In an ongoing investigation, law enforcement agencies have successfully apprehended James Watson of Ocean Springs, MS, following reports of a vehicle theft involving a falsified Cashier’s Check in Pearl River County.

The incident was reported to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department on December 20, 2023. Subsequent investigations identified James Watson as the suspect linked to the fraudulent transaction. On January 5, 2024, a search warrant was executed at 8097 Westwood Drive in collaboration with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI. This operation resulted in the recovery of the stolen vehicle and revealed Watson’s involvement in multiple felonies across Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Charges include Fraud, False Pretenses, and receiving stolen property, totaling approximately 13 counts.

On January 18, 2024, Investigators located Watson in the woods behind his residence. Upon apprehension, Watson was found in possession of fraudulent state driver’s licenses and a handgun. He is currently in custody in Jackson County, facing a total of 15 felony charges spanning across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.