On December 20, 2023, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a vehicle stolen by a falsified Cashier’s Check.

Through the investigation, investigators identified James Watson of Ocean Springs, MS as the suspect.

On January 5 2024, Investigators conducted a search warrant at 8097 Westwood Drive along with Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.

Through the investigation by Pearl River County, as well as several other jurisdictions, Watson was identified as a suspect in numerous cases across Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana for approximately 13 felony charges, including Fraud, False Pretense, and receiving stolen property.

On January 18, 2024, investigators located Watson in the woods behind his home. Watson had a fraudulent state driver’s license and a handgun.

Watson is now behind bars and is facing approximately 15 felony charges throughout LA, MS, and AL.

Through the Investigation, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department recovered the victim’s stolen vehicle.