PRESS RELEASE-

Operation Take Back
On September 11–12, 2025, a two-day initiative targeting criminal activity in Franklin County. The coordinated operation resulted in several significant arrests, traffic enforcement actions, and warrant services.
Participating agencies included:
• Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO)
• Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)
• GBI Metro Gang Task Force
• FBI Athens Middle Safe Streets Gang Task Force
• Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS)
• Georgia Department of Community Supervision IRT
• Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO)
• Georgia State Patrol (GSP)
• Georgia State Patrol Nighthawks North
• Lavonia Police Department (LPD)
Day One – Traffic Enforcement (Franklin County)
On September 11, 2025, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, and Lavonia Police Department conducted proactive traffic enforcement along major corridors in Franklin County. The results of Day One included:
• 215 traffic stops
• 32 citations issued
• 98 warnings given
• 7 K9 deployments
• 8 Total Arrest
Day Two – Targeted Enforcement (Franklin County)
On September 12, 2025, law enforcement continued their efforts in Franklin County, focusing on fourth amendment searches, warrant services, and “knock and talks.” These efforts led to the felony arrest of six individuals, all of whom were transported to the Franklin County Detention Center.
To our citizens, I want you to know: we will continue to take proactive steps to combat crime, hold offenders accountable, and ensure that Franklin County remains a safe place to live, work, and raise families.

Released by: Sheriff Scott Andrews