HCSO NARRATIVE:
“Property crimes investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) have arrested a Gainesville man following an investigation into multiple thefts from boat owners in the area.
To date, HCSO investigators have charged Billy Joe Toler, 48, with seven felony counts of theft by deception.
The investigation determined Toler operated a boat repair facility in the 5300 block of Browns Bridge Road. Boat owners would bring their boats to the business for repairs, paying Toler in advance for the work, but Toler would either fail to complete the repairs or not perform the work at all. Investigators found the criminal activity dated back to May 2021.
Toler stole in excess of $25,000 from the seven victims, according to the investigation, and investigators believe other boat owners could have been victimized. Anyone who has information on additional criminal activity should contact Investigator Vaughan at 770-503-3153.
Toler was arrested Monday, August 14, and at last check he remained in the Hall County Jail on a bond of $39,900.”