GEORGIA MAN EXTRADITED IN $20K+ FRAUD CASE

HARDIN — A Georgia man is now in custody in the local area following a lengthy investigation and extradition tied to a major fraud case impacting Calhoun County, Illinois.

Authorities say 57-year-old Timothy R. Whitaker of Augusta, Georgia is facing charges of theft and wire fraud involving more than $20,000.

The investigation began in June of 2025 after the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint alleging theft and fraudulent financial activity. Corporal Nicholas McCall conducted an extensive investigation that included multiple court-authorized search warrants for banking records, cellular data, and surveillance footage.

A warrant for Whitaker’s arrest was issued in August of 2025. He was later taken into custody in December by authorities in Georgia before a months-long extradition process brought him back to west-central Illinois.

On March 1, deputies transported Whitaker from Augusta, Georgia back to the region, where he is now being held at the Pike County Jail awaiting further court proceedings.

Officials say the case required coordination between multiple agencies, including law enforcement in Georgia and the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office. Sheriff Zach Hardin also credited Corporal McCall for his work, saying the case likely would not have been solved without his thorough investigation.