COVINGTON, Ga. - Covington's newest fitness center has seen several entering auto incidents and the Covington Police Department has put one man behind bars related to the incidents.
Two entering auto incidents happening Oct. 23 between 6 and 7:30 p.m. and two incidents Oct. 25 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. occurred where the suspect took wallets and car keys from unlocked lockers in the Planet Fitness locker room - or in one case, a lock was cut from the locker.
The car keys are then used to gain access to the victim's cars outside where more items were taken.
"In two of the incidents, the suspect has attempted to use the victim's stolen credit cards at fast food and grocery store locations," according to a CPD news release. "Employees at the fast-food restaurant described the suspect as a white male wearing a wool beanie and t-shirt, driving a gray vehicle."
With the help of Planet Fitness employees, officers were able to determine and identify the suspect.
"On Friday, Oct. 26, Planet Fitness employees called 911 and advised that the male suspect, identified as Nathaniel Silverman, was back on location in the locker room," according to the release. "Officers arrived on scene and were able to take Silverman into custody without incident.
"Silverman was brought back to the Covington Police Department to be interviewed where he confessed to the thefts."
According to the Newton County Sheriff's Office website, Silverman is facing 16 charges, including five charges of financial transaction card theft (felony), four charges of financial transaction card fraud (misdemeanor), five charges of theft by taking (misdemeanor) and entering automobile with intent to commit a theft or felony (felony). The Oxford man is still booked in the Newton County Jail and his bond has been set at $32,500.
"We encourage anyone who is going to use the lockers at any gym, to use a lock and properly secure their valuables," according to the release. "Do not leave any items unsecured and unattended."
---
The Covington News has requested a mugshot of Silverman. This story will be updated as information is received.
