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Gang Prosecution Unit Expands to Savannah

Law enforcement agencies in Savannah are working together to enhance community safety.

News Summary

The Gang Prosecution Unit is set to expand its operations to Savannah following the signing of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. With over $268,000 in funding, the initiative aims to introduce a dedicated gang prosecutor and investigator, focusing on public safety and collaboration with local law enforcement. The unit’s expansion follows successful initiatives in other communities and targets ongoing gang violence and recruitment efforts among youth.

Savannah, Georgia – The state’s Gang Prosecution Unit is set to expand its operations to Savannah following the recent signing of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget by Governor Brian Kemp. This initiative, which comes with a funding allocation of over $268,000, aims to introduce a new gang prosecutor and investigator dedicated to enhancing public safety in the area.

The expansion is part of a broader strategy that has seen significant success since the Gang Prosecution Unit was established nearly three years ago. Attorney General Chris Carr previously highlighted the effectiveness of the unit in combating violent crime, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local law enforcement to tackle gang-related activities.

Recent actions from the unit have already demonstrated its commitment to addressing gang violence in Savannah. The unit secured a new indictment in Chatham County against three alleged gang members, charging them with aggravated assault and armed robbery. This follows the unit’s historic achievement in May 2023, when it executed the largest motorcycle gang indictment in Georgia’s history, laying charges against 16 members of the Outcast Motorcycle Gang. This ongoing effort underscores the unit’s proactive approach to gang prosecution, with over 80 convictions and more than 140 indictments issued across various Georgia counties since July 2022.

Savannah’s expansion represents an extension of similar initiatives that have previously taken place in other communities such as Columbus, Macon, and Southeast Georgia. The Gang Prosecution Unit operates from its base in Atlanta while maintaining satellite offices in Albany and Augusta, illustrating a commitment to statewide coverage of gang-related issues.

Current estimates indicate that there are approximately 127,732 known gang members and associates throughout Georgia. With this new initiative, local officials aim to disrupt gang recruitment efforts, particularly among vulnerable youth. This focus on prevention is supported by local leaders who emphasize the importance of intervention programs alongside enforcement efforts.

In alignment with the operational strategies employed in other successful cities, such as Augusta, the Gang Prosecution Unit’s expansion into Savannah is expected to strengthen partnerships with local law enforcement. These collaborations are crucial as they seek to combat ongoing gang violence and further support community safety initiatives.

Furthermore, recent investigative efforts have led to the indictment of three individuals from the “Rock Out Gang,” who are linked to violent crimes in Savannah. These developments signify the unit’s ongoing commitment to address violent gang activities and to assist local law enforcement with critical investigations.

The initiative has been met with appreciation from local law enforcement, who express gratitude for the resources and support provided by the Gang Prosecution Unit. This expansion not only aims to enhance the community’s safety by enforcing the law but also opens up avenues for future collaborative efforts to address the root causes of gang violence through public outreach and preventive measures.

As the expanded Gang Prosecution Unit positions itself in Savannah, officials and community leaders are hopeful that the increased focus on the area will not only curb gang activities but also provide a stronger safety net for the local population, especially the youth who are often targeted for recruitment by violent gangs. This strategic move is seen as a vital part of Georgia’s ongoing efforts to reduce crime and promote safe communities across the state.