Monday, March 10, 2014
Suspect Identified In Recent Theft Spree
Law enforcement officials were able to identify the suspect in a recent theft spree in Lawrence County 
and surrounding areas after releasing security photos to the public, seeking assistance.
Officials with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department report that Justin Paul Tidwell, age 34, of 411 Second Avenue South, Loretto is currently being held in a Middle Tennessee jail facility and will later be transferred to Lawrence County.
Tidwell faces outstanding warrants for two counts of theft over $1,000, possession of Schedule I (PCP) for resale, possession of Schedule IV (Tramadol) for resale, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheriff’s department officials report that he faces numerous other charges both locally and in Lauderdale County, Alabama.
Department officials indicate that they initiated the investigation on February 25 in regards to thefts in the St. Joseph area, near the Alabama state line. They were able to obtain security photos showing the suspect. The photos were released to the public via social media and identification was quickly made.
In a press release, department officials thanked the public for their assistance, saying, “The overwhelming number of views and shares on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department social media sites and assistance from the public is credited for the quick resolution of these cases.
