A 43-year-old Douglas man was arrested and jailed for allegedly stealing 21 transformers that belonged to Satilla REMC in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The suspect, Eric Hunter, 43, of Douglas, had allegedly taken the transformers and had them laying in his yard.
An incident report states that on August 27, 2025, a deputy responded to 444 Island Drive in the Baymeadows community on a recovery of stolen items call. When the deputy arrived, she saw several transformers “clearly visible and in plain sight scattered throughout the yard.” The report says that 21 transformers valued at $9,800 were on the property. No one was at the home at the time; however, officers were able to confirm that the transformers belonged to Satilla REMC.
Officers eventually spoke with Hunter, who lives at the residence. He had recently been in the Coffee County Jail on charges related to another investigation. According to the report, Hunter admitted that he and several other people (whom he did not name) had gathered the transformers from all over the county right after Hurricane Helene. He said he knew it was wrong and he was sorry for doing so. However, he also said that “everyone was doing it,” according to the report.
Hunter was arrested and charged with three counts of theft by taking. He was booked into the Coffee County Jail and later released.