News Summary
Georgia’s Attorney General Chris Carr has announced the expansion of the Gang Prosecution Unit to Savannah to combat gang violence in Chatham County. This new initiative includes hiring two team members with extensive legal and law enforcement experience. Backed by over $268,000 from the state’s budget, the unit aims to investigate and prosecute gang-related crimes effectively. This expansion follows significant achievements, including over 115 convictions since the unit’s inception, highlighting the state’s commitment to community safety and crime reduction.
Savannah
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has announced the expansion of the Gang Prosecution Unit to Savannah, aimed at tackling violent gang activity in Chatham County. This initiative includes the hiring of two new team members: Brian DeBlasiis as Assistant Attorney General and Jacob Hesting as Criminal Investigator. The new unit will focus on investigating and prosecuting gang-related crimes in the area.
DeBlasiis, who has previously served as the First Chief Assistant District Attorney in Chatham County, brings substantial legal expertise to the position. Hesting, with experience as a Corporal in the Savannah Police Department’s Gang Unit, adds practical knowledge of local gang dynamics. This strengthened team is part of a broader strategy to disrupt and dismantle violent street gangs operating within Georgia.
The expansion will be supported by over $268,000 allocated in the state’s Fiscal Year 26 budget, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Brian Kemp earlier this year. This financial backing aims to empower local law enforcement in their efforts against gang violence.
Recent Efforts and Notable Achievements
Since its inception on July 1, 2022, the Gang Prosecution Unit has secured over 115 convictions across the state. This success highlights the effectiveness of the unit, which is part of the Attorney General’s broader Prosecution Unit that also addresses human trafficking, white-collar crime, and organized retail crime.
In Georgia, data indicates that there are approximately 127,732 known gang members and associates associated with around 1,974 violent gangs. The Gang Prosecution Unit has displayed its capabilities in prior cases, including a recent 333-count indictment that charged 30 alleged gang members in Augusta. In Savannah, recent investigations led to the indictment of 19 individuals, with three suspected gang members charged for assault and armed carjacking in connection with the “Rock Out Gang.”
Community Partnership and Prevention Initiatives
To further combat gang activity, the partnership with local law enforcement is crucial. The Savannah Police Department has collaborated with the Gang Prosecution Unit in its recent prosecution efforts, emphasizing a united front against organized crime.
In addition to enforcement, state lawmakers are focusing on prevention and intervention measures to mitigate gang influence. Representative Carl Gilliard has underscored the importance of investing in youth programs as a part of a long-term community improvement strategy.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Gang Prosecution Unit to Savannah signifies a proactive step in addressing violent gang activity in Chatham County. By enhancing legal enforcement resources and fostering collaboration with local law enforcement, Georgia’s commitment to maintaining community safety and holding gang members accountable for their actions is more robust than ever.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chatham County Police Investigate Multiple Assault Cases
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Savannah Remembers Fallen Officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day
Gang Prosecution Unit Expands to Savannah
Indictment of Gang Members in Chatham County, Georgia
Rock Out Gang Members Indicted for Violent Crimes in Savannah
Additional Resources
- WTOK: Attorney General Chris Carr Announces Hire of New Regional Prosecutor
- WJCL: Savannah Gang Violence Prosecutor
- WSAV: Multi-Count Gang Indictment Brought in Chatham County
- All on Georgia: Carr Obtains New Indictment Charging Three Suspected Gang Members in Savannah
- WJCL: Three Suspected Gang Members in Savannah Indicted
- Wikipedia: Gang
- Google Search: gang activity in Savannah
- Google Scholar: gang prosecution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: gang
- Google News: gang prosecution in Savannah
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
