The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has officially earned accreditation through the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association — a distinction held by fewer than 10% of sheriff’s offices statewide.

“This is a proud moment for our office and a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our team,” said Sheriff Fred Cole. “This accreditation confirms our commitment to accountability, transparency, and serving Coffee County at the highest level.”

As part of this effort, the Sheriff’s Office will continue strengthening public safety initiatives, including expanded sex offender notifications and community awareness measures.

A coordinated drug enforcement sweep by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement Unit and Douglas Coffee Drug Unit, resulting in multiple arrests and methamphetamine seizures. Sheriff Fred Cole underscores a clear message: criminal activity and illegal drugs will be aggressively targeted, and offenders will be held accountable.

Investigators determined that Rush was serving as a representative payee for an individual unable to manage his financial affairs due to mental limitations. In this role, she was authorized to use the individual’s funds only for approved living expenses and basic necessities.

Two Douglas residents were arrested following the execution of a search warrant near Trojan Way on December 30, 2025. Agents seized over 12 ounces of cocaine and 12 pounds of marijuana and 63 Oxycodone tablets.. Both suspects Joel Dooley and Leondra Carmichael Dooley both face multiple trafficking and felony drug charges and were transported to the Coffee County Jail. 

This is what ZERO- TOLERANCE enforcement looks like. We will continue to target drug activity that threatens the safety of our community.

— Sheriff Fred Cole

An arrest has been made following the theft of a red Honda 4-wheeler from the Greenfield Circle area. The stolen vehicle was recovered in Nicholls, and James Hilliard was arrested and charged with Theft by Receiving Stolen Property. Additional juvenile suspects were involved.

Drug Agents with the D.I.C.E. Unit (Drug Interdiction & Criminal Enforcement) made multiple arrests this week as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug activity and related crimes across Coffee County.

On December 9, 2025 we arrested Jose Hernandez Gutierrez for Cruelty to Children in the First Degree after a student at Coffee Middle School reported concerns about a fellow student.

In recognition of the incredible work being done on behalf of citizens and victims in Coffee County, we are honored to present Satilla Advocacy Services with a check for $25,380.00. Their commitment to serving those in need is invaluable, and it is a privilege to support their mission.

On December 7, 2025, a series of incidents that began in the City of Douglas and stretched across several jurisdictions came to an end in Mitchell County.

On the evening of December 8, 2025 an isolated incident occurred in the Coffee County Jail involving an inmate that was found non responsive.

Tuesday night was a busy evening for Patrol Deputies, the Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement Unit, known as DICE, and the Douglas Coffee Drug Unit, known as DCDU, as multiple arrests were made on charges ranging from warrant executions to drug and firearm offenses.

On the evening of December 1, 2025 Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the area of Kingwood Road in reference to a trespassing complaint. Upon arrival it became clear that the incident was a domestic situation that had escalated beyond control.

In Georgia, if the offense occurred on or after July 1, 2008 a registered sex offenders (per O.C.G.A. 42-1-15) loitering is prohibited at any child care facility, school, or areas where minors congregate (public & private parks, recreation facilities, playgrounds, skating rinks, neighborhood centers, gymnasium, public libraries, and public & community swimming pools).

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office was recently made aware of domestic incidents involving one of our detectives. Upon receiving this information, the employee was immediately placed on suspension. Sheriff Cole then notified the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and requested an independent investigation while an internal policy review was conducted. Following that review, the employee was terminated for violating agency policy.

On November 18, 2025, Cribbs was apprehended by the Waycross Police Department after Detectives with the CCSO DICE Unit were alerted to his possible whereabouts. The tip followed reports of a vehicle matching the description of one he had stolen late yesterday here in Douglas. Detectives quickly coordinated with partner agencies, ultimately leading to Cribbs’s capture without further incident.

Sheriff Fred Cole stated “This operation is exactly what our zero-tolerance, No-Nonsense policy looks like; it is a reflection of the Sheriff’s Office’s firm stance on drug activity and criminal behavior in the community.”

Deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extra zone patrol on Hickory Ridge Road in response to recent community concerns regarding suspected trespassing at a vacant property.

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating James Dustin Cribbs, age 36. Cribbs is described as a white male, standing approximately 5’10”, weighing 165 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair.

During the operation, investigators arrested James Adrian Kennedy as he attempted to sell a vehicle not belonging to him. The Chevrolet Tahoe was recovered and returned to its rightful owner. Kennedy has been linked to three separate incidents involving stolen or attempted stolen vehicles.

Coffee Drug Unit (DCDU) executed a search warrant at the 500 North Apartment Complex in Douglas following a brief narcotics investigation.

During the operation, agents located methamphetamine and several unprescribed Roxicodone tablets in the possession of Carrie Wright. Wright informed investigators that the tablets were pressed fentanyl pills.