Sheriff Jarrard Recognized as 2021 Pioneer in Education
Press Release November 8, 2021
NOV 06, 2021
Stacy Jarrard began serving the citizens of Lumpkin County in 1988 when he started working for the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. Although a brief time was spent in Dawson and Forsyth Counties, it took less than three years for Stacy to realize he wanted to return to Lumpkin County where he was born, raised, and graduated high school. Serving the citizens of his hometown is Jarrard’s most important duty. Stacy lives in Lumpkin County with his wife, Rebecca, a staff member at LCMS, and their three children, McKenzie, Brianna, and Luke, all students in our school system.
Stacy has served in different capacities within the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, and has been our Sheriff since being elected to the position in November 2008. With the goal to make the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office the most professional agency possible for the citizens of our community, Sheriff Jarrard led the charge for his office becoming the 14th in Georgia to achieve state certification.
Sheriff Jarrard attributes the great success of the LC Sheriff’s Office to the hard work and dedication of the employees. Through his servant leadership model, the LC Sheriff’s Office is known for their high level of performance and their community involvement.
As a partner to our school district, Sheriff Jarrard remains committed to providing all five of our schools with a dedicated, full-time school resource officer. Not only are the school resource officers in our buildings and on our campuses every single day, but Sheriff Jarrard visits our schools and district office several times every week. On any given morning or afternoon, you might see the Sheriff directing school traffic or teaching DARE lessons in all three of our elementary schools. On Friday nights every fall, it’s Sheriff Jarrard leading the chain gang on the sidelines of our football field with his fellow Rotarians.
In the summertime when our schools are not in session, Sheriff Jarrard and the SROs teach a Junior Law Enforcement Academy and offer a driver’s education program for our 15-and-16-year-old students. Sheriff Jarrard further strives to serve Lumpkin County by offering hunter safety courses, firearms classes for citizens, continuing the Citizen’s Law Enforcement Program, and instituting the AT-EASE calling program (Assistance To Ensure A Safe Environment).
It’s without hesitation that we honor Sheriff Jarrard as our Pioneer in Education for Lumpkin County Schools this year. He is an exceptional public servant with a heart for children, and we are grateful for his leadership and his commitment to Lumpkin County.
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office receives life-saving donation of Narcan
News December 13, 2020
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – On Friday (Dec. 11) Lumpkin County received a badly-needed donation of approximately 60 doses of Narcan (naloxoneHCI) — a tool that can save the lives of people experiencing a drug overdose.
Jennifer Hodge and Forsyth County Commissioner Todd Levent withrealty4recovery delivered the gift to Sheriff Stacy Jarrard and the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.
Hodge’s son, Robbie, died in 2016 after a long struggle with pain killers and anti-anxiety medication.
“Our goal is to make sure no other parent goes through what we’ve been through,” Hodge said Friday. “Lumpkin County means a lot to us. They are our neighbors and to just know we can help them means so much. I’m very thankful and lucky the real estate community is standing tall and this year we have been able to donate 800 NARCANs to save lives. It’s going to make a lot of people very happy this Christmas season. When you are able to bring your child back and give them help that means everything to me.”
Jarrard said, “It’s a great day in this community and I’d like to thank Mr. Levent and Jennifer. I’d also like to thank (Lumpkin County Commission) Chairman Chris Dockery for hooking me up with them and getting this in motion.”
Commissioner David Miller stated, “I want to give a shout out to you guys in Forsyth County for bringing us this help. We appreciate it up here. As chairman of the Board of Health, I know we see a lot of (drug use) up here in Lumpkin County so any cooperation between our counties and the public and private sectors is what we’re looking for. We appreciate so much you coming out today to donate this.”
Levent said he and Hodge have worked together for many years on this project. “She called me the other day and let me know she had some extra Narcan to donate and I suggested we call Lumpkin County to see if they could use the donation.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Many roads closed in Lumpkin County due to fallen trees and power lines
News October 29, 2020
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard reported the following this morning at approximately 6:45 a.m.: “We have roads, state and county, that are completely impassable due to trees and wires down. We are unable to update the exact streets due to the number of closures. Please avoid the roads while the storm passes so that emergency personnel can work the roadways. Always assume that any wire down on the roadway is live and to avoid the area.
South Chestatee was closed down at approximately 7:15 a.m. in the area of Pizza Hut. Long Branch Road is closed due to many trees and wires down. Slow down and avoid the area while emergency personnel are on the scene.
Massive mail theft discovered in North Georgia
News August 26, 2020
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — According to a Facbook post from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, thousands of pieces of stolen mail have now been recovered.
Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said the theft spanned over five counties in North Georgia.
The Sheriff thanked those whose work led to the discovery of the missing mail. “Nice work to all the deputies and investigators involved with the solving of a huge mail theft case,” he said.
Jarrard added that the victims of the mail theft will be contacted shortly.
Follow Fetch Your News for more information on this case.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Sheriff’s Association accuses Fulton DA of political grandstanding
News June 21, 2020
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard and the Georgia Sheriff’s Association have accused Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard of political grandstanding for charging two Atlanta police officers in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks even before a GBI investigation had been completed.
Howard announced Thursday that he has charged Garrett Rolfe with felony murder and Devin Brosnan with aggravated assault.
In a letter issued last week, the Sheriff’s Association responded by accusing Howard of acting in his own self-inerest.
The letter states, “The Fulton County District Attorney is in the political fight of his life, and as part of his ongoing campaign strategy has chosen to hastily investigate and charge the two Atlanta police officers involved in the tragic death of Rayshard Brooks.
“Howard has trampled on the rights of Officer Garrett Rolfe and Officer Devin Brosnan and has further allowed this tragic incident to be more about his re-election than justice for the officers involved, the Atlanta Police Department and the citizens of our state.,” the letter states.
Howard is involved in a heated runoff election against fellow Democrat Fani Williams who has accused the D.A. with corrupt dealings through his nonprofit organization. Williams outpolled Howard 42 percent to 35 percent in the June 9 General Primary. The runoff election is set for Aug. 11.
Sheriff’s challenger a no-show at Chamber of Commerce forum
News May 20, 2020
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – Although Lumpkin County voters have already elected him three times, Sheriff Stacy Jarrard still felt it was important for him to appear before them to ask for their vote in person in the June 9 General Primary election. His opponent, Jack Jones, felt differently.
Jones was a no-show at the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce teleconference sponsored by Debbie and Chuck Jones Tuesday (May 19). Event moderator Robb Nichols read a prepared statement from Jones explaining his absence.
In an email addressed to Nichols, Jones said, “I am sorry to say that I will have to respectfully decline. At this point, the safety of my family and the citizens of Lumpkin County means the most to me. I need to lead by example when it comes to this gathering that could potentially infect other citizens or myself.”
Nichols said, “The staff and I organized this event to ensure the health of the candidates and volunteers present.”
Jarrard said he was surprised at Jones’ refusal to appear.
In a telephone interview Wednesday, Jarrard added, “Being sheriff, you can’t pick and choose when you show up for the citizens. I have to take a high dose chemo medicine every day but I was there. I’m willing to give my life for this community.”
Jarrard, 52, is a lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. He has been in law enforcement 32 years and sheriff for 12. He and his wife Rebecca, who works at the middle school, have three children, McKenzie, Brianna and Luke. He teaches an adult Sunday school class.
Jarrard said being in law enforcement is the dream of a lifetims. He was elected by his law enforcement peers to serve as President of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association this year. He is also the past president of Georgia Youth Homes.
“I work on issues every day not only here in Lumpkin County, but throughout the state with the Georgia Sheriff’s Association,” he said. “I’m just thankful to be here as your sheriff.”
Asked about the FY 2021 budget and what impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the Sheriff’s Office, Jarrard said he met with County Manager Stan Kelley last week to discuss the budget.
“We’ve worked on that already,” he said. The Sheriff’s Office has operated under budget every year of his tenure. One reason, he said is because, “I’ve brought in close to $5 million housing out-of-county inmates to help offset the taxes here in the community. For the last 12 years, we’ve always been able to give money back to the county.”
Jarrard said he posts the Sheriff’s Office budget on Facebook for the public to see. “You can see exactly what the sheriff’s office is spending.”
Jarrard also spoke about improvements that have been made since he was first elected. “We went through a certification program with the state of Georgia where we got certified three times and we also got the medical association to do the certification program at the medical facility inside the jail to show were operating at a high standard there. We’ve upgraded the 911 center making it a state-of-the art 911 center.”
That fact that he has established a good work relationship with state and federal law enforcement agencies was clearly evident last September as hundreds of demonstrators and counter protesters gathered in downtown Dahlonega for the “American Patriot Rally for President Trump.”
When he found out the event was planned, Jarrard sent out emails for assistance and 600 law enforcement officers from 36 local, state and federal agencies responded to keep the peace. The event ended peacefully without injury or property damage.
“There are four recent events where I’ve shown I have been successful,” he said. “I’ve had cancer and worked through it. I went through the Rainbow gathering week and was successful with that. I went through the political rally this past September. Now I’m going through the COVID virus pandemic and I’m still here for this community.”
He closed by saying, “I would be honored to serve you again for another term.”
Sheriff Stacy Jarrard makes strong case for reelection
News February 6, 2020
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – The first time he campaigned for Lumpkin County Sheriff in 2008, Stacy Jarrard promised to turn the agency into one of the most professional sheriff’s offices in Georgia. Thirteen months later, Lumpkin County became only the 13th sheriff’s office to achieve state certification.
Promise made. Promise kept.
Now, Jarrard is seeking his fourth term in office and he has built quite a resume for himself and the agency. After 31 years of carrying a badge and gun, Jarrard, 52, was named President of the powerful Georgia Sheriff’s Association last year, giving Lumpkin County a strong voice among state legislators.
He has been voted Best Elected Official 11 years in a row and Best Law Enforcement Officer 12 consecutive years.
But Jarrard is most proud of the 95 employees of the Sheriff’s Office. “We train as hard as we can throughout the year,” he said. “The state of Georgia only requires law enforcement officers to have 20 hours of in-service training a year. We require 60 hours. I believe in being the best trained agency we can be.”
Despite their level of training and professionalism, Jarrard says, “I’m always worried about their safety. When the phone rings, you’re always concerned about what is going on, what has happened. It’s like sitting on an egg shell. You’re always wondering if it’s going to crack somewhere.”
Jarrard’s concern intensified in the Summer of 2018 when approximately 4,000 out-of-county people descended on Lumpkin County for the Rainbow Family of Living Light gathering then again one year later at a pro-Trump rally on the square.
“Both had a potential to be real problems,” Jarrard said. “I’m thankful both ended well. Whenever you’re putting a plan together in that type situation where there is a potential for loss of life or loss of property. There was a lot of sleepless nights for me leading up to both events because of so much friction. But, as sheriff, you have to stay neutral. You can’t take sides.”
Jarrard said he is also proud of the advancement in technology at the 911 Center. “Our 911 system is unbelievable. It is state-of-the-art with the technology we have there now and we’re working on a system that will allow the public to text 911.”
Asked about the challenge of the next few years, Jarrard said the budget is a concern.
“We still have some growing to do,” he said. More upgrades of equipment are needed at the Justice Center and the roof at the detention center is 20 years old. “We will have to start roof repairs soon. We also need to get the pay up and we need better insurance rates for our employees.”
As a constitutional officer, Jarrard recognizes that he is required to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars.
“Housing out-of-county inmates like we have done for years, brings money into the community to help offset taxes,” he said. “It’s important the sheriff has the mindset to do that. I have that mindset.” He estimates that the county receives between $400,000 and $600,000 annually.”
Jarrard serves the community in many other ways. He has served on the Boards of Enotah Family Drug Court Foundation, Child Fatality Review Board, Lumpkin County Family Connection and No One Alone: Family Violence.
He and wife Rebecca have been married 16 years and have three children, McKenzie, Briana and Luke.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
LCHS announces upcoming REACH Adult Field Day event
Community, Education September 25, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019 and Lumpkin County High School will host the second annual REACH Adult Field Day event on March 28, 2020.
Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019, partnered with Lumpkin County Schools, hosts the event and according to LLC’s social media page, “The mission of the Leadership Lumpkin County Class of 2019 is to have an indelible and positive impact on the Lumpkin County community by advancing the post-secondary educational opportunities for these local students…We believe that by seeking collaboration with local businesses, community members, and sponsors, we will have a progressive impact on the future of our children. held each year to raise money in order to help underprivileged Lumpkin County students excel academically and reach their future goals.”
Last year, over 53% of LC students received free or reduced lunches, 150 students were homeless, and Lumpkin County had approximately 25% of their students receive a college or technical college post-secondary education. LCHS assistant principal, Jason Lemley, told FYN, “We have a goal to raise $20,000 this year! We raised over $15,000 last year, and we are confident we can get to 20K. We already have our first sponsor, and we will be reaching out to many others soon. Last year was a great first year, and we want this to grow year after year. Even if you don’t participate on a team, come out and enjoy the hilarious “talent” and join us for a day of fun!”
The event will be at the Lumpkin County High School. For more information, contact Mr. Lemley at LCHS.
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Update: Missing woman’s body found in Forsyth Co.
News September 25, 2019
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard announced today the body of 21-year-old Hannah Bender, has been found in a partially-wooded, partially-pasture land area off Parks Road in Forsyth County.
Hannah Bender
Authorities with the Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation were led to the discovery through leads developed during the investigation.
Ms. Bender’s mother reported her missing Sept. 14 and a murder warrant was issued for her one-time boyfriend Austin Todd Stryker, 21, of Dawson County. Authorities also want to talk to 78-year-old Jerry Harper they describe as a person of interest.
Investigators found a black Ford Ranger pickup truck on Monday near where the body was discovered they believe belongs to Harper.
Austin Todd Stryker
The West Virginia State Patrol Facebook page reports that Stryker was seen in Clay County, West Virginia.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Captain Marcus Sewell at 706-974-6824.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Dahlonega City Hall announces special called meeting
Community, Feature News September 5, 2019
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Dahlonega City Council will hold a special called meeting at the Dahlonega City Hall on September 5, at 4:30pm to discuss Ordinance 2019-time, manner, and place, and Ordinance 2019-25.
According to City Hall, Ordinance 2019 is, “An ordinance regulating planned and spontaneous demonstrations on public property.” Ordinance 2019-25 is, “An ordinance to encourage innovative and safe uses of unmanned aircraft while addressing concerns about accountability.”
The public is encouraged to attend.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
Lumpkin County Coroner announces plans to run for reelection in 2020
Community, Election, News July 26, 2019
LUMPKIN CO., Ga. — Lumpkin County Coroner Jim Sheppard announced to Fetch Your News Friday that he will run for reelection in 2020.
Sheppard has helped put Lumpkin County on the map during his current term as coroner by earning prestigious accolades for his outstanding performance while in office, which earned him the honor of being named the 2018 Coroner of the Year for the State of Georgia by the Georgia Coroners Association.
Sheppard told FYN that being named 2018 Coroner of the Year was, “A fantastic honor, but the cool thing about it was the partnership we’ve created with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, the Lumpkin County District Attorney’s Office, the fire department, and so many other players who were involved.”
Sheppard served 28 years with the Dekalb County Police Department and when he was asked about his current term as county corner, he expressed his deep gratitude to the community, “I’m incredibly grateful that the people of Lumpkin County elected me as their coroner…It’s not my office, I’m just the one who holds it. It’s the public’s office – I serve these folks.”
When asked what goals he wished to accomplish if he is reelected in 2020, Sheppard explained, “I’d like to work with the state somehow, some way, to expedite autopsy reports.” Sheppard further explained that he makes sure that he is available 24-7 to the families who have experienced loss. They are given his contact information and encouraged to contact him with any questions, no matter the day or time.
The 2020 primary election is May 19 with a runoff (if necessary) set for July 21. The general election is Nov. 3.
Follow FYN election news for the latest in local election coverage.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
LC Sheriff inducted as president of Georgia Sheriff’s Association
Community, Feature News July 30, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, was sworn in as the 2019-20 president of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association (GSA) on Thursday, July 25 during their annual Sheriff’s Summer Conference.
The conference is typically three days, ending with the induction ceremony. This year, the conference was located at Lake Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge and went from Tuesday, July 23 until Thursday, July 25.
Jarrard was sworn in by Lumpkin County Probate Judge, Michael Chastain. Judge Chastain told FYN that it was “certainly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to administer the oath to the officers of the Georgia Sheriffs Association, and in particular Sheriff Jarrard…As a resident of Lumpkin County, I am very proud of what Sheriff Jarrard has accomplished during his tenure as our Sheriff and during his career in law enforcement.” Chastain also explained why he felt Jarrard was “well suited to serve as the president of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association,” with the main reason being that he was “elected to the position by his peers…As a whole, the 159 Sheriff’s of the state of Georgia chose him to serve as their representative. This shows me an incredible amount of confidence in his abilities from the people who know best what is needed to be successful in the position.”
When asked what he hoped to accomplish as GSA president, Jarrard told FYN that his main goal was to make it so that Georgia’s local jailers, dispatchers, and anyone working in public safety would be able to receive Peace Officer’s Annuity and Benefits (POAB), “Unfortunately, when people first enter law enforcement, they have to work without it counting towards their retirement. I want to make that happen….Just like with a lot of professions, the entry-level employees are the hardest working of the whole establishment…that’s what I’m working hard for; I have a year to try and make this happen.”
Before being elected as GSA president, Jarrard had to work his way through the GSA, including being president of the GSA youth homes for three years, “I was already planting bugs at that time that I was going to run for this [GSA President] and that’s what my main mission was [POAB for all public safety employees].”
Lumpkin County Coroner, Jim Sheppard, attended the ceremony with his wife, Rhonda, and their daughter. Sheppard also expressed his elation over Jarrard as GSA president, “I am so, so proud of Stacy. Him being named the president of the GSA just furthers our footprint here in North Georgia that Lumpkin County is one of the top counties when it comes to elected officials, public support, the community, and the partnerships we’ve created together…he’s [Jarrard] is going to be a major player down at the capital. He’s going to have a strong voice.”
Former GSA president, Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, told Fetch Your News that during his term, his number one goal was to, “restore and rebuild bridges with our state politicians.” Nicholson further explained that collectively, the main priority of the GSA is public safety. He described his experience of handing the gavel over to Jarrard as a “very rewarding experience. I was very happy to hand over the gavel to Sheriff Jarrard; I feel like he’s going to do a great job.”
The GSA was founded in 1954 and is a non-profit corporation that is limited to 159 elected sheriffs who support the law enforcement community. According to the GSA website, their mission is, “To promote and further professionalize the Office of Sheriff in order to enhance public safety throughout Georgia.”
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
Johns Creek Man Dies in Dahlonega Motorcycle Crash
News October 21, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said a Johns Creek man was killed Saturday morning in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident on Towns Creek Church Road.
Lumpkin County Coroner Jim Sheppard identified the man as 49-year-old Rajendrajdnrda Jamadagni, Georgia State Patrol, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office and EMS responded to the accident.
Sheppard said Jamadagni was conscious when he was airlifted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center at 9:59 a.m. He was pronounced dead at 12:35 p.m.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Driver of Van that Plowed into Moe’s on Monday is Charged With DUI, Reckless Driving
News August 15, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Russell Moss, 28, of Woodstock has been charged with DUI and reckless driving after he struck six other cars then plowed into a crowded Moe’s Southwest Restaurant on Morrison Moore Parkway with a plumbing van during lunch hour on Monday.
Several people were injured, including Moss, who suffered what has been described as serious injuries. He was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. All but one of the injured were in their cars. Their injuries were believed to be non-life threatening. One person inside the restaurant was injured when he tried to jump out of the way.
Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard asked for prayers from the community for the victims.
The incident remains under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Murder suspect Stryker spotted in West Virginia
News September 24, 2019CLAY COUNTY, W.Va. — A Dawson County man wanted for murder has been spotted in Clay County, W. Va. according to a post on the West Virginia State Police Facebook Page.
Austin Todd Stryker, 22, was wearing blue jeans and a maroon shirt when he was spotted in Clay County late last night.
Lumpkin County has an outstanding murder warrant in connection with the disappearance of 21-year-old Hannah Bender who has been missing and is presumed deceased after her bloody clothing was located.
Carol Gilreath, Bender’s mother said she hasn’t heard from her daughter in 10 days. “My little girl is never coming back,” Gilreath told WSB-TV today. “She’s not coming back because she’d never do her mom like that.”
Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said yesterday that another Dawson County man, 78-year-old Jerry Harper, is a person of interest in the case.
Anyone with information regarding Bender, Stryker or Harper, please contact Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Captain Marcus Sewell at 706-974-6824.