A Bulloch County man facing criminal charges for financial crimes in Bulloch County, Toombs County, and federal court concluded one of his cases Wednesday.
Carroll “Tray” Belton Baird was arrested by the Statesboro Police Department in January 2024 on warrants alleging he stole $25,000 in vehicle down payments from Vaden Nissan in Statesboro. He was accused of stealing money in two different transactions – one in the amount of $15,000 and one in the amount of $10,000.
He was charged with two counts of Felony Theft by Deception and a Bulloch County grand jury later indicted him on four additional counts, including Identity Fraud (two counts) and Forgery (3rd degree).Â
Wednesday, Baird entered a Guilty Plea on the two counts of Theft by Deception and two counts of Forgery (3rd degree). The two Identity Fraud charges were dismissed as a result of the plea negotiations.
Baird was sentenced under the First Offender Act to a term of ten years probation for each Theft by Deception charge and five years probation for each Forgery charge. The sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning Baird’s maximum term on probation is ten years. He was also ordered to serve 150-180 days in a probation detention center, a condition which is suspended so long as he adheres to the other terms of the plea agreement.
Judge Matt Hube ordered Baird to pay $25,000 in restitution which must be paid in $500 monthly installments beginning in March. He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, plus any add-on fees, and will be subject to a curfew. Baird cannot possess any firearms and cannot use or be in the presence of drugs or alcohol.
Sentencing under the First Offender Act means that Baird’s conviction will essentially be expunged at the completion of his sentence so long as he does not commit any new crimes during the term of his probation.
Baird is also facing federal charges related to his business practices and previous bankruptcy filings and his case in Toombs County is for allegedly writing a bad check in the amount of $5,500 in 2023.
