Fayette County Sheriff's Office - Georgia

06/12/2026

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office is aware of a current scam that uses false documents, like the ones pictured in this post, to scare residents into believing they have active warrants for their arrest. These documents, phone calls, and text messages are very convincing, often containing personal information, official-looking seals, signatures, and legal terminology. Their goal is to create fear and pressure victims into complying with their demands.

Please remember:
- These documents are fake. We will not text you with a warrant.
- A county Sheriff's Office will not contact you regarding federal legal matters.
- There are no "gag orders" associated with arrest warrants. Gag orders apply to certain court proceedings or active trials—not warrants.
- There is no legal requirement to remain on the phone with someone because of a warrant. Claims of a "contact order" requiring you to stay on the line are false.
- Law enforcement will never offer you the option to pay money to avoid arrest or jail.
- Requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other immediate payment methods are clear signs of a scam.

If you receive a suspicious call, text message, or document claiming you have a warrant, do not provide personal information or send money. Hang up and contact your local law enforcement agency to report the scam.

06/11/2026

The intersection of Highway 92 and Veterans Parkway has officially been named the “Sheriff Randall Johnson Intersection.” This is an area where Sheriff Randall Johnson grew up and yesterday Senator Marty Harbin presented Fayette County’s Former Sheriff with a proclamation officially naming the intersection in his honor.

Sheriff Johnson dedicated most of his life to serving and protecting our community. He faithfully served the citizens of Fayette County for eight terms as Sheriff. His leadership and dedication helped shape the Sheriff’s Office and set a standard of service that continues today. Many of the men and women who continue to serve Fayette County were hired by Sheriff Johnson, including our current Sheriff, Barry H. Babb.

This intersection now serves as a permanent reminder of the countless lives he touched throughout his career!

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

On Friday afternoon, Deputy Sheriff Nelson and Lieutenant Akin assisted the Peachtree City Police Department, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol in a vehicle pursuit that began in Peachtree City, traveled into Coweta County, and ultimately returned to Tyrone.

Take a look at Lt. Akin’s dash camera in this video. You can see D/S Nelson take the lead in the pursuit and successfully execute a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver. All three occupants fled on foot but were quickly apprehended after a short run through the woods.

The following individuals were arrested and charged:
• Ryemeice Johnson – Reckless Driving, Driving Without a License, Felony Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, Felony Drug Possession, Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute, along with multiple traffic-related offenses.
• Jonathan Alexander – Felony Possession of Co***ne, Felony Possession of Co***ne with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Ma*****na Less Than One Ounce.
• Matthew Sullivan – Felony Possession of Co***ne, Felony Possession of Co***ne with Intent to Distribute, Financial Identity Fraud (5 counts), and Possession of Drug-Related Objects.

We appreciate the teamwork and coordination between all agencies involved that led to the safe apprehension of these suspects!

06/05/2026

Last week, a local couple received a phone call claiming they had missed federal jury duty and needed to make an immediate payment to avoid legal consequences.

The scammers instructed them to deposit more than $12,000 into a Bitcoin machine at a local gas station. The store clerk recognized the situation as suspicious and intervened before they deposited all of their money. Once they realized it was a scam, they immediately went to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and made a report.

Our investigators quickly began working the case and determined the call was part of a fraud scheme. Through their efforts, all of the deposited money was recovered.

While we are grateful for this outcome, it's important to remember that recovering stolen funds is rare, and in most cases, victims do not get their money back.

Please take the steps to protect yourself. Law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone and we will not ask you to send money, purchase gift cards, or deposit funds into cryptocurrency machines. If anyone is claiming you have a warrant, missed jury duty or owe fines that require immediate payment, BE SUSPICIOUS.
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it immediately. Your report could help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

06/03/2026

Odin and Watson visited Harp's Crossing Baptist Church VBS today to teach children about what Bloodhounds do and how they help law enforcement. The kids learned about tracking, got to meet the dogs up close, and discovered there's nothing to be afraid of when it comes to these four-legged deputies. Thank you to Harp's Crossing Baptist Church for inviting us to spend the morning with you all!

06/02/2026

**PLEASE SHARE**

We have received multiple reports of individuals impersonating one of our employees and asking citizens to pay money up front to avoid jury duty. This is NOT something the Sheriff’s Office will do (Or any law enforcement agency) or ever has done. We will never ask you to pay any money over the phone or ask you to give us gift cards/bitcoin in exchange of payment.

If you receive one of these calls, please be aware that is NOT a call from our office. Feel free to contact our watch office to report this scam or ask any questions: 770-461-6353

Please spread the word to friends, family, elderly and help protect them from this fraud.

05/29/2026

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Fayette County Investigators Warn Residents About Credit Card Skimmers

FAYETTE COUNTY, GA — Investigators are warning residents to remain vigilant after multiple reports of EBT-related scams involving credit card skimmers in local stores. Since February, three card skimming devices have been discovered in Fayette County dollar stores.

Investigators have discovered devices that are being attached to point-of-sale machines, also known as credit card readers, and are designed to closely resemble the original equipment. These devices are being used to collect individuals’ personal and financial account information without their knowledge. It is believed that skimming devices primarily target EBT card users and cards that require a magnetic stripe rather than chip or tap-to-pay technology. These skimmers are designed to steal banking and card information from unsuspecting customers during transactions.

Officials are encouraging consumers to carefully inspect card machines before using them and to monitor their bank accounts regularly for suspicious activity.

Please take the following steps whenever making an in-person purchase:
• Compare the card reader with other machines in the store to look for anything unusual.
• Check for loose or damaged keyboards and card readers.
• Pay close attention to tap-to-pay areas; if they appear broken or disabled, the machine may be forcing customers to swipe their cards instead.
• Gently tug or pull on the card reader or keyboard to see if any parts appear loose or tampered with.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate these incidents and reminds residents that awareness and caution are key in protecting personal and financial information. If anyone encounters a suspected skimming device, they should stop using the machine immediately and contact 911.

05/26/2026

Lieutenant Cooper serves as a Lieutenant with the Fayette County Regional Training Academy and was selected as the coordinator for the Academy’s inaugural class, Class 25-01, and he will also lead Class 2026-04.

Lt. Cooper began his law enforcement career after graduating from the Police Academy in May 1998 and has built nearly three decades of experience across patrol, investigations, special operations, and leadership roles. His career includes service as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Drug & Vice Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant/Shift Commander, and Deputy Chief of Police overseeing Investigations and Special Operations. He also dedicated 17 years to SWAT operations.

Lieutenant Cooper holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Columbus State University, and he also completed the Georgia Chiefs of Police Professional Management Program at Columbus State University. He also holds Georgia POST instructor certifications in Defensive Tactics, Fi****ms, Driver Training (EVOC), Speed Detection, PIT, and Taser instruction. He has earned both Intermediate and Advanced POST certifications as well as Supervision and Management certifications.

Since joining the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office in August 2021, Lt. Cooper has served in Criminal Investigations within the Fraud Unit, became a Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator, and has spent nearly two years with the Regional Training Academy. We greatly appreciate all he does to develop the next generation of law enforcement!

05/26/2026

UPDATE
Aneka Ross has been located safely!

UPDATE
Aneka Ross has been located safely!

MISSING PERSON

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in locating 17-year-old Aneka Ross. Aneka was last seen on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at approximately 5 AM, walking away from Bramblebush Chase in Fayetteville. She was last seen wearing a light-colored zip-up hoodie with light colored sweatpants, and she was carrying a bag. If you have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact the Fayette County Sheriff's Office immediately.