From Chief P.K. Johnson
Millbrook Police Department
Tuesday, Millbrook Police responded to Meeks Auto Sales regarding a report of a vehicle theft. Upon arrival, the owner of the business, Billy Ray Meeks-Carter, 25, of Montgomery, advised that a potential customer had left the business without remitting payment or his permission, stealing a 2013 Dodge Charger from the business. The complainant indicated to officers that he attempted to give chase, but lost sight of the vehicle while he was attempting to call 911. The responding officer completed a State Incident/Offense Report for Theft of Property 1st Degree, and the alleged stolen vehicle was entered into a national law enforcement database, with a BOLO
That is a (Be on the Lookout) being disseminated to surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Pursuant to an investigation, Millbrook detectives made contact with the alleged offender, who provided investigators with documentation indicating that he, in fact, entered into an agreement with the business to purchase the vehicle in December 2024 and had, made substantial payments towards the purchase of said vehicle. The remaining balance was due at the end of this month.
The man which Meeks accused advised detectives that he went to the business, where he and the owner were renegotiating the remaining payments due date, at which time the business owner reportedly advised that he would need to relinquish possession of the vehicle. The man advised that he refused, leaving the business, alleging that Meeks-Carter gave chase as he was leaving the business, intentionally colliding with the vehicle causing damage to the vehicle’s bumper. Warrants of arrest were obtained for Meeks-Carter’s arrest for Reckless Endangerment and False Reporting to law Enforcement Authorities.
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Billy Ray Meeks-Carter was placed under arrest on warrants issued by the Millbrook Municipal Court for Reckless Endangerment and False Reporting to a Law Enforcement Authority. Meeks-Carter was processed and released from custody upon satisfaction of bond.
This case was turned over to detectives assigned to our Criminal Investigations Unit, who spent valuable time and resources investigating the Meeks-Carter’s allegations. Their investigation concluded that it appears the alleged offender in the original report is a victim, as he appears to have entered into an agreement and had made substantial payments towards the property that he was alleged to have stolen.
Had Meeks-Carter advised the reporting officer that there was an existing agreement between the business and the buyer, this would have been documented as a civil matter and he would have been advised to seek remedy through Civil Court proceedings, as no crime appears to have been committed on the part of the purchaser. This situation could have ended up much worse had our detectives not conducted their investigation with promptness and diligence. Should the alleged offender be found guilty in this case, he may not only face fines, court cost and a jail sentence with regard to filing a false report, he may also be held accountable and ordered to pay restitution for expenses incurred by law enforcement during this investigation.
