December 5, 2021–5:45 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

A two-year investigation into a multi-million dollar wire fraud case orchestrated by a former Gordon County resident serving a sentence in the Georgia State Penitentiary in Reedsville was brought to a successful conclusion recently with a guilty plea in Federal Court by Damon Thomas Young.

The scheme involved the fraudulent acquisition of over $2.8 million in heavy equipment, most of which was recovered, using a fictitious identity and a smuggled telephone from within the prison.

More details may be found at: justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/georgia-inmate-sentenced-running-multi-million-dollar-fraud-scheme-state-prison

Detective Kenneth Hollaran, who initiated the investigation in 2019, was awarded a Sheriff’s Commendation Medal in recognition of his work in the case. His citation read in part: “Detective Hollaran exhibited tenacity and exceptional investigative skill…in keeping with the highest traditions of the Office of Sheriff”

Pictured, left to right: Detective/Lieutenant Steven Yancey, Chief of Detectives Captain Daniel Morrison, Detective Kenneth Hollaran, Sheriff Mitch Ralston, and Enforcement Bureau Commander Major Ritchie Harris.