Hancock County Sheriff Office

10/10/2026

Good morning, citizens of Hancock County!

We are experiencing heavy rain and strong winds this morning. If you do not have to be out, please stay indoors and stay safe.

Our crews are out checking the roads for fallen trees, blocked roadways, and downed power lines. We ask everyone to use caution if travel is necessary and to stay away from any downed power lines.

We will continue to keep you updated as we receive more information regarding the weather and any storm-related hazards.

Please stay safe, Hancock County!

10/10/2026

Update on Linton Road!!!

The tree has been removed and power outages has been restored. Linton road is cleared for traffic.

Caution!!!!

Trees down on Linton Road. Power company out restoring power. Sheriff’s deputies out assisting with traffic.

08/16/2026

For immediate release:

At approximately 3 A.M. this morning, deputies responded to a report of an incident at a party on Beulah Highway in Sparta.

Upon arrival, it was determined that multiple gunshots were fired during the incident.

Five individuals were injured and transported to local hospitals, with one person listed in critical condition and four others in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 6 office.

Anyone with information about the incident please call the Sheriff’s Office at (706)444-6471 or Region 6 - Georgia Bureau of Investigation Investigative Division at (478)445-4173.

08/01/2026

On Friday, July 31, 2026, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) spearheaded a coordinated, multi-agency traffic enforcement initiative across Hancock County. Designed to enhance public safety, reduce traffic fatalities, and intercept illegal activity, law enforcement agencies established multiple safety checkpoints strategically located throughout the county.

This high-visibility operation was made possible through the close collaboration and joint resources of several partner agencies. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere thanks and gratitude to the following law enforcement partner for their vital assistance and dedication to regional safety.

Milledgeville Police Department
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Georgia State Patrol
Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD)
Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS)
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

As a direct result of this multi-agency effort, officers conducted numerous drivers checks, yielding the following enforcement actions:

Total Arrests: 12
Driving Under The Influence (DUI):6
Driving with a Suspended, Revoked, or No License: 6

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and our partnering agencies would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the motorist, resident, and citizen of Hancock County.

We deeply appreciate the patience, understanding, and overwhelming words of encouragement offered by the those passing through the checkpoints, community support is essential to our mission and your appreciation for our efforts to keep Hancock County safe is greatly valued.

Public safety is a shared responsibility. Thoughts strong inter-agency partnership and the continued support of our community, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all who travel through Hancock County.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Chief Investigator TS Resha
Hancock County Sheriff’s Office
67 Spring Street
Sparta, Georgia 31087
(706)444-1213

07/29/2026

Missing Person!!!!

George Wayne Pailloz
Age: 55
Height: 510
Weight: 210
Eye color: Green
Hair: Gray/ Brown

Last seen 2 days ago by family members, wearing a Georgia Bulldog ball cap, gray t-shirt and blue jeans. If located please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (706) 444-6471.

04/26/2026

Update on missing person!!!

Curtis Marple has been located by neighbor and has been safely returned back to his family.

Missing person!!!

At around 3:00 a.m, this morning Curtis Marple walked away from his home on Arrowhead Road here in Sparta, Georgia.

Station 2 Fire Department, Milledgeville Police Department officers with drone and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office are in the area searching for Curtis.

According to his family members he has health issues.

If anyone see him please call the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at (706)444-6471.

Curtis Marple
Age: 64
Male
HGT: 509
WGT: 175
EYE: Bro
Last seen wearing black jeans, Harley Davidson shirt w/grey shoes. Black hair bald in some spots and wear glasses from time to time. Curtis may just have on a white t-shirt unsure.

04/23/2026

04/23/2026

Starting today, much of South and Central Georgia are under a burn ban as we continue to respond to wildfires and deal with ongoing drought conditions.

We're asking all Georgians to do your part in preventing the spread of wildfires as response teams work around the clock to contain those currently blazing.

https://gatrees.org/state-forester-issues-burn-ban-for-south-georgia/

04/18/2026

Shoutout to the Sparta Sheriffs who received a call about a suspicious woman walking down the highway. 😳
Dat me.

This was after going to the Mount Zion Church experience and 3 hours before my body started failing me.

They were totally kind and respectful towards me, wanted to know my fb page, agreed to do a selfie with me, and asked me if I needed anything.

What a day!
Interesting discoveries,
Integral interactions,
Physical and mental challenges,
And a bunch of Stranger-Angels.
Not to mention I mastered 14.9 miles!
This day was fire!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

04/16/2026

On behalf of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of former Sheriff Richard Roundtree.

Sheriff Roundtree dedicated his life to public service, leaving behind a legacy defined by professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to this community. From his extensive training and years as an instructor shaping future law enforcement officers, to his leadership as Sheriff, he consistently demonstrated what it means to serve with integrity and purpose.

His vision for community engagement transformed the relationship between law enforcement and the citizens of Augusta. Through initiatives like the Community Services Division, neighborhood watch programs, and youth outreach efforts such as CHAMPS and Dad’s in Action, Sheriff Roundtree worked tirelessly to build trust and create opportunities for those most in need. His impact will continue to be felt for generations.

As the first African American Sheriff of Richmond County, he broke barriers and set a powerful example of leadership, perseverance, and dedication. His tenure was marked by progress, innovation, and a deep respect for both his deputies and the community he served.

Personally and professionally, I am grateful for the foundation he helped build. We will continue to honor his legacy by carrying forward his commitment to service, community, and excellence.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Respectfully,
Sheriff Eugene Brantley