Richmond County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit-Georgia

05/20/2026

On May 19, 2026 Deputy John Wade and K9 Duke responded to an area to assist our Crime Suppression Team with a traffic stop where the occupants fled.

Upon arrival K9 Duke was deployed in the area that the subjects were last seen. Duke tracked approximately 100 yards into a wooded area where he located one of the occupants.

Great job Deputy Wade and K9 Duke. All of your hard work and training do not go unnoticed!!!

05/16/2026

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office K9 Roy has received donation of body armor

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, GA - K9 Roy has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Roy’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718

05/13/2026

Great job to all involved, to included Deputy Hawkins and K9 Roy. Great Job!!!

𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧 | 𝗗𝗥𝗨𝗚 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

On May 12, 2026, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, working in coordination with the Crime Suppression Team and the Richmond County Marshal’s Office, conducted a targeted investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) responsible for moving large quantities of ma*****na throughout the Central Savannah River Area.

Investigators developed intelligence indicating the organization was transporting bulk narcotics across multiple states using commercial airline flights.

During the operation, deputies arrested Julian Gutierrez and Rigoberto Santacruz at Augusta Regional Airport after both were found in possession of approximately 120 pounds of ma*****na concealed inside multiple suitcases, consistent with the DTO’s trafficking method.

A subsequent narcotics search warrant was executed at 2904 Washington Road, Room 207, West Bank Inn, where investigators arrested Agustin Castaneda. Castaneda was found in possession of an additional 65 pounds of ma*****na, also concealed inside suitcases.

In total, investigators seized approximately 185 pounds of ma*****na with an estimated street value exceeding $230,000.

All three suspects — Gutierrez, Santacruz, and Castaneda — were charged with Trafficking in Ma*****na.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley commends the outstanding work of the Narcotics Division, Crime Suppression Team, and the Richmond County Marshal’s Office for their continued commitment to disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics and protecting the citizens of Richmond County.

04/15/2026

On Tuesday, K9 Jack assisted the RCSO Narcotics Unit and DEA in the arrest of three individuals engaged in co***ne trafficking. Three men from Florida were apprehended and charged with trafficking close to nine pounds of co***ne.

03/21/2026

03/21/2026

Congratulations to Deputy Lora Hucko on completing one of Law Enforcement’s most challenging classes.

The entire unit is proud of her and can’t wait to watch her share her knowledge while teaching classes.

Congrats again!!!

03/19/2026

03/19/2026

Westside Animal Hospital has donated medical kits to every K-9 unit in the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

03/14/2026

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office K9 Arie has received donation of body armor

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, GA - K9 Arie has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Arie’s vest was sponsored by Bridget Saunders of Elkton, MD and embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states,made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org (http://www.vik9s.org/), or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.