Towns County Sheriff’s Office Reviews Operations, Reports Missing Firearms, Issues Legal Notice for Return of County Property

TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. – The Towns County Sheriff’s is continuing to conduct a comprehensive review of evidence handling, property records, fleet operations, and jail conditions.

Sheriff Anthony Coleman said the review includes a detailed audit of evidence and property documentation to ensure compliance with recognized evidentiary standards.

Capt. Brackett has overseen efforts to reconcile evidence with paperwork and properly document all items in the evidence room, a process the sheriff described as extensive and time-consuming.

During the ongoing review, the Sheriff’s Office determined that two agency-owned firearms are missing.

The weapons are two GLOCK Model 45, 9mm handguns purchased in 2025, bearing serial numbers CETD710 and CETD728.

Each firearm is equipped with a green dot optic and a Streamlight tactical pistol light.

According to the agency, records indicate the firearms were never issued to any employee.

The weapons have been entered into the National Crime Information Center database.

Anyone in possession of the firearms or with information regarding their location is asked to contact 911 or the Sheriff’s Office.

As part of the evaluation, the Sheriff’s Office is also considering the implementation of modern tracking software designed to more accurately monitor evidence, property, and fleet assets.

Officials said the proposed systems would help reduce preventable losses and improve efficiency.

The Sheriff’s Office also reported identifying numerous maintenance and operational issues within the county jail. Major Baldwin and jail staff are working to address those concerns and improve conditions for both employees and inmates, officials said.

The Sheriff’s Office issued a legal notice requiring the return of all county-owned property.

Any person in possession of equipment belonging to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, including uniforms, badges, identification, keys, money, electronics, weapons, documents, or other county-issued items, must return the property by December 31, 2025.

The agency warned that failure to comply may result in criminal or civil action under Georgia law.

Property must be returned to the Sheriff’s Office during normal business hours.

The review and recovery efforts remain ongoing.