Press Releases: 2022

Lumpkin, GA (November 14, 2022) – Jamarion Arkeiaz Beauford, age 19, of Lumpkin, Georgia, was arrested following a joint drug investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Lumpkin Police Department. Beauford was charged with three counts of possession of narcotics, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug related objects, tampering with evidence, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. During the investigation, it was determined that Beauford is a member of a criminal street gang. Beauford was subsequently charged with 14 counts of participation in criminal street gang activity prohibited.

Jonesboro, GA (November 11, 2022) – Luis Cruz-Reyes, age 22, of Clayton County, Georgia, was arrested and charged with three counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit. The GBI CEACC Unit began an investigation into Cruz-Reyes’ online activity after receiving multiple cybertip reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the possible online distribution of child sexual abuse material. This investigation led to a search warrant of Cruz-Reyes’ home and his subsequent arrest on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. The GBI CEACC unit was aided in the execution of this search warrant by the Clayton County Police Department. Cruz-Reyes was taken to the Clayton County Jail upon his arrest.

Griffin, GA (November 11, 2022) – Charles Justin Mathis, age 32, of Spalding County, Georgia, was arrested and charged with one count of Sexual Exploitation of Children by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit. The GBI CEACC Unit began an investigation into Mathis’ online activity after receiving multiple cybertip reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the possible online distribution of child sexual abuse material. This investigation led to a search warrant of Mathis’ home and his subsequent arrest on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. The GBI CEACC unit was aided in the execution of this search warrant by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. Mathis was taken to the Spalding County Jail upon his arrest.

Richmond County, GA (November 10, 2022) – The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting and aggravated assault in Richmond County, Georgia. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on November 10, 2022. One deputy was shot and is stable.

Hazlehurst, GA (November 10, 2022) – The GBI has arrested and charged Daimon Smith, 18, of Hazlehurst, with felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of participation in criminal gang activity. Jermon Roundtree, 17, Ahmad Clements, and Cameron James, both age 16, all from Hazlehurst, GA, are arrested and each charged with party to a crime murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of participation in criminal gang activity.

Thomasville, GA (November 8, 2022) –  James Hudson, age 53, was arrested for murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in connection to the death of Jamal Tremayne Haynes in Thomasville.

Update - November 7, 2022

The GBI has closed the investigation connected to the incident that led to the death of Brianna Grier in Hancock County, GA. 

We met with the family to inform them that the GBI case was completed and given to the Ocmulgee Circuit District Attorney who decided against bringing the case to a civil or criminal grand jury.

For a copy of the redacted GBI investigation, please contact open records at [email protected].

Update – July 29, 2022

The GBI will be releasing bodycam footage to the public after agents review it with the family.  As a point of clarification to inaccurate reports, GBI agents have met with the Grier family in-person on multiple occasions since July 15.  Agents have also had several conversations with the family, providing them with investigative updates.  It has also been reported that the GBI released a 90-page report of prior incidents involving Brianna Grier.  The GBI has not released any reports of prior contact with law enforcement.  We have only provided investigative updates on this case as we’re working to learn what happened in Hancock County in the early morning hours of July 15, 2022. 

Norcross, GA (November 7, 2022) - The man involved in this OIS is identified as Sergio Gomez, age 52.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Norcross, GA (November 5, 2022) – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an officer involved shooting investigation in Norcross, GA. The Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on November 4, 2022. One man was shot and killed. No officers were injured during the incident. 

Update – November 4, 2022

Darious Devon Woods, age 26, of Chattanooga, is in custody for the death of Dakota Bradshaw after a multi-agency manhunt.  He was arrested in Chattanooga, TN overnight.  The following agencies assisted in his arrest:

* U.S. Marshal’s Service – Chattanooga & Southeast Regional Task Force

* Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

* Chattanooga Police Department

* FBI

Woods is facing murder charges.

ORIGINAL STATEMENT 8/25/22

Two men have been arrested in connection to the death of Dakota Bradshaw in Rossville, GA. Kavon Collier, age 23, of Huntsville, AL, and Eric Dodds, age 23, of Huntsville, AL have both been charged with murder.

Decatur, GA (November 4, 2022) – Justin Kennedy, age 35, of DeKalb County, Georgia, was arrested and charged with two counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit. The GBI CEACC Unit began an investigation into Kennedy’s online activity after receiving multiple cybertip reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the possible online possession of child sexual abuse material. This investigation led to a search warrant of Kennedy’s home and his subsequent arrest on November 2, 2022. The GBI CEACC unit was aided in the execution of this search warrant by the DeKalb County Police Department. Kennedy was taken to the DeKalb County Jail upon his arrest.