
“It’s all in a day’s work,” the sheriff said after his first citizen’s arrest. “When I have the opportunity to be involved and prevent crime or apprehend someone breaking the law, that’s what I do.”
The Sheriff’s Office says it remains committed to holding offenders accountable at every level, while also emphasizing the importance of mentorship, education, and outreach, particularly for Augusta’s youth.
Still, Sheriff Brantley has made clear that consequences must follow criminal behavior.
“Accountability is not punishment,” he said. “It’s a necessary part of change.”
With two shoplifting arrests now under his belt, the Sheriff seems to be sending a clear message: if you’re planning to steal in Richmond County, don’t be surprised if the man catching you in the act is wearing a badge… and running the department.
FULL STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF BRANTLEY:
“We must do better as a community and as a society. Small crimes such as shoplifting, drug use, panhandling, etc. as these all lead to larger problems within our community. Those who steal are the reason prices continue to rise for others who may be struggling but do not resort to crime. Additionally, when theft occurs, our community loses valuable tax revenue that is meant to benefit everyone. We need to start having real conversations and holding each other accountable for our actions to make each other better. Less than 10 percent of our population are causing problems for all of us in Augusta, and we at the RCSO are going to do our part to change that negative behavior for the better.”
