<![CDATA[GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

<![CDATA[GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE - News]]>Wed, 13 May 2026 08:49:34 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[PEACHTREE CITY POLICE CITIZEN'S ACADEMY HEARS PRESENTATION FROM THE D.A. OFFICE]]>Mon, 11 May 2026 18:52:20 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/peachtree-city-police-citizens-academy-hears-presentation-from-the-da-officeSenior Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Richardson presented a class on the District Attorney’s Office functions and post-arrest procedures to the Peachtree City Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy recently. This class introduces citizens to all aspects of law enforcement from arrest to prosecution. This is the 4th year our office has presented to the Citizen's Police Academy and it's been a great opportunity for us to meet people in the community and talk about the role of the District Attorney's Office.

]]><![CDATA[SUN CITY PEACHTREE RESIDENTS MEET ACTING DISTRICT ATTORNEY STUDDARD]]>Mon, 11 May 2026 18:48:46 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/sun-city-peachtree-residents-meet-acting-district-attorney-studdardRecently, Acting District Attorney David Studdard had the opportunity to speak to residents at Sun City Peachtree in Spalding County. Mr. Studdard updated everyone on recent changes at the District Attorney's Office and gave an overview of the functions and mission of the office. "We had a great gathering of folks who asked some really good questions. I look forward to speaking with them again soon", said David Studdard.

]]><![CDATA[Community Softball event held in griffin]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:12:01 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/community-softball-event-held-in-spalding-coActing District Attorney David Studdard, along with Senior Assistant District Attorney Audrey Holliday had a great time supporting our public safety community at Sunday's "Community Softball Game" event held at the City Park in Griffin. The Griffin Police Department, led by Chief Frank Strickland, played against the Thomaston Police Department, led by Chief Mike Richardson. Afterwards, Griffin PD played members of the community. It was a wonderful day to bring our public safety folks together with the community we serve. Congratulations to all who participated. Well done!

]]><![CDATA[careing paws visits the district attorney office]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:09:52 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/april-13th-2026The District Attorney's Office had a wonderful visit recently with some very special guests. The folks at CAREing Paws stopped by and introduced us to Briley, Snoopy and Yola. These amazing service dogs help with crime victims, particularly children and vulnerable adults. Our crime victims are often traumatized twice; once by the crime and then by the process of testifying. This can be very stressful for victims, particularly children. These service dogs specialize in comforting and calming anxious and scared victim/witnesses as they prepare to testify. "My office is exploring a potential relationship with CAREing Paws and today was a great first step in what will hopefully become a wonderful relationship for us and our victims", said Acting District Attorney David Studdard. Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of this amazing program!

]]><![CDATA[ACTING D.A. STUDDARD SPEAKS TO JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL CLASS]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:45:21 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/acting-da-studdard-speaks-to-john-marshall-law-school-classRecently, Acting District Attorney, David Studdard had the opportunity to speak to students at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School. Mr. Studdard spoke to Professor Alison Prout's White Collar Crimes class. Mr. Studdard also took the opportunity to invite students who were considering a career in criminal prosecution to visit the District Attorney's office and to explore internship opportunities. "I was thrilled to be invited back to John Marshall to speak, and I'm so glad I could talk to these students about my experiences there and about the rewarding career I have established since leaving", Mr. Studdard said.

]]><![CDATA[2026 CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN SYMPOSIUM]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:34:36 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/2026-champions-for-children-symposiumActing District Attorney David Studdard delivered welcoming remarks at today's "Champions for Children" 2026 Symposium, held at the UGA campus in Griffin. The program was presented by the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center and featured several speakers including our own Chief Assistant District Attorney Kate Lenhard, presenting information for law enforcement officers, prosecutors and other multidisciplinary professionals, exploring key issues in child abuse and child sexual assault response. We are thrilled to see so many dedicated professionals from the Griffin Circuit and beyond take time to attend this important event.

]]><![CDATA[DISTRICT ATTORNEY EMPLOYEE CELEBRATES 5 YEARS SERVICE]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:31:05 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/district-attorney-employees-celebrates-5-years-serviceActing District Attorney David Studdard awarded Victim Advocate Maricarmen Dobson with her 5 Year Service Certificate in recognition of her five years of dedicated service to the citizens of the Griffin Judicial Circuit and the Spalding County District Attorney's Office. Congratulations Maricarmen and thank you for all you do!

]]><![CDATA[d.a. office hosts gang symposium]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:25:52 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/da-office-hosts-gang-symposiumPress Release
For Immediate Release

The Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office remains focused on combating gang violence in our communities. Acting District Attorney David Studdard invited members of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Griffin Police Department, Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Griffin Spalding County school system, Department of Juvenile Justice and the Juvenile Court for a conversation about the changing nature of gang investigations across the state of Georgia, and more specifically in Spalding County.
“We are battling newer, younger, and more violent gang members here in Spalding County,” said Studdard. “The summit allowed my prosecutors to engage with officers across the county to assess the needs of our community so that we may effectively combat gang violence among our young people.” The idea for this summit was born out of a desire to more fully understand the changing landscape as gangs continue to recruit younger members in the hopes of lesser consequences for criminal behavior. The opportunity to share information across agencies allows us to better identify, arrest, and ultimately prosecute gang offenders. “I am so grateful to each officer and agency that took time to invest in this mission. We simply cannot do it without you. Thank you to Judge Ott and Judge Ashman for, once again, showing up to demonstrate their steadfast commitment to the kids in our community. Thank you to my staff, particularly my Chief Assistant Kate Lenhard, who each work tirelessly to protect the men, women, and children of Spalding County.”
The District Attorney’s Office is planning to hold similar initiatives in its other counties in the near future

]]><![CDATA[RETIRED EDUCATORS LEARN ABOUT THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT D.A. OFFICE]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:18:45 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/retired-educators-learn-about-the-griffin-judicial-circuit-da-officeActing District Attorney David Studdard recently presented a program on the District Attorney Office to retired educators at the Upson County Senior Center. The attendees were engaging and motivated to learn the functions of the District Attorney's Office. If you would like to have someone from our office speak to your group email Hannah Kennedy at: hkennedy@pacga.org

]]><![CDATA[press release - upson county armed robbery/aggravated assault guilty plea]]>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:14:33 GMThttp://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/press-release-upson-county-armed-robberyaggravated-assault-guilty-pleaOn March 3, 2026, the Honorable Ben J. Miller of the Upson County Superior Court accepted a blind plea of guilty by Joseph V. Roberts on the charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault and criminal damage to property in the second degree. Roberts argued for a sentence of 30 years to serve 10; however, Judge Miller accepted the State’s recommendation of 15 years to serve followed by 15 years on probation. The State was represented by Senior Assistant District Attorney Audrey D. Holliday with the assistance of Senior Assistant District Attorney, John McAbee, Investigator, Rick Reeves, Victim Advocate, Bailey Middlebrooks and Legal Assistant Earielle Mullins. Investigator Marcus Denson and the Thomaston Police Department investigated this case.
Had this case gone to trial, the State would have shown that on July 12, 2025, the Defendant entered the Southside BP in Thomaston, Georgia where he went to the drink cooler and took a Budlight Lime. He then stopped, waited for a customer to leave the counter, and withdrew a hatchet from his pants. He proceeded to go behind the clerk’s counter where he raised the hatchet at the clerk demanding that he be given the money. The clerk was able to jump over the counter and get away. The Defendant then smashed up the cash register and monitors, stealing $678.00 and the Budlight Lime before fleeing the store. The Defendant subsequently led officers on a chase into Taylor County and back into Upson County where he was apprehended.
“This case could have been so much worse. We are thankful for the witnesses that were able to provide great information on what the Defendant was wearing and driving and for keeping the police informed of his location. We are grateful there were no further injuries and that Judge Miller accepted the State’s recommendation due to the severity of this crime,” said ADA Holliday.
“This type of dangerous, lawless behavior will not be tolerated by the citizens of Upson County. My office, along with our Law Enforcement officers will relentlessly pursue justice for victims who are traumatized by violent crime,” said Acting District Attorney David J. Studdard.]]>