Hartwell, GA (February 4, 2021) – On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, GBI agents arrested R.C. Oglesby, 66, a former Hart County Commissioner, and charged him with one count of Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 1999.

The arrest stems from evidence seized in a large-scale racketeering investigation that was conducted by the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office in November 2019. Oglesby was arrested on November 7, 2019 and charged with 10 counts of Shoplifting and two counts of Racketeering.

During the initial investigation, electronic devices were seized as evidence. During the follow up investigation, child pornography was discovered on a device belonging to Oglesby.

The GBI agents involved in the case were with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office and the Region 11 Athens Field Office. The Hartwell Police Department was also present when Oglesby was arrested. Oglesby was taken to the Hartwell Police Department without incident.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this investigation can submit tips by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via Facebook IM at @appalachianrdeo, 706-348-7410, or by contacting your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department. 

The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Jackson County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County and Franklin County, Gilmer County, Fannin County, along with the Cleveland Police Department, Lavonia Police Department, the Toccoa Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Georgia Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Contact

Special Agent in Charge Trent Hillsman

[email protected]