The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is currently widening its scope in search for victims of a cattle theft fraud scheme that has reportedly affected multiple individuals across state lines. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper revealed that GDA Law Enforcement is on the hunt for additional parties who may have been wronged by suspect Garrett Hill, also known under the alias Jared Smith. Hill purportedly engaged in False Pretenses by marketing cattle for sale, accepting deposits through Cash App or online transfers, and then failing to supply the livestock. According to a release published by GDA yesterday, Hill was apprehended by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office last Wednesday, May 7.
Collaboration between the GDA Law Enforcement, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Criminal Investigations Division, and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement is actively ongoing to fully unravel the alleged fraud. The Georgia Agriculture Commissioner's office has put out a call for individuals who might have fallen prey to the scheme to come forward and share their experiences. Victims are encouraged to directly contact Chief Harland Proveaux of the GDA or Captain Dennis Bell at the FCSO to assist in the investigation. Contacts for the entities have been made available, with Proveaux reachable at (404) 656-3610 and Bell at (706)498-1279.
In his announcement, Commissioner Harper underscored the importance of this investigation, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on fraudulent activities that harm Georgia's agricultural community, as noted by the GDA release.
The case remains a developing story as law enforcement continues to piece together the extent of the fraudulent operation. Anyone with information related to the case or who believes they may have been a victim should not hesitate to reach out to the appropriate offices. To contact Investigator Frady of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, individuals can call (706)498-4638, or reach out via email at [email protected].
