Press Releases
GORDON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PARTICIPATES IN LOCAL FALL FESTIVITIES
Friday, October 23, 2026
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office recently enjoyed participating in the Fall Into Wellness Spooktacular Event and the Swain Elementary Fall Festival.
Detectives and Uniform Patrol deputies spent time visiting with local families, handing out Halloween treats, and enjoying the festivities with children throughout both events.
A special attraction was K-9 Max, the Sheriff’s Office bloodhound, who joined deputies to meet and interact with the children. Attendees also had the opportunity to see a vintage Gordon County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle on display, offering a glimpse into the agency’s history.
Events like these provide a great opportunity for our personnel to interact with the citizens we serve and strengthen the relationships that make Gordon County such a special community.
Sheriff Mitch Ralston and the men and women of the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the organizers of both events for the invitations and for their continued efforts to bring our community together.
We enjoyed seeing everyone and wish all of our young trick-or-treaters a safe and Happy Halloween! 🎃👻
GORDON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT
Saturday, October 17, 2026
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office was pleased to participate in the annual Trunk or Treat event hosted by Samantha Lusk & Associates Realty and friends in Calhoun.
Events like these provide a wonderful opportunity for our personnel to connect with the community we proudly serve while helping create a fun and safe environment for children and families.
Sheriff Mitch Ralston and the men and women of the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Samantha Lusk & Associates Realty and everyone involved in organizing this event for inviting us to participate.
INMATE DEATH AT THE COUNTY JAIL
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Early this morning, an inmate in the County Jail was found unresponsive in his cell by jail staff. Emergency medical personnel were summoned and responded quickly to the scene, but the inmate did not survive. The Sheriff's Office has requested an independent investigation into this death by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), which is standard procedure in any in-custody death. GBI agents are on scene at this time along with Sheriff's detectives, and the County Coroner. The GBI-led investigation is active and ongoing, and additional details will be forthcoming.
🏅 LIEUTENANT BRIAN BRANNON RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Lieutenant Brian Brannon has received the prestigious 2026 Judge Arthur Kaplan Award in recognition of his dedication and hard work with the CHAMPS program.
Lieutenant Brannon’s commitment to educating and encouraging our youth reflects the very best of community service. Through his work with CHAMPS, he helps students make positive choices while building lasting relationships between young people and law enforcement.
Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Brannon on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for your dedication to the students, families, and citizens of Gordon County!Introducing the recipients of the Prestigious, Judge Arthur Kaplan Award for 2026!
🚨 GORDON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – DRUG ARREST 🚨
CALHOUN, GA – On October 12, 2026, detectives assigned to the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit were conducting a narcotics investigation in the area of Highway 41 North.
During the course of the investigation, detectives encountered Francisco Javier Fraire, a resident of Whitfield County. This encounter resulted in a separate arrest.
Fraire was taken into custody and charged with the following offenses:
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Giving a False Name and Date of Birth
• Possession of Drug-Related Objects
• Driving with a Suspended License
Further information indicates that Fraire was reportedly previously deported from the United States as an aggravated felon.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed an immigration detainer on Fraire. He remains in custody at the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. As detectives continue their investigative efforts, additional information will be released as it becomes available and when appropriate to do so without compromising the integrity of the investigation.
🚨 MISSING PERSON UPDATE – LOCATED SAFE 🚨
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that Alan Pryor has been located and is safe.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the public, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), and New Market Police Department for their assistance in bringing this search to a successful conclusion.
Thank you to everyone who shared the information and assisted in locating Mr. Pryor!
GORDON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
October 9, 2026
🚨 WEATHER ALERT 🚨
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Potential for Dangerous Weather – Hurricane Isaias
The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast that Northwest Georgia will experience significant impacts from Hurricane ISAIAS beginning late Friday evening, October 9, and continuing throughout Saturday, October 10.
Hurricane Isaias is currently classified as a Category 3 major hurricane, with landfall expected along the Gulf Coast or Florida Panhandle Friday evening.
The primary threats to Gordon County include damaging winds with gusts of 40–50 mph, heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and the possibility of tornadoes. The tornado threat is expected to increase Saturday afternoon and evening. A Flood Watch is also in effect, with widespread rainfall totals of 1–4 inches and locally higher amounts possible.
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office is closely monitoring the developing weather situation. Additional deputy sheriffs will be deployed for the duration of the event to ensure adequate coverage and response capabilities throughout Gordon County.
Citizens should prepare for potentially dangerous conditions, including fallen trees, downed power lines, roadway debris, flooding, and power outages. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.
Sheriff Ralston encourages all citizens to remain vigilant and monitor weather conditions through local media outlets and the National Weather Service.
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Stay Ready. Stay Alert. Be Prepared.
GORDON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CONGRATULATES TOP CRUISER AWARD WINNER 🏆
Saturday, October 3, 2026
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office congratulates the Top 5 Ford winner of the “Top Cruiser” Award at the American Legion Post 47 Car, Truck & Bike Show held today in Calhoun.
The event brought together an impressive collection of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and custom vehicles, along with members of our community for a day of fellowship, food, music, and fun.
The Sheriff and his staff also extend their appreciation to American Legion Post 47 for hosting the event and to everyone who participated and helped make the car show a success.