Willacoochee, GA (April 26, 2024) – The GBI has arrested and charged Brandi Hammond, age 38, of Valdosta, GA, with eight counts of Theft by Taking and one count of Financial Transaction Card Fraud. 

On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to conduct an investigation into allegations of theft by an employee of Freedom Trailers in Willacoochee. Hammond was the General Manager and CFO of Freedom Trailers.  

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the GBI executed a search warrant in the 4400 block of Mathis Mill Road, Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia. During the investigation, GBI agents, assisted by forensic accountants, determined that Hammond used various methods to steal over $600,000 from the company. 

Hammond was booked into the Atkinson County Jail.  

The Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office assisted the GBI in the search warrant and arrest. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office at (912) 422-3611 or the GBI Regional Investigation Office in Douglas at (912) 389-4103. Anonymous tips can also be submitted 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. 

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. 

Contact

Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist

Contact

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jessica Hamilton