Hart County Sheriff's Office-Georgia

06/04/2026

Sheriff Chris Carroll and the men and women of the Hart County Sheriff’s Office are saddened by the loss of Mr. Jimmy Lee Gray.

Jimmy served as a longtime Bailiff with the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and faithfully served the citizens of Hart County through his work at the courthouse. He was a familiar face to many and was known for his dedication, kindness, and commitment to serving others.

Jimmy was a valued member of our law enforcement family, and his presence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Please keep Jimmy’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Thank you for your years of service to the people of Hart County.

Share Memories and Support the Family.

06/03/2026

🚨STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED – SUSPECT ARRESTED🚨

On June 2, 2026, at approximately 10:44 PM, Hart County deputies located a stolen 2004 Ford Super Duty that had been reported stolen earlier in the day from Elbert County. Deputies located the vehicle traveling on Anderson Highway headed toward Hartwell.

The vehicle eventually pulled into the Wendy’s parking lot on Anderson Highway, where deputies boxed the vehicle in to prevent it from fleeing. The driver, identified as Kaleb Ray Plyler, age 26, of Reed Brawner Road in Madison County, was taken into custody without incident.

Plyler has been charged with Felony Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Tampering with Evidence, and Criminal Attempt to Commit a Misdemeanor (Possession of Ma*****na). Additional charges may be forthcoming from the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office.

The stolen vehicle was recovered and will be returned to its owner.

Great work by the deputies involved in quickly locating the stolen vehicle and bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.

-Sheriff Chris Carroll

StaySafeHart

06/02/2026

🚨Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Drug Arrests🚨

On June 1, 2026, just before 1:30 a.m., a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 1998 Toyota Corolla on W. Howell Street near Leard Street in Hartwell.

The driver refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle turned left onto W. Franklin Street and continued traveling in the wrong direction behind First Baptist Church before turning onto Chandler Street and crossing E. Howell Street toward the rear of Synovus Bank.

The deputy performed a PIT maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop near the railroad tracks behind Synovus Bank.

The driver, Corey Randolph Gable, age 33, of Elberton, was arrested and charged with Felony Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, Driving Without a License, Unsafe Operation of a Vehicle, No Tag Light, and Headlight Requirements Violation.

A passenger, Amber Wilkerson, age 35, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Tampering with Evidence, Crossing Guard Lines with Weapons/Drugs/Intoxicants, Giving a False Name, and Failure to Wear a Seat Belt.

Both subjects were transported to the Hart County Jail without further incident.

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend the deputies involved for safely bringing the pursuit to an end and taking illegal drugs off the streets of our community.

-Sheriff Chris Carroll

06/02/2026

🚨Domestic Incident Leads To Pursuit and Arrest🚨

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, just after 8:00 PM, deputies with the Hart County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence on Forest Circle in Hartwell regarding a physical domestic violence incident.

While responding, deputies received information that the offender had left the scene in a white Ford Crown Victoria and was traveling on New Prospect Road. Deputies located the vehicle, turned around, and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and fled, leading deputies on a pursuit.

The pursuit ended at a residence on Tanglewood Lane, where the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The offender was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.

The offender was identified as Jamie Terrell Odister, age 32, of Hartwell. Odister was charged with Battery – Family Violence and Felony Fleeing and Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement.

We appreciate the quick response and professionalism of the deputies involved in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.

-Sheriff Chris Carroll

06/02/2026

This afternoon, severe thunderstorms moved through Hart County, causing significant damage in the Reed Creek, Old 29, and Cokesbury areas. In total, approximately 44 locations were reported with trees down across roadways and on power lines. There were also several reports of trees falling onto homes and vehicles, causing property damage throughout the affected areas.

Deputies with the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, along with crews from the Hart County Road Department and Hart County Fire Department, responded throughout the afternoon and evening to address these hazards and restore safe travel on our roadways. Thanks to the teamwork and dedication of all involved, roads were cleared as quickly and safely as possible.

A huge thank you to everyone who assisted during today’s storms and worked tirelessly to keep our community safe. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Hart EMC and Georgia Power for their quick response and hard work restoring power and addressing electrical hazards across the county.

-Sheriff Chris Carroll

05/29/2026

🎓 Congratulations, Hart County High School Class of 2026! 🎓

Today, you celebrate your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Reaching this milestone is no small feat, and each of you should be proud of what you have achieved.

On behalf of Sheriff Chris Carroll and the men and women of the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, we congratulate the graduates of the Class of 2026 and wish you success as you begin the next chapter of your lives. Whether your path leads to college, the workforce, military service, or another opportunity, we encourage you to pursue your goals with determination and integrity.

Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright, and we are proud to call you part of our community.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Memorial Day, Hart County 🇺🇸

Today we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives serving our country and protecting our freedoms. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sheriff Chris Carroll and the men and women of the Hart County Sheriff’s Office wish everyone a safe Memorial Day.

05/25/2026

🚨 Hart County — Stay One Step Ahead! 🚨

Have you downloaded the Hart County Sheriff - Georgia app yet?

📲 Get automatic National Weather Service alerts
🚔 View the inmate database
🔔 Receive inmate status change notifications
📢 Get important alerts and updates directly from the Sheriff’s Office

Everything you need to stay informed and connected — right at your fingertips.

Download it today and help keep your family prepared and informed.



Android

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.a1191&pcampaignid=web_share

Apple

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hart-county-sheriff-georgia/id6504203726

05/25/2026

⚠️ UPDATE – TORNADO WARNING EXTENDED FOR PARTS OF HART COUNTY ⚠️

The National Weather Service has issued an additional Tornado Warning for portions of southeastern Hart County until 9:00 PM EDT.

The storm capable of producing a tornado is moving northeast and will impact areas including Rock Branch, Ruckersville, and surrounding communities.

Residents in the warned area should TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building away from windows.

Damaging winds, heavy rain, and dangerous flying debris are possible.

Please continue to monitor local weather alerts and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.



🚨TORNADO WARNING🚨

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for Southwestern Hart County until 8:30 PM EDT.

A storm capable of producing a tornado is moving northeast at 25 mph. Areas near Bowman, Dewy Rose, Vanna, and southwestern Hart County should take shelter immediately.

Move to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. Do not wait to see the tornado.

Stay weather aware and monitor local alerts.

05/24/2026

🚨Investigation Leads to Arrest Following Stolen Vehicle Pursuit🚨

During the early morning hours of May 24, 2026, a white 2017 Subaru Outback was reported stolen from the area of Ridge Road in Hart County. A lookout was issued on the vehicle to surrounding agencies.

Just after noon, a Trooper with the Georgia State Patrol located the stolen vehicle on Hwy 17 in Lavonia. The Trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled.

The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into the guardrail on Gumlog Road at the bridge. The driver then exited the vehicle and jumped into the lake in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Deputies with the Hart County Sheriff’s Office along with officers from the Lavonia Police Department were able to get onto a nearby boat and safely remove the subject from the water.

The driver has been identified as Sean Austin Mays, age 29. Mays is currently in the custody of the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and has been charged with Felony Theft by Taking and Felony Entering Auto. Additional charges, including Felony Fleeing and Attempting to Elude along with several traffic-related offenses, are being filed by the Georgia State Patrol in Franklin County.

Great work by the Georgia State Patrol, Lavonia Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, along with Hart County deputies and investigators for their teamwork and quick response in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.

This investigation remains ongoing.

-Sheriff Chris Carroll