Carroll County Sheriff's Office

Another milestone has been reached at the Carroll County Jail as a new group of participants successfully completed the 2nd Chance Project Reentry Program during a graduation ceremony centered on growth, accountability, and hope.

This latest class reflects Sheriff Terry Langley’s continued commitment to rehabilitation and reentry initiatives that address the root causes of incarceration. By prioritizing recovery, education, life skills, and personal responsibility, programs like the 2nd Chance Project aim to reduce recidivism and help individuals build a stronger foundation for life after release.

Under the leadership of Major Shane Taylor and program facilitator Niki Sanders, participants spent weeks developing practical skills focused on recovery, mental wellness, budgeting, conflict resolution, and personal growth. Their hard work and dedication were celebrated as graduates received certificates in front of family members, friends, and supporters.

One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony occurred before the program even began. As additional guests arrived and it became clear that more seating was needed, every graduate stood and offered their chair to the family members and supporters who had come to celebrate their accomplishment. It was a simple but powerful act of respect and gratitude that spoke volumes about the growth, character, and selflessness these individuals have developed throughout the program.

Graduates were also connected with ongoing community resources, including Recovery Spot of West Georgia and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Behavioral Crisis Unit, reinforcing the program’s mission of providing continued support and guidance beyond the jail walls.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Pastor Gene Fields for opening the ceremony with prayer and to guest speakers Alexander Clayton and Shea Holland for sharing their inspiring stories of hope, perseverance, and redemption. We would also like to thank Marcos Pizza for their generous support of the event, providing approximately a 70% discount on the meals served to graduates and their families.

The ceremony concluded with a time of fellowship, food, music, and celebration as graduates marked an important step toward a brighter future.

The 2nd Chance Project remains a vital part of Carroll County’s efforts to promote recovery, successful reentry, and long-term change. Congratulations to this graduating class. Your commitment to growth does not go unnoticed, and we wish each of you continued success in the journey ahead.

Photography permission was provided by all individuals featured.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the promotion of Corporal Mason Dodson to the rank of Lieutenant, supervising A and B shift.

A lifelong resident of Carroll County and a 2017 graduate of Central High School, Lieutenant Dodson began his law enforcement career with the Bremen Police Department before joining the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in 2021. While serving his community, he also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Dodson has served in numerous roles, including Transport Deputy, Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Crimes Against Persons Investigator, Property Investigator, SWAT Team Leader, Honor Guard Member, and Corporal. While assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, he was an integral member of the Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Team, earning certifications in both GrayKey and Cellebrite digital forensic tools used to extract and analyze digital evidence in criminal investigations.

Lieutenant Dodson has completed more than 2,500 hours of POST-certified training and holds multiple advanced certifications, including Intermediate, Advanced, Senior Deputy, Supervisory, Instructor, and Driving Instructor certifications, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth and excellence.

Known for his strong work ethic and willingness to take on any challenge, Lieutenant Dodson has consistently stepped up wherever he was needed. A quick learner and natural leader, he has earned the respect of his fellow deputies and supervisors through his dedication to the profession and the citizens of Carroll County.

Lieutenant Dodson is married to his wife, Caity, and together they have two children.

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Dodson and we wish him continued success as he takes on this new leadership role.
🖤💙🖤

🚨 Help Us Identify Illegal Dumping Suspect(s) 🚨

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the individual(s) responsible for illegally dumping shingles and other debris on private property located at 3596 W. Highway 166 in Bowdon.

The incident occurred on Friday, May 22, 2026, at approximately 12:19 a.m.

Investigators have obtained surveillance video from the Bowdon Shoppette showing a dark-colored Dodge Ram 2500/3500 (possible) pulling a dump trailer. The vehicle is seen backing into the property, unloading the debris, and then leaving the area traveling west on Highway 166.

📹 The attached videos contain excerpts of the surveillance footage.

If you recently had a roof replaced, know someone who has, or can identify the truck, trailer, or individuals involved, please contact:

Investigator Kaleb Finley
📞 770-830-5916
📧 [email protected]

Additional investigative methods are being utilized based on additional evidence that has been collected.

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❗️RUNAWAY JUVENILE ❗️

Melina Allen
16 years old

Last seen on 05/26/2026 around 4:25pm in the area of Glacier Court (near Pleasant Ridge Rd & Hwy 113) wearing a black bonnet, black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, black Converse, & carrying a black bookbag.

If you have seen her or have any information, contact 911 or Investigator Brandon Wilson at 770-834-4451 or [email protected].

Case # 26052929

As always, you may remain anonymous!

Thank you!

Congratulations to Deputy Ben Hughes, School Resource Officer at Central Elementary School for being selected as Support Staff of the Year! We are proud of the work he does to protect the students, staff, and visitors during the year! 🖤💙🖤

Our School Resource Officer, Ben Hughes, was selected as our Support Staff of the Year! In the many votes he received, the staff at CES commented on how safe me makes us all feel, how kind he is to our students, and how vigilant he is throughout the building each day.
We are so thankful to have him at CES!!

This Memorial Day, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office pauses to honor the brave men and women of our United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. 🇺🇸

While many gather with family and friends this holiday weekend, we encourage everyone to also take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and remember those who gave their lives defending the freedoms we enjoy each day.

Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Brian Finley on his recent promotion to Captain with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

Captain Finley is the definition of someone who answers the call wherever he is needed. Throughout his career, he has consistently stepped up to meet the needs of the agency, his fellow deputies, and the citizens of Carroll County with professionalism, leadership, and dedication. We are extremely fortunate to have someone with his experience, work ethic, and commitment serving in this role.

A native of Tallapoosa, Captain Finley graduated from Haralson County High School in 1997. He and his wife, Jamie, are proud parents of five children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Captain Finley began his career at the Carroll County Jail in 2001 before graduating Basic Mandate in Cave Spring in 2002. He served with the Mount Zion Police Department from 2002-2004 before joining the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy in 2004.

Over the years, he has served in numerous critical assignments including the Interstate Crime Unit as a K9 handler, a detachment assignment with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Field Office, the Criminal Investigation Division, County Services, and Training Division. Most recently, he served as Lieutenant over Training.

In his new role as Captain, he will oversee Uniform Patrol, School Resource Officers, Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT), Aggressive Crime Enforcement (ACE), Interstate Crime Unit (ICU), and Training.

Captain Finley holds POST Certifications including Senior Deputy, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, and Management certifications. He is also a certified instructor in General Topics, Mental Health Crisis, Fi****ms, Driver Training, Use of Force, Pursuit Termination Techniques, Taser, and Band-it.

Congratulations, Captain Finley, and thank you for your continued service, leadership, and dedication to the citizens of Carroll County.

Mr. Polk could possibly be in the Carroll County area, specifically around Carrollton/Whitesburg, please contact 911 if you have any information on his whereabouts, as we are certain his family is very worried about him.

On 05/19/2026 a report was filed with the Coweta County Sheriff's Office regarding a missing person.
The reporting party stated that Malik Polk (01/25/2001) was last heard from on 05/17/2026. Malik's
phone had since been turned off and the family had been unable to contact him. Malik's vehicle was
last seen driving in the area of Whitesburg in Carroll County before later being abandoned and
recovered by law enforcement in the area. If you have any information regarding Malik Polk and his
whereabouts, please contact Inv. Nilson at 770-254-7797 or via email at [email protected].

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office is proud to support the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates and all they do for our community!

A special thank you to Sheriff Terry Langley and Chief Deputy Brad Robinson for standing alongside our Executive Director, Ginny Bouchard, and proudly showing their support for Mental Health Awareness Month through the campaign.

Thank you, Sheriff Langley and Chief Deputy Robinson, for helping us break stigma, build connection, and shine a light on hope and recovery throughout Carroll County. 💚

Together, we are making a difference… one conversation, one connection, and one green ribbon at a time.

💚

During National Police Week, we pause to remember and honor the brave law enforcement officers from our community who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Their courage, service, and dedication to protecting others will never be forgotten. Their names are forever etched into the history of Carroll County and into the hearts of those who continue to serve.

We proudly remember:

Chief of Police Benjamin H. Crider
Carrollton Police Department
End of Watch: Friday, June 8, 1900

Night Marshal Pleasant Eugene Holt
Villa Rica Police Department
End of Watch: Saturday, April 18, 1908

Officer William Jim Stallings
Bowdon Police Department
End of Watch: Sunday, July 15, 1944

Officer Tony Jackson Garrett
Carrollton Police Department
End of Watch: Sunday, December 28, 1975

Captain Robbie Edward Bishop
Villa Rica Police Department
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 20, 1999

Lieutenant Billy Ray Jiles
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 3, 2002

Deputy Sheriff Davy Wayne Crawford
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: Friday, February 12, 2010

Officer James M. “Jimmy” Johnson Jr.
Carrollton Police Department
End of Watch: Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Investigator Taylor Bristow
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: Friday, August 23, 2024

Their watch may have ended, but their legacy of courage and service lives on through those who continue to wear the badge and serve our communities each day.

We will never forget. 🖤💙🖤