Former Attorney Arrested for Theft

Johns Creek police are investigating whether or not a local man could be linked to a series of thefts in the community.

Phillip Strickland, 38, of Johns Creek was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly broke into several vehicles, stealing nearly $50,000 in merchandise.

“We are still investigating and don’t know what charges [Johns Creek] might bring,” said Capt. Brian Weaver, who heads up the Johns Creek Criminal Investigation Division.

According to the police report, Strickland was arrested in Alpharetta after an officer spotted him on Lake Shore Landing in the Windward development.

Police were patrolling the neighborhood due to an eight-car break-in that occurred recently. The police report stated that Strickland was shaking during questioning.

The officer noticed several bags containing GPS devices, screw drivers, and other tools in Strickland’s vehicle. He was arrested after the officer found Phenobarbital, a barbiturate, in Strickland’s car.

The officer alleged that Strickland denied having any pills.

Upon further inspection of his vehicle, officers found multiple GPS units, laptops, and iPods. Police also found about 40 drivers’ licenses, social security cards and methadone pills.

Law enforcement from Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett and Cherokee counties are teaming up to see if Strickland is responsible for thefts in other municipalities.

“We are still in the preliminary stages of the investigation,” said Weaver. “We will be in contact with Alpharetta to see if any of the items found match our police reports.”

Weaver said that the Johns Creek Police Department would have more information on the case early next week.

Strickland is a former attorney, according to the State Bar Association of Georgia. He was disbarred by the Georgia Supreme Court in 2006. He was initially charged in 2004 and 2005 for allegedly of taking payments from clients without delivering legal services.