Press Releases: 2021

Wrightsville, GA (March 1, 2021) – On Tuesday, February 9, 2021, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC) executed a search warrant at the residence of John Harris Carter, 25, in Wrightsville, Johnson County, GA. An investigation into Carter’s internet activity by the GBI’s CEACC Unit began after a report was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) related to the sexual exploitation of children by Carter via the internet. This investigation led to a search warrant of Carter’s residence in Johnson County, GA. As a result of the investigation, Carter was arrested and charged with one count of Distribution of Child Pornography. The GBI was assisted in this investigation by the Wrightsville Police Department and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Carter was booked into the Johnson County Jail.

Metter, GA (March 1, 2021) – On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC) executed two search warrants related to a Sexual Exploitation of Children investigation involving Chad Anthony Barrett, 26, of Metter, GA.  An investigation into Barrett’s internet activity by the GBI’s CEACC Unit began after a report was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) related to the sexual exploitation of children by Barrett via the internet. This investigation led to the execution of the search warrants at Barrett’s residence in Candler County, GA and at Barrett’s employer in Emanuel County, GA. As a result of the investigation, Barrett was arrested and charged with one count of Distribution of Child Pornography. The GBI was assisted in this investigation by the Stillmore Police Department, the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office. Barrett was booked into the Emanuel County Jail.

Byron, GA (March 1, 2021) – On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC) executed a search warrant at the residence of Ronald Mike Sanford, 71, in Byron, Peach County, GA. An investigation into Sanford’s internet activity by the GBI’s CEACC Unit began after a report was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) related to the sexual exploitation of children by Sanford via the internet. This investigation led to a search warrant of Sanford’s residence in Peach County, GA. As a result of the investigation, Sanford was arrested and charged with one count of Distribution of Child Pornography. The GBI CEACC unit was assisted in this investigation by the Peach County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI Region 13 Field Office. Sanford was booked into the Peach County Jail.

On Friday, February 26, 2021, the GBI charged McIntosh County Deputy Mark Gibson, age 48, with Aggravated Battery & Violation of Oath of Office.

On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office requested that the GBI investigate allegations that Deputy Gibson severely injured a woman who was in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office. The investigation showed that Deputy Gibson body slammed the handcuffed woman, causing serious injury. 

Ringgold, GA (February 27, 2021) - On Saturday, February 27, 2021, at approximately 3:00 a.m, the GBI was requested by the Catoosa County Sheriff's Office to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred at 12957 Alabama Highway, in Ringgold, GA.

Mount Airy, GA (February 26, 2021) – On Thursday, February 25, 2021, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC) and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence of Brenton Lee Lawson, 36, in Mount Airy, Habersham County, GA. An investigation into Lawson’s internet activity by the GBI’s CEACC Unit began after a report was received from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) related to the possession of child pornography by Lawson via the internet. This investigation led to a search warrant of Lawson’s residence in Habersham County, GA, and subsequently Lawson’s arrest. As a result of the investigation, Lawson was arrested and charged with three counts of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Methamphetamine. Lawson was booked into the Habersham County Jail.

On Thursday, February 25, 2021, Derek “Al” Sneed, age 39, was arrested in Marietta and charged with one felony count of false statements and writings.

On May 6, 2020, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office to investigate allegations that a local nonprofit agency was providing false documents for criminal defendants.  Through the investigation, it was determined that Sneed, founder of the non-profit organization Alliance of Dreams, was selling community service hour certifications in exchange for cash. 

On Thursday, February 25, 2021, Andrew Carlisle was arrested in connection with the vandalism of the Georgia Department of Public Safety Headquarters building.

On Sunday, July 5, 2020, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Georgia Department of Public Safety to investigate damage and destruction of property at their headquarters located at 959 United Avenue, SE, in Atlanta.

UPDATE: On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, the GBI arrested Lennon Roberts, Jr. aka “Bug,” age 35, of Lakeland, GA, in connection to the death of Rodney Flowers, found murdered on February 21, 2021. Roberts was charged with Felony Murder, Malice Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Tampering with Evidence, and Arson Second Degree. Roberts was booked into the Lowndes County Jail.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lakeland, GA (February 22, 2021) – On Sunday, February 21, 2021, the GBI’s Douglas Regional Office was requested by the Lakeland Police Department to conduct a death investigation.

Clermont, GA (February 25, 2021) – On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office executed a search warrant at 7058 Britt Gailey Rd, Clermont, GA as the result of a four-month investigation. ARDEO was assisted by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the White County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.