Man sentenced to prison for identity fraud in Warner Robins

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Warner Robins man was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to identity fraud, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office.

38-year-old Demetrius Darnel Jones pleaded guilty on June 12 to two counts of identity fraud in Houston County Superior Court. He was sentenced to 12 years, with the first eight years to be served in state prison and the remainder on probation.

According to a news release, Jones entered his plea during the middle of his trial, which began June 11 after a jury was empaneled.

Jones was originally arrested on Aug. 12, 2024. Deputy Michael Watkins of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office made contact with Jones at a residence in Warner Robins while serving an unrelated warrant. During a search of Jones at the time of his arrest, Watkins found driver’s licenses in Jones’ wallet that belonged to other individuals.

An additional search of Jones’ wallet, conducted while inventorying his possessions during booking at the jail, revealed credit cards belonging to victims who did not know Jones.

Authorities say Jones has nine prior felony convictions for similar offenses involving theft and drug possession.

District Attorney Eric Edwards released the following statement:

“Demetrius Jones has made a career out of stealing from others, and this conviction ensures he won’t be able to do it again anytime soon. Identity fraud causes lasting harm to victims—it’s not just about money, but peace of mind. I’m grateful to Deputy Watkins and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office for their sharp attention to detail and thorough work in uncovering this case. Their commitment helped bring a repeat offender to justice.”