Today, after a year-long investigation and in coordination with Upson County law enforcement and other local partners, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Upson County District Attorney's Office announced that 46 individuals have been indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and Georgia Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act. Twenty-five individuals have been arrested and 21 are wanted for arrest. Read the GBI's full press release here: https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2020-10-27/operation-caged-doves…

"Today's announcement highlights why my administration continues to prioritize fighting criminal street gangs and supporting the GBI Gang Task Force," said Governor Kemp. "The task force - working closely with local and federal law enforcement officials - has been the tip of the spear in making our communities safer and bringing criminals to justice. I applaud GBI Director Vic Reynolds and his staff, Upson County District Attorney Broder, Sheriffs Kilgore and Dix, Thomaston Police Chief Richardson, and all of our vital partners in this effort, for their leadership and hard work over the last year.

"My message to gang members looking to prey on innocent Georgians, commit crimes, and destroy lives is simple: we will not stop until every community is safe."

“In Georgia, we are fortunate to have dedicated law enforcement officials at the local, state and federal level who are willing to work in partnership and go the extra mile to keep our citizens safe,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “This large-scale effort – led by the GBI Gang Task Force and local officials – will allow members of the affected communities to rest easier knowing their public safety officials are working diligently to make Georgia the safest place to live, work and raise a family. I commend everyone who played a role in bringing this criminal enterprise to the ground.”

"I am proud of the work the Gang Task Force has done since its inception," said GBI Director Vic Reynolds. "This is another success story of us assisting a jurisdiction requesting our help in their area. Our GBI agents and task force agents have the expertise to investigate these complex cases and bring them to the point of a successful prosecution."