BUFORD — A man already serving a sentence for burglary has been charged in connection with an August break-in at the North Gwinnett Co-Operative, a nonprofit that has served struggling families in the Buford area for more than 30 years.
The burglary occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 19, when a suspect hurled a rock through a window at the Co-Op’s facility on Commerce Drive to gain entry, Executive Director Kim Phillips said. Surveillance footage captured the break-in.
Inside, the suspect stole thousands of dollars in cash — money that had been set aside to help families with food, utility bills and medication. The break-in also caused extensive damage to the building.
“You didn’t steal from us, you stole from the people we serve,” Phillips said. “And that’s the part that hurts my heart.”
Gwinnett County Police identified the suspect as Lavan Hickman, 38, of Clarkston. Investigators said Hickman was on work release from the Gwinnett County Correctional Institute at the time of the incident, where he was serving a sentence for burglary convictions earlier in 2024.
Police determined that Hickman left the facility on work release prior to committing the burglary. He has been charged with burglary and second-degree criminal damage to property.
Phillips said while the crime deeply affected the organization, she believes the suspect may have acted out of desperation.
“Obviously, he’s in a really tough place right now and I wish that he would’ve reached out to us for help,” she said. “We ask for prayers for our staff, volunteers and the young man who broke in. We pray that he finds peace and stability that he is apparently desperately in need of.”
Despite the setback, the North Gwinnett Co-Op — which has served the Buford community since 1991 — remains committed to its mission of supporting families in crisis.
“We are blessed with amazing volunteers. Our volunteers helped us get cleaned up and put back together the next day,” Phillips said.
The nonprofit is encouraging community members to rally around the organization in this time of need. In particular, the Co-Op is seeking sponsors for its Food Truck Mondays program, which provides 300 hot meals twice a month in addition to groceries.
“This community has always stepped up,” Phillips said. “I believe they will again.”
The investigation is ongoing.