Forsyth deputies disrupt heavy equipment theft ring, arrest Conley man in Cumming

Deputies from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office intercepted a tow truck as it attempted to depart with a loaded skid‑steer and took 21‑year‑old Antonio Dozier of Conley into custody after a Georgia Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Division tip alerted investigators that a theft was about to occur on Feb. 18. The stop stopped the machine from leaving the scene and led to Dozier’s arrest on felony charges.

Investigators say the CVD contacted FCSO about a suspected heavy equipment theft ring that "might be targeting a location in Forsyth County" and warned deputies that a heist was planned for Feb. 18. Deputies allege Dozier took a taxi from Atlanta to a site in Forsyth County, contacted a tow truck company and directed the tow driver to load the equipment for transport, a method authorities say the ring used to move stolen machinery.

As the tow truck tried to leave the site with the skid‑steer aboard, Forsyth County deputies stopped the truck and took the suspect into custody. Officials describe the tow truck driver as believing the transport was legitimate; both the tow truck driver and the taxi driver were cleared of any wrongdoing after the stop and interview at the scene.

Dozier has been charged with felony theft by taking and loitering and prowling and remains in custody without bond. Officials say the investigation into the suspected theft ring remains ongoing, and no further suspects or charges have been announced at this time.

FCSO social media posts quoted by local coverage captured the office’s social tone about the case, saying in part, "he loaded a skid‑steer onto a tow truck and was attempting to depart with it when the FCSO North Units dropped the net on him." The department’s Instagram excerpt added, "Happy Felony Friday Forsyth!" and noted that the suspect "could not provide a reasonable explanation for being in the area and why he had loaded the equipment."

Authorities credit the Georgia Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Division tip for preventing the removal of the equipment and emphasize the probe into the broader suspected theft scheme is continuing. Deputies say they will pursue additional leads as the ongoing investigation develops.