Georgia Bureau of Investigation annual report 1996

APR 30 1999
Documents
I f~A I IR RARIS:-C:

Dedicated To The Memory Of
Steve Robertson
19S3 - 1996

GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Governor Zell Miller Members of the General Assembly Board of Public Safety Citizens of Georgia
I am proud to submit the Annual Report of the Georgia Bureau oflnvestigation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996. The FY96 Annual Report provides an overview of the contributions each division made toward the overall goals of the GBI. FY96 was a productive year for the agency due to the continued dedication and commitment of GBI employees. The skills and expertise of these professionals are instrumental in the success of the GBI' s investigative and law enforcement efforts. The GBI will maintain its pledge to preserve and ensure a high quality of life for the citizens of the State of Georgia. On behalf of the GBI and its employees, thank you for your continued support.
Milton E. Nix, Jr. Director

1996
Board of Public Safety
Governor Zell Miller
Commissioner Wayne Garner Wayne Abernathy
Rooney L. Bowen, III Daniel M. Bryant
Sheriff Donnie Haralson W.H. Harper, Jr. Robert E. Keller
Chief Hubert L. Smith Chief Ronald T. Strong

HISTORY
From the time Georgia was founded in 1733 until 1937, law enforcement in the state was the responsibility of local governments. In March 1937, at the request of Governor E. D. Rivers, the General Assembly passed Act 220 that established the Department of Public Safety, the first statewide law enforcement agency in Georgia.
nuo divisions were created within the Department: a uniform division, the Georgia State Patrol; and a "plainclothes" division, officially designated the Division of Criminal Identification, Detection, Prevention, and Investigation. The initial charter authorized this division to maintain fingerprint and criminal history information and
to employ agents as criminal investigators to assist local law enforcement officers throughout the state.
With the creation of the Department of Public Safety certain designated crimes could be pursued more effectively through a concerted and coordinated statewide effort. Any criminal offense committed on state property or on state highways would henceforth come under the original jurisdiction of the Department of Public Safety.
In addition, the Division of Identification, Detection, Prevention and Investigation was authorized to assist in criminal investigations when requested to do so by local law enforcement officials or agencies.
In 1940, the name of the Division of Identification, Detection, Prevention and Investigation was changed officially to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
A significant development for Georgia law enforcement occurred in February of 1952 when the

Fulton County Crime Laboratory became the State Crime Laboratory and part of the Department of Public Safety. It became the second state-wide crime laboratory in the United States. The founder and director of the
Fulton county laboratory, Dr Herman Jones, introduced forensic laboratory work to Georgia in the early 1940's while working with the Alabama Toxicology Laboratory. Dr Jones' Fulton County position was
transferred to the state and he continued as the laboratory director
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation experienced two major turning points in its professional development in the early 1970's. The first came in February of 1972 when Governor Jimmy Carter commissioned a task force to establish a master plan to implement a Criminal Justice Information System for Georgia. Criminal activity of
all types was increasing dramatically across the state, and Governor Carter was convinced that more timely and accurate crime information would be extremely beneficial to state and local law enforcement agencies. On the recommendation of this task force, Governor Carter issued an Executive Order in June of 1972 creating
the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).
Since the GBI had the responsibility of maintaining criminal identification records, it was logical that the GCIC would become a division of the Bureau. When GCIC began operation in 1973 as part of the GB/, it became the focal point in Georgia for the collection, storage, rapid retrieval and dissemination of law enforcement and
criminal justice related information.
The second turning point came when Governor Carter proposed extensive changes in the structure of the executive branch of state government that led to the introduction of the Executive Reorganization Act in the
1972 session of the Georgia General Assembly. As a result of passage of this Act and later amendments, on
February 28, 1974, the GBI was made an independent agency separate from the Department of Public Safety.
The Reorganization Act established the organizational framework of the GBI that still exists today. That framework consists of three divisions, the Investigative Division, the Division of Forensic Sciences (state crime lab)
and the Georgia Crime Information center Under this Act, the name of the GBI was changed to the Division of Investigation. However, the name change lasted only one year Criminal justice officials and citizens alike had come to regard "Georgia Bureau of Investigation" as the only appropriate name for the state's criminal investi-
gative agency. In 1975 the name was changed back to the GB/.
The role of the GBI has expanded dramatically since its founding in 1937. It has faced many challenges in meeting the demands of providing up-to-date investigative, forensic sciences and crime information services and support to Georgia's entire criminal justice system. The GBI takes pride in the fact that it has evolved over the years into a respected and creative law enforcement organization with highly trained and dedicated professional employees. From innovative investigative programs to the latest technological advancements in foren-
sic science and information services, the GBI is committed to its mission to improve the quality of the economic social and personal lives of the citizens of Georgia by solving crimes and reducing criminal activity in
the state.

GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Harry Coursey

Personnel
Finance
Public Affairs Staff Services Professional Standards
& Le al Services

Deputy Director Vernon Keenan

Deputy Director Paul Heppner

Deputy Director Dr. Byron Dawson

Performs fiscal, personnel, supply, planning and training, internal and public affairs functions, and legal services

Provides assistance upon request to local law enforcement agencies through regional offices in the investigation of crime
Combats illicit drug trade in Georgia through specialized drug enforcement units
Conducts special investigations into organized crime, white collar crime and terrorist groups

Operates the Georgia Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Network

Furnishes scientific support to the criminal justice system of Georgia

Maintains Georgia's repository for all criminal history records and fingerprint files
Contributes to the national Uniform Crime Reporting System

Conducts ballistics, criminalistics, drug identification, handwriting, blood alcohol, serology, toxicology, pathology and fingerprint identification tests for law enforcement agencies statewide

Operates Georgia's Firearms program
Conducts audits of criminal justice agencies

Provides expert testimony to test results in court

ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION
40 Positions
$4,490,489 Budget

GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Administrative Section

Director Gale Buckner

Director Rita zon

Director John Bankhead

Director Scott Cown

Director Mark Jackson

14 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Administrative Section

ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION
The Administrative Section provides support services to the other three divisions in the areas of fiscal management, personnel, purchasing and supply, facilities and construction management planning and training, public and internal affairs, and legal services.
Finance

positions, which generated 4,390 paychecks and 12,739 direct deposits in FY96.
Budget
The budget staff, comprised of a budget administrator and three analysts, manages and monitors all expenditures made by organizational units. They also developed a budget request for FY97, which resulted in the appropriation of $46,619,323 in state funds. In

the GBI had a total of722 employees, including 33 in the Administrative Division, 388 in the Investigative Division, 142 in the Division of Forensic Sciences, 127 in the Georgia Crime Information Center, and 32 temporary positions. At the end ofthe fiscal year, the personnel department reported 74 vacancies.
The routine responsibilities of the Office of Personnel include recruiting, classification, payroll, benefits, workers' compensation

The principal responsibility of the Finance Office is to support the three divisions of the GBI through budget development and fiscal management of all funding received by or awarded to this agency. The Finance Office is supervised by the agency's Fiscal Officer/Treasurer and the staff is organized in two units - Accounting and Budget.

Accounting

The accounting staff, comprised of an accounting director and nine accounting positions, receive, record and disburse funds using a modified accrual system of accounting. During FY96, a total of 13,382 expense checks were generated, stemming from the processing of more than 14,000 Field Purchase Orders, direct payment requests and travel vouchers. More than 39,000 checks for payments of services rendered by the agency were received, recorded and deposited by the staff. The accounting staff is also responsible for production of payroll for 728 state, 30 federal and 28 temporary

Georgia Governor Zell Miller poses for a picture with the five Youth Apprenticeship Program recipients. From left to right: Will Commissiong, Sheba King, Cheridan Walker, Governor Miller, Monica Thomas, Tawanda Evans

addition to state funds, this section is responsible for administering all grant awards.
Personnel

and the student internship program. New programs established during FY96 include the Youth Apprenticeship Program, Employee Assistance Program, and "Lunch & Learn."

The Office of Personnel maintains the central personnel files for the GBI and is involved in other related functions, such as recruitment and promotion activities for all three divisions. During FY96,

Special Projects
Special projects included establishing Georgia's first Youth Apprenticeship Program effective

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Administrative section 15

March 16, 1996. The program was established to provide high school students an opportunity to work while simultaneously learning a career trade. Thirteen students from the DeKalb County School System interviewed for three positions - one in each of the three GBI divisions. Two alternative students were also selected at that time. These students were placed as apprentices, working in the GBI' s Administrative Section. Additionally, one of the apprentices will be representing the GBI in the 1996 Paralympics Torch Run, with the assistance of the Office of Personnel.

ferred compensation, AIDS awareness and financial planning. Each topic is presented twice, allowing day and evening shift employees to benefit from this program.
Staff Services
Staff services provides a wide variety of administrative functions within the GBI. In the area of facilities management, construction began on a new Northwest Georgia GBI Branch Laboratory in

liaison with the Georgia Building Authority in coordinating security and maintenance for the GBI Headquarters complex.
In FY96, the Staff Services Purchasing Office processed more than 8,000 Field Purchase Orders, maintained more than 150 agency contracts and bid out approximately 80 requisitions. The Fleet and Property Management Section managed the GBI' s fleet of more than 490 vehicles and in FY96 successfully reconciled the depart-

Employee Assistance Program

The Office of Personnel also established the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) effective July 1, 1996, as an additional benefit to GBI employees. It is sponsored by the GBI at no cost to its employees. The program is designed to provide employees and their families access to counseling professionals. The GBI provides this service through Cameron and Associates, a nationwide company which is specifically designed for employee assistance needs and is used by other state and local agencies.
"Lunch & Learn"
The Office of Personnel is now sponsoring "Lunch and Learn" sessions once a month. These sessions are formatted so that employees can eat their lunch while learning about topics that are of interest to them. Some of the sessions included information regarding diet and nutrition, de-

Director of Public Affairs John Bankhead briefs media representatives prior to a news conference held in front of the GBI Headquarters.

Chattooga County. Completion of the new facility is targeted for late FY97. An architect was hired and design started on a new Region 5 office in Statesboro. In two other Investigative Division projects, construction bid documents were also started for remodeling and building an addition to the Region 10 office in Conyers and to the Region 7 office in Thomson. Staff Services also continued to maintain

mental inventory. Logistical support, such as central supply and the mail room were provided to GBI regional offices and branch labs statewide. Staff Services also provides telecommunications management for the department, maintaining liaison with DOAS District Offices throughout the state. In FY96, a new central telephone system was installed at the GBI Headquarters facility. Additionally, Staff Services pro-

16 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Administrative Section

vides records management for the department and prepares credentials for GBI employees.
Public Affairs Office
The Public Affairs Office is responsible for coordinating the support functions of public information, media relations and community affairs for the GBI. In addition to providing speakers to civic groups and schools, public affairs issues news releases to inform the public of activities, programs, achievements and other items of public interest involving the GBI and its employees.
The Public Affairs Office is also responsible for coordinating and conducting tours of the crime lab for the Division of Forensic Sciences; composing and editing articles submitted to law enforcement publications; and compiling, developing and publishing the GBI annual report.

fiscal year. Legal services handled approxi-
mately 325 open records requests; provided legal instruction for inservice, new agent and supervisor training at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth; and provided legal services in the areas of policy, new legislation, administrative and personnel law, as well as legal research into a

Office of Professional Standards/ Legal Services

The Office of Professional Standards is charged with handling open records requests, internal affairs investigations, ADA issues, employee grievances, internal complaints and adverse actions, as well as legal instruction and services.
During FY96, 10 internal affairs cases were handled by OPS and approximately 13 employees were administratively cleared through preliminary inquiries. Additionally, 28 internal complaints were investigated and resolved during the

Di~;ct~f ofL~gat Services Mark Jackson reviews a~ open
records request with Special Agent in Charge Jim Duff.
variety of issues relevant to the day-to-day operation of the GBI. The Director of Legal Services worked in liaison with the Department of Law attorneys in approximately 17 new civil actions involving GBI employees, while 28 cases were closed in FY96.

INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION

Vernon Keenan Deputy Director

4 15 Positions $28,737,246 Budget

GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Investigative Division

---4 Region 6 I
Region 12
Region 14
Macon RDEO
Savannah RDEO
SRT/EOD
Middle Ga Fugitive
State Drug Task Force

Region 8
Region 11
FIU
Gainesville RDEO
Metro Fugitive Squad
State Healthcare
Fraud Unit

Region 2
Region 10
CAU/MEI
Crime Scene Investigator
Polygraph/ Intelligence/
ATT
HIDTA
Training/ DARE

Re ion 4
I 91 Region
Region 13
Region 15
ISS
Governor's Task Force

20 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

INVEST!GATIVE DIVISION
The Investigative Division, the largest division within the GBI, is charged with assisting local law enforcement agencies in the investigation of crimes committed in Georgia. The division is supervised by a deputy director and a staff of four inspectors and is responsible for a wide variety of investigative duties. These duties are conducted mainly by 15 regional offices that investigate primarily felony crimes throughout the state. Four regional drug enforcement offices (RDEOs) in Atlanta, Gainesville, Macon and Savannah, along with the Governor's Task Force, State Drug Task Force and multi-jurisdictional task forces (MJTSs) concentrate their efforts in the area of illegal drug activities. Personnel in these offices and task forces often work in conjunction with local and federal authorities.
Several specialized units are vital to the daily operation of the Investigative Division. These include the Polygraph/Intelligence Unit, Crime Analysis Unit, Financial Investigations Unit and Training Unit. The Investigative Division responds to evolving crime trends, in some cases by creating new specialized units such as the State Health Care Fraud Unit, which was activated during FY95.
Olympic Projects Unit
On January 22, 1996, Georgia Governor Zell Miller created the State Olympic Law Enforcement Command to coordinate the state's

role in the 1996 Summer Olympic as the assistant venue commander

Games. It has been anticipated that position at several venues including

the population of Atlanta, Georgia Centennial Olympic Park. Addi-

and surrounding counties affected tionally, GBI agents have been

by the Olympic Games will double assigned to command other areas

in size during the summer of 1996. including the Identification Team

SOLEC is the state's central com- Specialized Management Center,

manding agency in charge of

accreditation and dignitary protec-

public safety operations. SOLEC tion. A majority of the GBl's

is made up of 29 state agencies, 23 personnel and resources will be

sheriffs offices and police depart- devoted to the ID Teams, including

ments, the Georgia Department of ID Team supervisory positions in

Defense, 15 state colleges and

Athens, Savannah, Columbus, and

universities, and 11 federal agen- Gainesville.

cies. GBI Director Milton E. Nix,

Jr. is one of four board members charged with organizing, planning and implementing the state's massive public safety effort. (The other three board members are:

Olympic Intelligence Unit/ Anti-Terrorist Team/ Explosive Ordnance

SOLEC Chief of Staff Gary W.

Disposal (EOD)

McConnell, director of the Geor-

gia Emergency Management

The Explosive Ordnance Dis-

Agency; Commissioner Colonel posal unit is comprised of special

Sid Miles, the Georgia Department agents from throughout the Investi-

of Public Safety; and Adjutant

gative Division who specialize in

General William P. Bland, the

the disposal of explosives. This

Georgia Department of Defense.) unit operates as an adjunct of the

A total of211 sworn''and 38

Anti-Terrorist Team.

non-sworn GBI employees will be

During FY96, the Anti-Terrorist

deployed for Olympic duty. A total Team was heavily involved in

of 44,009 hours were expended on various security functions prior to

Olympic preparation during FY96. the 1996 Summer Olympic Games

GBI supervisors have been

to be held in Atlanta. Additionally,

assigned key SOLEC responsibili- the unit members will participate in

ties during the Olympic Games,

dignitary protection details and

including the positions of SOLEC monitor the activities of various

division directors and commander groups for the Games. EOD mem-

of all state law enforcement re-

bers will staffthe Olympic Bomb

sources during 12-hour shifts.

Management Centers located at

Additional responsibilities include two strategic locations during the

the venue commander positions at 1996 Summer Olympic Games.

the Georgia World Congress

During the fiscal year, EOD

Center, International Broadcasting personnel responded to 149 EOD

Center, Georgia Institute of Tech- related calls and rendered safe 83

nology Natation Center, Olympic potentially dangerous devices.

Athlete's Village, several venues at Calls for EOD assistance have

the University of Georgia, as well

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

increased greatly prior to the 1996 training. The team observed a

Olympic Games. The GBI will

significant rise in the number of

Investigative Division 21
maximum response time of one hour anywhere in the state. Plans to improve this response time will be developed in FY97.
Statewide Polygraph Unit
During FY96 the Statewide Polygraph Unit administered 3,865 polygraph examinations. Of this total, 2,540 (66%) were specific issue examinations and 1,325 (34%) were pre-employment examinations. Results from the specific issue examinations reported 1,195 (47%) truthful, 774 (31%) deceptive, 163 (6%) inconclusive and the remaining 408 (16%) were only interviewed.

GBI Senior Bomb Technician Larry Whitlock, examines military grenades that have been improvised with gun powder.

field 12 fully-trained and certified "Render Safe" bomb technicians for the 1996 Games. They will also be available to assist local authorities during this time.
Special Response Team (SRT)
During FY96, the GBI's Tactical Unit saw a significant increase in requests for assistance. During this time, additional personnel were added to the teams and there was an increased emphasis on

barricaded gunman and hostage calls.
Training for the 1996 Olympics has been extensive for both EOD and the tactical units of the SRT. The capability to utilize explosives for breaching walls and doors during emergency hostage situations was developed for the Entry Team by the EOD unit.
During FY96, additional emphasis was placed on recruiting and training more culturally diverse personnel for the team. A priority was placed on having trained negotiators stationed to provide a

22 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

Investigative Staff Services
Investigative Staff Services (ISS) provides logistical support to all the Investigative Division units. ISS is also responsible for Bingo Regulation, purchasing, asset forfeiture and Investigative Division overtime calculations. Additionally, ISS conducts special projects assigned by the Deputy Director.

Bingo Regulations Unit
The Bingo Regulation Unit currently monitors 281 organizations, which are licensed to operate bingo games in the state of Georgia. In FY96 the highest gross receipts for any single organization was $292,418, with many organizations in the Atlanta Metropolitan area grossing more than $250,000.
During FY 96, the GBI investigated and licensed three new organizations and approved 1,006 new workers for organizations throughout the state. The Bingo

Regulation Unit currently retains applications and maintains a database on 11,706 bingo workers/ officers.
Purchasing Unit
The Purchasing Unit oversees the purchases of clothing, equipment, supplies and repair costs for the Investigative Division, utilizing an annual budget of $2,159,956. The Purchasing unit is also responsible for the identification, acquisition, and distribution of the necessary clothing, equipment and supplies issued to agents out of the

Agents with the Special Response Team gather at a scene to receive their orders from the Team Leader

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division 23

Staff Services Supply Room. ISS also manages the GBI's
Federal Asset Forfeiture Sharing Program.

Special Projects

In FY96, ISS coordinated logistics for the GBI' s security responsibilities related to the Black College Spring Break and the 1996 Olympic Games. During the Olympics, ISS will be responsible for the logistics of the GBI ID Command Center, the State Olympic Law Enforcement (SOLEC) Command Center, as well as the ID Team Project. ISS will provide clothing, equipment, supplies and cellular telephone service to more than 220 agents assigned to the Olympics, and handle more than 1,600 pieces of equipment. ISS will also coordinate the appointment to special agent of more than 900 Federal Agents assigned to SOLEC as GBI special agents during the Olympic Games.
Financial Investigations Unit
During FY96, the Financial Investigations Unit opened 121 cases. Beginning in March 1996, FIU supplied agents and auditors to SOLEC to assist in implementing the state's security plan for the Olympic Games. By the end of June 1996, two thirds of FIU' s personnel were working the 1996 Olympic Games.
FIU's seven auditors, one National Guardsman and seven special agents supported other GBI work units and other law enforcement agencies in Georgia by

The GBI Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The GBI Crime Solver Tips Line and all radio communications
are monitored from here.

providing the following services: Conducted seven financial analyses in criminal investigations Assisted in the seizure of $1,467,417 in assets derived from illegal activity Conducted 358 public record searches in criminal investigations Assisted in four cellular telephone cases by providing technical expertise and support Examined computers and computer related media in 20 investigations Reviewed 433 Currency Transaction Reports and 103 wire transfers to aid in criminal investigations Generated 398 leads from the Currency Transaction Reports and 127 leads from the wire transfers Taught 333 students in six different training programs and seminars in financial investigative techniques, fraud investigative techniques and recovery of evi-

dence from computers Acted as the state coordinator for the U.S. Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and as the agency representative for the National White Collar Crime Center
Significant Cases:
D FIU personnel worked a
telemarketing fraud case involving victims from across the country who lost approximately a million dollars by sending money for prizes they had allegedly won. This investigation will continue into FY97.
D FIU personnel worked on three
cellular telephone cloning investigations in which the telephone companies losses were estimated at $12 miilion. Three persons have been arrested in one case and the other two cases are continuing into FY97.

24 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

FIU personnel concluded an investigation involving a conspiracy to defraud insurance companies by staging fake accidents which cost the insurance companies $10 million. This investigation was initiated by Region 6 personnel in FY94, but was transferred to FIU in FY95. The investigation resulted in the arrest of more than 100 people including doctors. Many of those arrested have been convicted or have plead guilty, while some cases are still pending court.
Intelligence Unit
The Intelligence Unit is a support unit made up of 16 analysts who provide analytical services to all GBI investigative work units and other agencies in the criminal justice system. The unit is affiliated with local, regional, national and international law enforcement agencies.
The Intelligence Unit maintains a database of intelligence submissions and queries from all levels of law enforcement. During FY96, the unit processed 2,086 intelligence submissions and researched 11,887 queries. Contained within this database is the statewide drug intelligence database commonly known as Metro Atlanta Narcotics Intelligence Exchange (MANIX) and the Georgia State Intelligence Network (GSIN). These programs provide better cooperation among law enforcement agencies, assist in preventing jurisdictional problems, target major violators, contribute to case leads, and enhance officer

safety. These programs accounted for 5,324 queries during the fiscal year. The Intelligence Unit also provides assistance to GSIN by providing 211 monthly mailings to member agency representatives concerning meetings and conferences.
During FY96, the Intelligence Unit provided telephone toll analysis, event charts and case organization in narcotics cases, homicide investigations and other major cases. Analysts participated in command post functions during the Black College Spring Break '96 hosted by Atlanta and the Regatta and St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Savannah. Also during this time period, analysts were involved in pre-Olympic preparation through participation in the Olympic Intelligence Center and by completing background checks on Olympic related activity.

includes acting as a liaison between law enforcement and custodial parents. An analyst is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist law enforcement or parents, if needed.
During FY96, 1,336 missing children were placed in the Georgia Crime Information Center system. This includes non-custodial abductions, runaways and stranger abductions. The center has assisted the U.S. State Department with one international parental abduction case.

Graphics

Forensic Latent Fingerprint Examiner Al Pryor

The graphics division of the Intelligence Unit

trains crime scene specialists on the characteristics of latent fingerprints and the techniques used
for lifting the prints.

provides maps, crime scene

charts and graphs to the administra-

tive section, and to the Investiga- Technical Services

tive Division for case management

and court presentations. Numerous

During FY96, the Technical

maps were generated in preparation Service Unit of Intelligence as-

for the Olympic Games.

sisted the GBI and other members

of the Criminal Justice Community

Georgia Missing Children

by providing timely technical

Information Center

assistance. The unit installed video

cameras in nine investigations and

The Intelligence Unit serves as enhanced audio tapes for 41 agen-

the Georgia Missing Children

cies. Also the unit conducted a

Information Center. This role

number of technical services

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

provided by criminal profilers, 13 shootings, and incidents in which

other types of cases (backgrounds police officers were fatally shot.

etc.) conducted, and 24 cases

Four cases were investigated

opened as a result of specific

involving what appeared to be

training requests. The largest

serial prostitute murders in Atlanta.

number of requests originate from

Fulton, Dekalb, Clayton,

Significant Case:

Rockdale, Newton, Cobb,

On August 13, 1995, in Forest

Gwinnett, and Cherokee counties. Park, Clayton County, the Crime

Scene Specialists Unit processed a

Crime Scene Specialists Section vehicle from a crime scene, involv-

ing the double homicide of a man

The Crime Scene Specialist

and woman. Subjects were arrested

Section conducts research into based upon latent fingerprints left

advanced crime scene processing at the scene. The murders were the

A crime scene specialist dusts a vehicle for techniques, develops appropriate result of an illegal drug sale/

prints.

equipment, oversees the training transaction.

curriculum of the 15 crime scene

including counter measure sweeps and radio programming.
In addition, the unit participated in the establishment and maintenance of command posts for various law enforcement projects in which the GBI participated.

specialists assigned to each regional office and staffs the Metro Crime Scene Unit.
The Metro Crime Scene Specialists unit is staffed with GBI special agents and one FBI special agent. These specialists provide services to metropolitan Atlanta

Medical Examiner Investigators Section
The six Medical Examiner Investigators are responsible for assisting GBI and local homicide investigators, as well as coroners statewide by scheduling autopsies

Crime Analysis Unit

law enforcement agencies. The Metro Crime Scene Unit

and transporting the deceased to the appropriate GBI laboratory

The GBI's Crime Analysis Unit provides investigative support to all Georgia law enforcement agencies in the investigation of violent crimes. The CAU is made up of three distinct units, the Crime Scene Specialist Section, the Medical Examiner Investigators Section and the Criminal Investigative Analysis (Profiling) Section.
The Crime Analysis Unit opened a total of 178 cases in FY96, including 106 crime scenes processed, 35 case consultations

assisted in several officer related

facility for postmortem examination. The MEis are responsible for obtaining sufficient pertinent information concerning each death to assist the medical examiner with his or her determination of the manner and cause of death. The Special Agent MEI is responsible for obtaining postmortem fingerprints of the deceased and taking

appropriate photographs.

Additionally, the special

Two crime scene specialists use a luma light to

agent also insures that all

help detect the presence of latent prints.

the evidence obtained

during the autopsy is

26 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

properly packaged and labeled by the doctors and submitted to the laboratory for forensic examinations and tests. When appropriate, the special agent will travel to death scenes and assist local investigators with the death scene examination.
During FY96, the GBI MEis unit at the Division of Forensic Sciences Headquarters Lab worked a total of 1,502 cases, including 1,077 autopsies, 72 external exams, 62 limited dissections and 291 consultations. The manner of death in these cases was determined to be as follows: 202 accidental, 273 homicides, 325 natural, 86 pending, 209 suicides, 70 traffic, 46 undetermined/unknown, and 291 consultations.
In addition, 245 cases were worked at the DOFS Moultrie Lab, giving a total of 1,747 cases investigated by the GBI Medical Examiner System.
Criminal Investigative Analysis (Profiling) Section
During FY96, the Criminal Investigative Analysis (Profiling) Section continued to provide a variety of behavioral science related services to Georgia law enforcement agencies.
These investigative support services included constructing profiles ofunknown offenders in unsolved homicides and sexual assaults, crime scene reconstruction and analysis, threat assessments, interview/interrogation techniques, and investigative strategy. Additionally, this section of the CAU provided police training in a variety of behavioral oriented subjects: 200 hours oftraining in profiling,

60 hours of interview/interrogation training, 60 hours oftraining in sexual assault investigations, and 40 hours of training in work place violence.
During the month of January 1996, 30 GBI special agents received 40 hours oftraining in child abuse investigation. In March 1996, the Georgia Legislature added eight more special agent child abuse specialist positions to the GBI, effective FY97, for a total of 15. This will enable each regional field office to designate one special agent to assist local law enforcement agencies in child abuse investigations on a full time basis.
Significant Case:
On Friday, October 6, 1995, a 38-year-old white female was discovered dead in the bathtub of her Doraville residence by her 7year-old son. Responding Gwinnett County Police Officers reported that the victim was lying in approximately four inches of water. The residence was locked, and there were no signs of forced entry. No crime scene or investigative support was requested by the responding uniform officers because it was believed the death was natural. However, on November 30, 1995, the Gwinnett County PD requested a case consultation in this matter after the facts of the case were layed out, and Gwinnett County investigators learned from family members that the victim had no hot water in her residence and used her mother's residence to bathe. A consultation and investigative assistance from a GBI investigative profiler resulted in the identification and successful

prosecution of a suspect - a Gwinnett cab driver and boyfriend ofthe victim
Training/DARE
During FY96, 583 agents attended 252 specialty and advanced courses. Twelve of these courses were sponsored by the GBI, including computer crimes, Georgia Gain, Asset Forfeiture, advanced drug identification and field agent training sessions. Additional topics included polygraph, child abuse and crime scene specialist seminars.
The training unit also conducted eight in-service sessions, which were attended by 422 agents. The in-service sessions included three special agent in-services, three Olympic special agent inservices, one Olympic supervisor in-service and one Strike Force inservice.
There were 48 firearms range sessions. These sessions were attended by all sworn Investigative Division personnel and included the Fall 1995 and Spring 1996 requalification sessions. On December 20, 1995, 40 agents graduated from a 16-week basic agent course.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division 27

GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION 15 REGIONAL OFFICES

28 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

Regional Offices
Region 1
During FY96, Region 1 initiated a total of 594 investigations, closed 530 cases, and arrested 266 violators. In FY96 the R-1 Crime Scene Specialist opened 57 cases and performed an additional 45 crime scene related services for GBJ agents and outside agencies.
R-1, a "dual purpose" office, working both drug and general investigations, conducted seven Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDEF) investigations. These investigations resulted in 47 arrests, more than $100,000 in contraband seized, and approximately $420,000 in assets seized. It is anticipated that there will be additional seizures of contraband, assets and arrests in these cases. Charges ranged from conspiracy to trafficking in illegal substances to murder of a federal witness.
Region 2
In FY96, the Region 2 office in Thomaston initiated 224 criminal investigations and 125 assistance rendered cases, resulting in 95 arrests. Of the criminal cases, 17 were death investigations. Despite the absence of a regional narcotics specialist, 50 drug investigations were initiated. R-2 personnel were also responsible for planning and coordinating State Security Operations for the Columbus Venue of the 1996 Olympic Games.
Significant Cases:
In November 1995 two women

were reported missing in Peachtree City, Georgia. Their bodies were later found in a van left in the parking of Hartsfield International Airport. One victim had been shot to death, and the other beaten and strangled. The murders were eventually determined to have occurred in College Park. The husband of one of the victims was ultimately arrested following a physical struggle in New York City and later convicted of murder. Two men were reported missing, separately, in Carroll County. The bodies ofthe two missing men were found near Bowdon, Georgia buried in the same hole, which had been dug by a backhoe. One body was contained in a metal box and the other lying on top of it. The murders were committed one week apart. An acquaintance ofthe two men was subsequently arrested and convicted. Further investigation revealed that while these two murders were committed by the same person, the incidents were unrelated.
Region 3
During FY96, Region 3 initiated a total of 410 investigations and closed 429. R-3 had 21 death investigations, arrested 156 violators, and seized $1,946,085 in contraband. Additionally, more than $258,418 in stolen property was reported, and $269,934 in property was recovered. Approximately 1,200 hours were spent in preparation for the 1996 Olympic Games.

Significant Cases: On October 20, 1995, fugitive
Wayman Lyons, who was wanted by the FBI and considered one of Kentucky's eight most wanted fugitives, was apprehended. Lyons had previously been convicted of murder in Madison County, Indiana, with present charges pending as a persistent felony offender. Lyons had been a fugitive for approximately six years, and was presently living and working in the R-3 area. Information in reference to his whereabouts was gleaned from informant information. Lyons was turned over to Federal officials. In January 1996 a mother reported her 3-year-old twins missing. It was subsequently established that the mother had thrown both children from a bridge into the Flint River. The children were presumed alive at the time. One body has been recovered. The mother will be tried on murder charges. On June 1, 1996, a female was kidnapped from her residence in Reynolds, Georgia, held at gun point and forced to commit oral sodomy with two perpetrators. She was then shot in the face, placed in the trunk of her car, and driven to a remote location where the car was set on fire by the perpetrators. The victim survived. The two perpetrators were identified, ultimately arrested and are pending trial on a myriad of charges.

Georgia Bureau of Jnuestigation

Region 4
During FY96 Region 4 opened 303 criminal cases, including 22 death investigations, and made 196 arrests. This office supports two Multi Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces - one in Baxley and the other in Lakeland.
Significant Case: During FY96, a suspect in the
1993 Waycross triple homicide, was tried and convicted of all three killings.

(formerly known as Orange Crush Party) at Savannah Beach.
Significant Cases:
D On Monday, October 2, 1995,
the Millen Police Department requested GBI assistance in a homicide investigation. The remains of the victim, a high school student at the Jenkins County High School, were discovered by the Millen Police Department on October 2, 1995. The victim had been

requested by the Reidsville Police Department in a missing person investigation. The victim in this case rented a truck which was discovered abandoned in Reidsville: Georgia by the local police department. Blood was discovered in the cargo part of the truck. It was subsequently identified as human blood by scientists at the GBI Division of Forensic Sciences. In May 1996 the victim's remains were

Region 5

During FY96, Region 5 conducted 38 death investigations (an increase of five cases from the previous year) and 16 child abuse/ molestation investigations (an increase of nine cases). Other criminal investigations on the increase in R-5 are kidnapping, arsons, forgeries, motor vehicle thefts, sexual offenses and fugitive investigations. Criminal investigations on the decline include assaults, criminal damage to property, burglary, thefts, robberies, and narcotics investigations. During FY96, investigations of violent crimes (homicide, assaults, kidnappings, robberies, sexual offenses, terroristic threats, and child abuse/molestation) accounted for 51 % of all R-5 investigative hours.
With the support from the Savannah Regional Drug Enforcement Office, R-5 provided the security assistance for the St. Patrick's Day festival in Savannah in March 1996. Additionally, R-5 provided security assistance for the 1996 Savannah Beach Festival

Region 6 agents and the Morgan County Sheriff's Office charged this individual with possession of a fully automatic weapon and violation of Georgia Controlled
Substances Act. The suspect was also charged with cruelty to animals after agents discovered he was hanging dogs in the woods behind his trailer.

reported missing since Saturday, September 30, 1995, when she did not return home following an out-of-town football game. The victim was a member of the Jenkins County High School Band. As a result of the investigation, a boyfriend of the victim and a second subject were charged with the murder.
D On Monday, September 18,
1995, GBI assistance was

discovered by citizens gathering pine straw in a wooded area near Reidsville, Georgia. The victim's body was identified with dental records and items found at the scene. As a result of further investigative efforts, two individuals were arrested and charged in the murder.

30 . c;eorgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

Region 6
During FY96, the Region 6 office opened a total of 340 cases, including 2()8 (61 %)regular cases and 102 (39%) assistance rendered. This is a slight decrease in terms of regular cases ofFY95. However, R-6 agents spent more of their time on violent crimes in FY96 than in the previous years. The total number of death investigations substantially increased from 17 in FY95 to 24 in FY96. During the fiscal year, 95 arrests were made.
Significant Cases: On September 11, 1995, R-6
assisted the Eatonton Police Department in the investigation of a double homicide and armed robbery of a couple who was killed execution style in their apartment located within the city limits of Eatonton. The male victim had been bound, gagged and beaten before he was shot. Subsequent investigation produced six suspects from the Atlanta Metro area who were eventually arrested and charged with murder, armed robbery and other crimes. Most of the defendants have either been tried or plead guilty in Putnam County Superior Court and are now serving lengthy prison sentences. On November 7, 1995, a man and his wife were returning from Sparta to their rural home in Hancock County. On the long

dirt road to their home a tree had fallen across the road. The man exited the vehicle to remove the tree from his path when two suspects emerged from a hiding place near the fallen tree and shot him in the face, killing him instantly. The victim's wife was then kidnapped, taken to her residence and tied to a chair while the two perpetrators ransacked her residence. Money, diamonds and other jewelry, as well as a 22 rifle, were stolen during this time. The wife was able to free herself and fled the scene. The two suspects were later arrested and charged with murder and kidnapping. It was later learned that the crime had been committed as an initiation into a local youth gang in Hancock County. One defendant has pied and the other is awaiting a trial date. On March 11, 1996, R-6 assisted the Morgan County Sheriffs Office in a murder,

kidnapping and armed robbery case. Subsequent investigation revealed that the victim had been accosted and abducted in Greene County while delivering newspapers at a convenience store. She was robbed of her money and vehicle, kidnapped, and taken to another location where she was shot in the head. Her body was dumped near I-20 in Morgan County. Further investigation identified two suspects from North Carolina. A manhunt for the two men was initiated. GBI agents, in coordination with North Carolina authorities, located the suspects. As law enforcement officers from both states attempted to apprehend the suspects, one of the suspects shot and killed himself. The other is awaiting trial in Morgan County.
Region 7
During FY96, Region 7 opened

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and found marijuana, a loaded machine gun and three dead dogs.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

a total 424 cases, 334 criminal and 90 assistance rendered, resulting in 289 arrests. A total of 54 narcotics investigations were opened, as well as 39 child abuse investigations, 22 aggravated assaults and 27 death investigations. All 27 death investigations have been solved.
Significant Cases: On July 1, 1995, at 5:00 P.M.,
Martin Larios, 33, shot his 49year-old wife, execution-style near Larios' s residence in Taliaferro County, Georgia. After the murder, it was believed that Larios fled to Mexico. In April 1996, Larios was located at a dairy farm in Roseboro, North Carolina, using a different name. Before authorities were able to apprehend Larios he once again fled the country. It is believed that Larios went back to Mexico, but may currently be back in the United States, possibly working at a dairy farm. A murder warrant and Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution warrant issued by the FBI are outstanding. On Thursday, October 19, 1995, skeletal remains were found in a wooded area off Creek Road in Burke County, Georgia. On October 26, 1995, through dental records,. the remains were identified as those of a 16-year-old male who was reported missing from Richmond County since August 14, 1995. Cause of death was gunshot wounds to the head. The victim's abandoned vehicle was located in another wooded area in Burke County on October 26 and contained blood

stains throughout the interior. After an extensive three month investigation conducted by the GBI, two acquaintances of the victim, ages 15 and 16, were charged with murder and carjacking on December 19, 1996. Both were sentenced to life in prison on January 25, 1996. On Monday, March 18, 1996, GBI assistance was requested by the Richmond County Sheriffs Office in reference to the death of a 30-year-old female who had been discovered on the floor of her bedroom with a knife in her chest, throat cut, ligature marks on her neck, and the handle of a stainless steel knife protruding from her back. Cause of death was ligature strangulation. There was no apparent forced entry into the victim's residence. After an extensive sixmonth investigation and a DNA match, a 23-year-old suspect was charged with the murder. This case is presently pending court.
Region 8
During FY96, Region 8 opened a total of 355 cases including 170 assistance rendered cases and 185 criminal investigations. This work unit made 97 arrests during FY96. Overall the total number of cases decreased slightly from 373 during FY95 to 355 in FY96. Those cases have produced fines totaling $24,737.00 and restitution amounting to $54,300.00. A total of $243,459.95 in property was reported stolen and $102,600.93 of that reported was recovered.

Among those criminal cases investigated in FY96, 67 investigations were categorized as violent crimes, which was down by 21 from the previous fiscal year. The R-8 Crime Scene Specialist processed numerous crime scenes, involving crimes of a violent nature, where no further GBI involvement was requested.
Significant Cases: A seven-year-old female was
sexually molested repeatedly by her stepfather. Search warrants were served at the residence and a secondary location. During those searches, evidence supporting the allegations was recovered. The suspect was later found guilty of the charges and is currently serving a fifty-year sentence. The investigation is ongoing. Within a four-day period, R-8 was involved in investigating the shooting death of three police officers in three separate incidents. After an upsurge in property crimes in the area, the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office requested GBI assistance. An undercover sting operation was initiated. GBI agents, posing as buyers of stolen property, established a residence to which the violators would bring stolen property and sell it to the agents. Those transactions were captured on tape. During the sixty-day operation, agents recovered more than $100,000 in stolen property. Forty-one arrests were made, and many of those arrested were charged with multiple charges, includ-

32 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

ing theft by receiving stolen property, burglary, possession of narcotics, and automatic weapons.
Region 9
During FY96 Region 9 conducted 370 investigations. A moderate increase of 6% was noted for homicide investigations, however, child crime investigations increased 300% with this office conducting 23 investigations involving violence against children.
Forty narcotic investigations were conducted, two of which resulted in the seizure of more than 500 pounds of marijuana. Because ofthe commitment to Olympic security, this office spent 436 manhours in preparation for several Olympic details.
Significant Cases:
D On January 2, 1996, an investi-
gation was initiated into possible illegal activities by members of the Thomasville-Thomas County Drug Squad. This investigation continued actively until May 1996. During the course of this investigation, numerous criminal charges were identified against the drug squad commander and the deputy commander. The charges included theft of cash, theft of evidence, failing a urinalysis for cocaine, planting evidence on criminal defendants, and police brutality. The case is set to be indicted on February 10, 1997, in Thomas County. The prosecution of this case will be handled by the Georgia Attorney General's Office.

D On Monday, November 21,
1994, R-9 agents interviewed a 28-year-old female who complained that Dr. Andrew Allison Dekle of Thomasville, Georgia had been exchanging prescription drugs for sexual favors with his patients. Agents subsequently served a search warrant at Dr. Dekle's office and seized evidence corroborating the statements of the victim in the case, as well as indicating involvement of some nineteen additional patients. During the investigation, and particularly during FY96, agents audited a number of pharmacies and medical records pertaining to these patients and ultimately obtained a 130 count Federal indictment in January of 1996. The case is scheduled for trial in Federal Court on Monday, February 3, 1997.
Region 10
During FY96 Region 10 conducted 243 cases, including 133 assistance rendered and 120 criminal investigations. Forty-two arrests were made as a result of these investigations. Total man hours for the fiscal year were 26,035.
Sig.nificant Cases:
D On October 10, 1995, a female
victim voluntarily left her Clayton County residence in the company of 31-year-old Larry Cook and 17-year-old Clarence Patrick. The victim was raped and sodomized by both subjects in Fulton County. Cook later murdered the

woman and buried the body approximately one and a half miles from his residence. Her body was discovered in April 1996. Cook and Patrick have been indicted and are awaiting trail. R-10 and Special Agent Fred Mays were the recipients of the Director's Award for Investigative Excellence in this case.
Region 11
During FY96, Region 11 opened 354 cases. A total of 189 criminal cases were worked with 165 assistance rendered cases. There were 102 arrests made during this period. Additionally, there were 28 death investigations, 30 child abuse investigations and 40 crime scene investigations conducted.
During FY96, 12,000 hours were expended on investigative activity. Of the 12,000 investigative hours worked by R-11 agents, 2,400 hours were devoted to death investigations.
Region 12
During FY96, Region 12 conducted 545 investigations, including 328 criminal cases and 217 assistance rendered. A total of 249 arrests were made, and $75,629 in stolen property was recovered, representing a 100% increase over FY95. Contraband seized during the fiscal year totaled $447,995.
In FY96, R-12 experienced a 100%.increase in child abuse cases, a direct result of the creation of a full time child abuse specialist position and investigative efforts in

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

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this area. R-12 continues to work closely with Macon and Savannah Regional Drug Enforcement Offices and the GBI supervised Oconee/Dublin Multi Jurisdictional Task Force in addressing the narcotics issues of the region. During FY96, investigations of violent crimes, such as murder, sex offenses, robbery, assault, kidnapping and child abuse accounted for 40% of all investigative hours, along with 16% devoted to the investigation of narcotics offenses.
Significant Cases:
D R-12 was requested to assist in
a theft investigation in Telfair County which ultimately led to the arrest of a Lumber City Police Officer who confessed to numerous thefts while on duty. This investigative effort was aided considerably by previous intelligence report submissions by the GBI.
D R-12 agents were called to the
scene of an apparent natural/ accidental death. R-12 agents conducted a further investigation, which ultimately led to the confession and arrest of the victim's wife and two male friends for the murder ofthe victim.
Region 13
Region 13 opened a total of 686 cases, including 333 assistance rendered cases and 353 criminal cases - an increase from FY95 of 48 cases. These cases netted 227 arrests, 81 more than FY95 for a 64% increase. The 23 death investigations accounted for 18.6% of the total investigative hours for R13.

During FY96 R-13 had dual responsibility for both general and drug investigations in four counties. R-13 conducted 63 narcotics investigations, and seized approximately $3,000,000 in contraband.
The crime scene specialist conducted 76 crime scene investigations. This accounted for 22% of the cases opened. R-13 also queried criminal history records for the United States Postal Service on 826 potential employees.
Significant Cases: During FY96, a double homi-
cide occurred in Dooly County. Suspect Luther Clayton was accused of stalking his girlfriend. Three days prior to the murders, Clayton allegedly threatened, assaulted and kidnapped his girlfriend. On the day of the murder Clayton stalked the victim in her vehicle, where she was accompanied by her son. Clayton fired shots at the woman and her son from his vehicle numerous times with a rifle. When the victim tried to get away from Clayton, he chased her and rammed her vehicle with his truck, causing both vehicles to leave the roadway and crash. Clayton went up to the car where the occupants were trying to get out and shot the son six times with a .25 automatic pistol. As the girlfriend was running away, Clayton reloaded his weapon and chased after her, shooting her repeatedly. Clayton pied guilty to two counts of murder and was sentenced to life plus 20 years.
D On October 18, 1995, Daniel

Keith Vickery and Stephen Duane Nutt escaped from the Dooly County Correctional Institute in Unadilla and traveled to Elko, Georgia, to the victim's residence. When the victim came home from work, the two escapees were in his home. The suspects pointed a shotgun at him and tied him up with duct tape. He was then gagged and put in a bedroom closet. The suspects then stole the victim's truck and left the area. They were later apprehended when they committed a series of burglaries in Camden County, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida. Due to an administrative error in Camden County, Nutt was released on bond. He began a series of burglaries from Jacksonville, Florida all the way to Atlanta. Nutt was again apprehended in the Metro Atlanta area and is back in state custody.
Region 14
During FY96, Region 14 conducted 216 investigations, made 110 arrests and seized $1,263,675.00 in contraband. In January 1996, R-14 assumed all investigative responsibilities on state-owned Jekyll Island from the Georgia State Patrol. This resulted in an increase in activity during the second half of FY96.
Significant Cases:
D On Wednesday, August 16,
1995, at approximately 11 :30 p.m., a 28-year-old clerk at the Time Saver #13 on Highway #196, was abducted by Jorge Ivan Torres and David Cordova

34 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

as she entered her vehicle. The victim was taken to a secluded area where she was robbed and shot in the head numerous times. Her body was discovered the following morning. Three suspects were arrested for murder. On Sunday, August 27, 1995, at approximately 12:36 a.m., a Georgia State Patrol Trooper stopped a vehicle at the north city limits of Hoboken on Georgia #15. The trooper approached the vehicle, and noticed the driver's hands were below the seat between his legs. The trooper told the man to lift his hands where they could be seen. As the man lifted his hands, the trooper observed a handgun barrel and stepped back toward the rear of the suspect vehicle and drew his weapon. The suspect turned and fired his weapon, striking the trooper in the left hand. The trooper returned fire, hitting the vehicle numerous

times. The suspect drove away and abandoned his vehicle after a short distance. The suspect, identified as James Oliver Gibson, was tracked by dogs to a home approximately one-quarter mile from the scene where he had taken three hostages. The Waycross SWAT Team and the GBI Special Response Team responded to the scene. The GBI special agent in charge negotiated with Gibson and convinced him to surrender at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Region 15

ARDEO agent submits confiscated steroids to GBI Crime Lab chemist for analysis.

During FY96, Region 15 conducted 139 criminal investigations. There was a noticeable increase in the number ofjuvenilerelated/involved assaults and homicides, including two separate homicides that were committed by

subjects less than 16 years old. Fifty-seven percent of the death investigations worked were homicides.
Significant Case: The Governor's Fraud Task
Force continued working through R-15 with an emphasis on fraudulent claims relating to flood and tornado recovery construction. Two years after the Flood of '94 - the worst flooding ever of Southwest Georgia - the Task Force continues to receive complaints. However, the most recent complaints have been from contractors who have not been paid and from Government agencies needing assistance in recovering money paid out to false claims.

Illegal steroids confiscated during an investigation by the Atlanta Regional Drug Enforcement Office.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

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4 Regional Drug Enforcement Offices
Atlanta RDEO
During FY96, the Atlanta Regional Drug Enforcement Office was involved in 256 investigations, including 59 narcotics investigations, and 181 assistance rendered cases. ARDEO seized $3,471,109 in contraband.

Significant Cases: On February 2, 1996, a 34-
year-old Gwinnett County man was arrested at Hartsfield International Airport after he sold anabolic steroids to an undercover agent for $10,000. The man, known as a worldclass weightlifter who trained at a popular gym in Sandy Springs, was charged with sale of steroids. At the time of the arrest he was on probation from

a 1993 incident where he was charged with possession of steroids with intent to distribute.
D On May 30, 1996, an Atlanta
man was charged with one count of trafficking in cocaine days after being charged with murder in the death of his estranged wife. The man, a former car salesman, sold 2.2 pounds of the drug for $21,000 to an undercover GBI agent on May 18.

36 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

Gainesville RDEO

During FY96, the Gainesville Regional Drug Enforcement Office was involved in many significant investigations. Many ofthe investigations were dedicated to methamphetamine trafficking, which remains a significant problem in. Northeast Georgia.

Significant Cases: One of the most significant
cases involved an undercover purchase of four pounds of methamphetamine made in Banks County by a GBI special agent. This was indicative of much of the methamphetamine traffic as the suppliers in this case were Mexicans living in the Gainesville area. A marijuana growing operation in Union County, which was prosecuted in Federal Court and involved land seizure. GRDEO investigated a pharmacist who was illegally distributing controlled substances in exchange for money and/or

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sexual favors. The pharmacist was arrested and his drug store seized by the government. This office was frequently involved in interdiction cases involving train travel between Washington and New Orleans. One case of significance involved a kilogram of crack cocaine seized by special agents from a passenger traveling through the territory.

MaconRDEO
The Macon Regional Drug Enforcement Office has drug enforcement responsibilities for 34 counties in four regions - Regions Six, Thirteen, Twelve and Two. Also included in the area of responsibility are two multi-jurisdictional drug task forces: Oconee-Dublin and Ocmulgee, which are an integral part of the operations at the MaconRDEO.
During FY96, the Macon RDEO concentrated its efforts on major cases, involving violators of state and federal controlled substances laws which could import or sell a minimum of $50,000 of any controlled substance. Agents assigned to the Macon RDEO continue to work interdiction investigations along with requests for assistance from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

In the summer of 1995 an underground marijuana greenhouse was seized in Wilcox County. Pictured is the trap door opening that was hidden under wood
chips in a barn which was built over the underground growing operation.

Significant Cases: An investigation was conducted
primarily in Dodge County, Georgian and involved brothers who have historically been

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

involved in growing and trafficking large quantities of marijuana and distributing cocaine from South Florida into Georgia. As a result of the investigation, three arrests were made, several thousand dollars in contraband were seized, and most significantly, lifelong violators were returned to prison. A joint investigation initiated in 1995 by the Macon RDEO, which involved the Morgan County Sheriffs Department and the Greensboro Police Department, was directed toward a multi-kilograms cocaine distribution operation. This case involved multiple undercover drug buys which took place in Green and Morgan Counties, ranging from one-quarter ounce of cocaine to one ounce of cocaine per buy. The final transaction consisted of three kilograms of cocaine and the seizure of more than $100,000 ofreal property in Green, Morgan and DeKalb Counties.
Savannah RDEO
During FY96, the Savannah Regional Drug Enforcement Office conducted a total of 154 investigations, including 68 narcotic cases, 77 assistance rendered, and nine other cases. As a result of these cases, 37 arrests were made. This represents a 67% increase in operational activity over the previous year. In FY96, SRDEO seized $1,777,778 in currency along with other assets, representing a 310% increase in cash seizures, a direct result offocusing SRDEO agent

assets to commercial transportation interdiction. Contraband seized during the fiscal year totaled $558,137.
During FY96, SRDEO provided supervisory, agent and support personnel assets to security details at the Savannah Orange Crush Beach Festival, NationsBank Regatta and Savannah St. Patrick's Day Celebration, as well as pre0 lympic planning and training activities.
Significant Cases: In January 1995, an investiga-
tion was initiated in Toombs County, Georgia involving trafficking in crack cocaine. It was determined that the organization was responsible for the distribution of approximately three kilograms of crack cocaine a month in several surrounding counties and parts of South Carolina. It was determined that the organization has been active since 1991. This investigation resulted in a 28 count federal indictment against 14 individuals. Three defendants pied guilty while the remaining 11 were found guilty at trial. All defendants are awaiting sentencing. In January 1996 SRDEO agents joined forces with the Drug Enforcement Administration to target the illegal activities of Dickie Newman of Savannah, Georgia. Investigation revealed that Newman had been importing marijuana into the Savannah area from Houston, Texas since early 1990. Beginning in 1992, Newman's group lost several hundred pounds of marijuana and several hundred

thousand dollars as a result of multiple seizures by law enforcement agencies along the route between Texas and Georgia. Based on this investigation, an 11 count federal indictment was returned against Newman and nine other individuals for distributing multipound quantities of marijuana in southeast Georgia, Texas and South Carolina. As of June 1996 all defendants had entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced accordingly. To date, $707,614.00 in assets have been seized. Additional property seizures are pending. On January 2, 1996, this office initiated a joint investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration into the drug activities of Charles Ray Sheffield in Effingham County. Information was developed that Sheffield and his brother, James Sheffield, were involved in smuggling marijuana into Georgia from Texas. Subsequent investigation has identified eight additional individuals who have been involved with the Sheffields in the smuggling of several thousand pounds of marijuana into southeast Georgia. Members of this organization traveled to Houston, Texas and returned with an average of 300 pounds of marijuana at a time. This activity has been ongoing for approximately 10 years. Four individuals in the Houston, Texas area have been identified as sources for the marijuana. Federal indictments were returned against all these individuals in October 1996.

38 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

17 Multi Jurisdictional Task Forces
Altamaha DTF
The Altamaha Drug Task Force in Baxely began operation in December 1995. By the end of FY96 183 cases were opened and 82 arrests were made. This task force seized $1,489,186 in contraband and $16,900 in forfeited

assets.
Appalachian DTF
During FY96 the Appalachian Drug Task Force opened 234 cases and arrested 272 individuals for various drug charges. The task force seized drugs valued at $856,930. Marijuana and methamphetamines continue to be the most significant problem.

Significant Cases: Task force agents initiated an
investigation which resulted in the indictment of three individuals for trafficking in marijuana. Agents discovered that marijuana was being shipped UPS from California to Jasper, Georgia and Cherokee County, Georgia. The total weight of marijuana was in excess of200 pounds.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

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In Union County, a successful federal prosecution occurred concerning a marijuana cultivation operation, which resulted in the seizure of 2,200 marijuana plants.
Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad
In FY96, the Cherokee MultiAgency Narcotics Squad initiated an average of 52 cases per quarter for a total of 208 during the fiscal year. During the July 1, 1995, to June 30, 1996, reporting period, the squad averaged five intelligence submissions per quarter.
Marijuana continues to be the primary drug problem for Cherokee County. Methamphetamine has been second only to marijuana, but powder cocaine appears to be on the increase with $3,180 in seizures for the fiscal year.
CoastalDTF
During FY96, the Coastal Organized Drug Enforcement Task Force and Glynn/Brunswick Metro Drug Enforcement Unit conducted 588 investigations, resulting in 617 arrests. Contraband seized during the fiscal year totaled $1,609,589, and assets forfeited totaled $43,000
Governor's Task Force
During FY96, the Governor's Task Force aircraft flew a total of 939 hours, supporting marijuana eradication missions in 82 counties. A total of7,560 plants were found and 19 arrests were made. The GTF will discontinue operations during the months of June, July and most of August to support the 1996

Olympic Games. GTF grant funding consisted of
$200,000 from the Drug Enforcement Administration and $67,300 from the United States Forest Service.
Hall County Multi Agency Narcotics Squad
During FY96, the Hall County Multi Agency Narcotics Squad opened 325 cases and made 332 arrests. In the course of these investigations, MANS agents executed 390 narcotics related searches including108 search warrants, 227 consent searches, and 55 court-ordered fourth amendment waiver searches. As a result of these investigations, agents seized approximately 175.85 grams of crack cocaine, 25.25 grams of powder cocaine, 879.07 ounces of marijuana, 1,607 marijuana plants, and 98 weapons. Additionally, the MANS office seized 2,482 grams of methamphetamine, 5,046 units of LSD, 1,887.5 dosage units of prescription drugs and 714 milliliters of other drugs.
Significant Cases:
In July 1995, a one-day marijuana eradication effort conducted with the assistance of the Georgia Governor's Task Force resulted in the seizure of 1,130 marijuana plants with a total value of$1,808,000.
On November 8, 1995, a search warrant produced two arrests, more than one pound of marijuana, 1,800 dosage units of LSD, two ounces of Psilocybin (mushrooms), more than $6,700 in cash and other miscellaneous property. On that

same day, an additional related investigation led to one arrest, 3,000 dosage units of LSD and a small amount of marijuana. On April 23, 1996, agents working in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety initiated an investigation which led to one arrest and the seizure of24 pounds of marijuana with a value of$38,400.
HIDTA Task Force
The Metro Atlanta HIDTA Task Force began in October 1995. It is staffed with personnel from the GBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia State Patrol, Atlanta Police Department, ATF, MARTA Police and the FBI. HIDTA currently focuses its investigative efforts on organized drug gangs operating within the metro Atlanta area. For FY96, HIDTA officers made 167 arrests, seized more than $300,000.00 in cash and seized more than 30 kilograms of cocaine and 119 grams of crack.
Significant Case:
An investigation into a large drug distribution ring in South Atlanta is nearing completion; To date, 29 members have been arrested with further arrests expected. This is a loose knit street gang with approximately 300 members who are responsible for numerous homicides and aggravated assaults, as well as a myriad of other crimes.
Metro Fugitive Squad
During FY96 the Metro Fugitive Squad arrested 1,113 violent,

40 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

career criminals- 227 were

arrested for parole or probation

violations and 89 were arrested for

drug violations.

The members of the Metro

Fugitive Squad, along with Deputy United States Marshals from around the country were involved

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in Operation Olympus. Operation

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and June 1 . During this time,

more than 300 fugitives were

arrested. This was a highly suc-

cessful operation that cleared

warrants from state, federal and

local law enforcement agencies.

Middle Georgia Fugitive Squad

The Middle Georgia Fugitive Squad began operations in FY95, earmarking FY96 as the unit's first complete year of operation. The Middle Georgia Fugitive Squad is a multi-jurisdictional task force with the apprehension of violent career criminals and escapees from the middle Georgia area as its primary target. The GBI supervises the unit and is responsible for administering the CJCC grant funds.
During its first year, the Middle Georgia Fugitive Squad opened 867 cases including 680 fugitive cases and 186 assistance rendered cases which resulted in 534 arrests. Additionally, the squad made 331 Georgia State Intelligence Network submissions and 602 Interview Contact Card submissions.
The MGFS is comprised of the following participating agencies: GBI, Georgia State Patrol, Macon Police Department, Georgia Board of Pardons & Parole, Georgia Department of Corrections, Bibb County Sheriffs Department, Houston County Sheriffs Depart-

ment, Dooly County Sheriffs Department, Monroe County Sheriffs Department, U.S. Marshal's Service, Georgia National Guard, U.S. Secret Service, and Immigration and Naturalization Service.
The Dooly County Sheriffs Department, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the U.S. Secret Service participate in the program on a part-time basis, primarily providing resources and manpower available through their respective agencies when needed.
Ocmulgee DTF
The Ocmulgee Drug Task Force is responsible for a sevencounty area. This task force initiates investigations and provides expertise to local agencies in the area of drug investigations. The ODTF works hand-in-hand with the local sheriffs and police departments which are members of the task force. ODTF provides intelligence reports to the GBI on

local investigations and trends in the drug war in middle Georgia.
Significant Cases: On October 19, 1995, ODTF
assisted the Baldwin County Sheriffs Department with an internal investigation of a report of two Baldwin County deputies being involved in local drug dealings with crack cocaine. As a result of the investigation, both deputies resigned. In October 1995, ODTF initiated an investigation into crack cocaine sales conducted by Joe Tripp of Jasper County. Reports from the local sheriff advised that Tripp was a major dealer of drugs. Tripp was considered to be a role model for children and young adults in the county based on his involvement in the county's recreation department. After much surveillance and three undercover drug buys, Tripp is now serving a 20-year sentence

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division 41

for sale of drugs.
Oconee/Dublin DTF
During FY96 the OconeeDublin Drug Task Force initiated 267 cases, made 320 arrests, seized $6,397,300.50 in contraband and $48,954.15 in cash, and expended 4,581 investigative hours.
Piedmont/Northern Multi Agency Narcotics Squad
During FY96 the Piedmont/ Northern Multi Agency Narcotics Squad worked 245 investigations including 181 assistance rendered cases, made 199 arrests, and seized $1,068,336 in cash. While there were 91 fewer cases opened in FY96 than in FY95, there were 17 more arrests made and the total amount of contraband seized was

comparable to that amount seized in FY95.
Significant Cases: On December 7, 1995, a
roundup of street level defendants was held in Lavonia, Georgia. There were 27 arrest warrants for a total of 21 defendants.
D On February 15, 1996, a
roundup of street level defendants was conducted in Commerce, Georgia, and surrounding areas of Jackson County. This roundup led to the arrest of 44 defendants out of a total of 58. The other 14 defendants were still being sought on 20 arrest warrants. On April 4, 1996, a search of a residence in Franklin County resulted in the seizure of 158 marijuana plants.

Crack cocaine is the leading drug of choice in Georgia.

South Georgia DTF
The South Georgia Drug Task Force in Lakeland opened 263 cases, resulting in 229 arrests, $6,494,100 in seized contraband and $40,660 in forfeited assets.
StateDTF
The Governor's Strike Force (State Drug Task Force) provides assistance in the form of manpower and resources to counties not serviced by a multi-jurisdictional drug task force. At the start of FY96, the Strike Force was composed of at least one member from all seven of the state law enforcement agencies. During this reporting year, a total of 31 requests for assistance were received and the strike force responded to 23 of these requests. The remainder of the requests will be addressed during FY97. A total of $50,735.00 in narcotics was seized by the strike force and a total of 89 individuals were arrested.
During FY96, the Governor's Strike Force went through many changes, which culminated in changing of the name of the unit and a completely new operations plan. In FY97, the Governor's Strike Force will be called the State Drug Task Force. The operations objective will focus exclusively on undercover narcotics investigations and overt enforcement techniques.
During FY96, the number of participating agencies was reduced from seven to three. The GBI, Georgia State Patrol and Department of Corrections are the remaining members of this unit.
The final operations plan will

42 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Investigative Division

go into effect in FY97 on July 1, 1996. It will focus on the supplying of undercover narcotics agents to the GBI Regional Offices. The investigations will be initiated by request from local agencies routed through the field offices.
Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit DTF
During FY96, the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force initiated 163 investigations, closed 62 cases, arrested 112 violators, seized more than $5,000,000 in contraband and seized assets valued at more than $250,000.
Significant Cases:
D A drug investigation originat-
ing in Paulding County led to the indictment of a Texas man who was responsible for sending more than five tons of marijuana into the judicial circuit. Evidence of obstruction ofjustice, and money laundering was developed during the course of the investigation and led to the indictment and conviction of an Atlanta attorney.
D The task force focused on
combating a crack cocaine problem within the city limits of Cedartown, arresting more than 30 people on various drug charges.
Tri-Circuit DTF
During FY96, the Tri-Circuit Drug Task Force conducted 413 cases, resulting in 314 arrests. Contraband seized for the fiscal year totaled $976,848, and assets forfeited totaled $24,461.

West Georgia DTF
The West Georgia Drug Task Force, which is made up of eight agencies, underwent a complete reorganization during FY96, including the relocation of the task force office from Newnan to Carrollton; the establishment of a second office in Greenville; the assignment of a new commander; the training of seven newly assigned agents; and the addition of four new agencies as project participants. During FY96 the WGDTF reported 296 arrests, 288 of which were drug related, and conducted 320 investigations, 309 of which were drug related with 11 being assistance rendered. Drugs seized totaled $2,512,720. Other contraband and stolen property seized totaled $220,000 and forfeited assets totaled $142,732. Forty-five suspects arrested were in possession of a firearm or other weapons at the time of arrest. A total of 160 firearms were seized.
Significant Cases:
D DEA/MET was a coordinated
investigation which resulted in the arrest of 31 people for offenses including conspiracy to distribute cocaine and the sale of cocaine. Eighteen of the defendants were tried as a group in federal court during the spring of 1996. One of the defendants was a police lieutenant at the time of the investigation. He is currently serving a five-year sentence in a federal prison. The remaining defendants plead guilty. Cash seized totaled $82,000, with other assets seized including personal and real property.

D A joint investigation targeting
members of the Wayward Few motorcycle club was conducted. This group was involved in significant methamphatamine distribution activities in the areas of LaGrange and south west Atlanta. The case ended with the arrest of the ringleader, and 17 other participants. With the assistance of ATF, the 17 defendants were charged federally and plead guilty. They will be sentenced at the end of May 1997. Seized assets included a residence, a motorcycle shop, and the 27 acres on which these structures were located.
D An investigation was conducted
into a criminal group in Hogansville, Georgia. The investigation led to the arrest and conviction of 16 defendants for cocaine distribution and sale. Forfeitures included $20,000 worth of cash and assets.

DIVISION OF
FORENSIC SCIENCES

Dr. J. Byron DavVson

145 Positions

Deputy Director

$10,674,410 Budget

GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Division of Forensic Sciences

Administrative Staff

Latent Prints Photography
uestioned Documents Firearms/Toolmark ID
I ~ Trace Evidence
Implied Consent Toxicology Drug ID
Serology/DNA

Augusta
Columbus Macon
Moultrie savanna: Summerville
(under Construction)

46 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Division of Forensic Sciences

DIVISION OF FORENSIC SCIENCES

During fiscal year 1996, case processing was up 19% over FY95 in the Division of Forensic Science. Correspondingly, the cost per service in FY96 was $93, down from $112 in FY95. Fifty-five percent of all services were completed in 30 days or less, which is up from the 53% in FY95.
These improvements in effectiveness and efficiency were the result of numerous changes implemented in FY95 and FY96.
Throughout the laboratory system, scientists, technicians and administrative personnel have been implementing improvements both large and small to help meet the increasing demands for services, while reducing the tum-around time and costs.
Northwest Georgia Laboratory

Local and state officials join together for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Summerville facility. Pictured from left to right: Scott Cown, GBI; Ralph Van Pelt, District Attorney; Director Gary W. McConnell, GEMA; Director Milton E. Nix, GBI; Bill Gilbert, president of the Chamber of Commerce; Glenn Ezel, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce; Jim Parker, county commissioner;
and Tim Perry, State Representative for the district.

began for the John Frank McConnell OBI Crime Laboratory in Summerville, Georgia.
The new laboratory will be the OBI' s seventh in its system and is expected to be completed in the summer of 1997. The new ------J

will provide toxicology, blood alcohol, firearms identification, criminalistics, and arson and drug identification. The laboratory will also be outfitted to support possible future services including latent fingerprints, serology/DNA and a
regional medical exammer.

GBI Construction of the n~\\7 Joh~ F~~~k M~C~;~;II CrimeLaboratory in
Summerville is scheduled to be completed in late Summer 1997

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Division of Forensic Sciences 4 7

Productivity
Production Improvements made in FY96
: : :!Zif4!J?ff-,-~

8X)()() 6CXXX) 4(XXX)
20000

~ ~

F-'192 F'r'93 fW4. FY95 Pt$

While DOFS managed to work significantly more services in FY96, the caseload in virtually all areas continued to rise.
Productivity rose significantly in both blood alcohol and drug case processing; however, with the corresponding rise in cases submitted, backlogs remain particularly in blood alcohol.

50000 .: : :-: : : :::=:::::;:_:-:-::::;:::::::::::: 40000,~~~ 30000 ~--
'~;

lllll'ug Processing

25000 20000 15000 10000
5000 0

Blood Alcohol Processing

ComQleted Services by Labsite

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996

Atlanta 54,119 57,787 55,733 58,642 72,339

Augusta 4,457 2,902 6,078 5,580 6,675

Macon 7,388 8,142 8,769 7,630 8,753

Columbus 6,320 6,587 6,176 5,691 6,621

Moultrie 6,386 6,199 6,707 7,552 9,378

Savannah 7,846 8,619 9,905 9,940 9,438

DOFSTotal 86,516 90,236 93,368 95,035 113,204

48 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Division of Forensic Sciences

Photography
During FY96 the DOFS Photography Department obtained the latest advanced technology in printing film - The HOPE 2500 Printer Processor. It speeds up the process by printing the film, and by automatically cutting and sorting the prints. During the calender year of 1996, the photography department made 100,000 prints and developed 8,000 rolls of film.

Completed Services by Function

Photograpbtr FranHl:i.~ Delaney uses the new HOPE pt6etSsl:Wfo print a
role of film brought in earlier that day by a GBI agent.

Blood Alcohol Crimina lis tics
Drug ID Firearms ID Latent Prints
a tho logy Photography Questioned Documents Serology/ DNA
oxicology
Total

1992 1993

1994

14130 --11085 .............16768 -----181

3628 - '"""2603

2057"- 11

37113 37736 39394

2282 2891

2718

2227

2398

8100

99 3

1807

1542 3328 15200

93358

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Division of Forensic .sc1enc~ +:::,

DOFS Scientists do more than work in a laboratory all day. During FY96, scientists reported thousands of hours of court appearances. Since FY92, when a total of 9,044 hours accounted for court time, the amount of time spent testifying has continuously stayed in the 8,000 to 9,000 hour range. In FY96, DOFS scientists spent 8,611 hours testifying in court.
The GBI DOFS is also responsible for conducting autopsies. Since 1992, the number of autopsies performed during a fiscal year has increased by several hundred. In FY92, 1,182 autposies were conducted; while in FY93 the number jumed to 1,428 and in FY94 the number jumped again to 1,588. During the last two fiscal years the number of autopsies went from 1,428 in FY95 to 1,438 in FY96.
Additional Facts Customer Interaction
Customer Service Team
DOFS implemented its Cus-

tamer Service Team to create a continually interactive environment on the development of issues related to DOFS and its customers. Georgia sheriffs, chiefs of police, prosecuting attorneys, and the GBI Investigative Division regularly participate with DOFS in its effort toward providing a better product. The input has been invaluable in assisting DOFS in maximizing the effectiveness of its resources. Customers are integrated into decisions that affect the day-to-day operations, as well as overall DOFS strategic directions. The DOFS Service Manual was produced with significant input from the Customer Service Team.
Moultrie Regional Medical Examiner
The Moultrie Regional Medical Examiner's Office completed its first full fiscal year of operation during FY96. Under the direction of Dr. Anthony J. Clark, the Medical Examiner's Office completed 232 autopsies during this time. These autopsies greatly improved

service to the citizens of Southwest Georgia. These were cases that did not require transportation to Atlanta, plus local investigators and coroners had the benefit of working directly with Dr. Clark on their death investigations.
Technology
Serology/DNA - Capillary Electrophoresis
The DOFS Serology/DNA Section continued to maintain its cutting-edge position as research began into the latest method of DNA analysis Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). GBI scientists are one of the first in the country to work CE in forensic application.
This method offers tremendous potential for improvement in both tum-around time and results. With the old method, the average PCR case of five samples would take seven to ten days to process and the average RFLP case would take six to seven weeks to run five samples. With this latest technology GBI scientists are looking
forward to processing up to 48 samples in 24 hours.
Additionally, this latest technology allows GBI scientists to initially look at nine different loci and it gives the scientists the ability to determine the sex of the sample all at the same time. In FY97 DOFS anticipates purchasing a Capillary Electrophoresis.

Firearms Identification I Bulletproof

With 1,438 autopsies performed during FY96, two to four stainless steel gurneys can be set up at any given time in the morgue at the GBI Headquarters.

The Bulletproof /Brasscatcher bullet imaging system continues

50 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Division of Forensic Sciences

to match cartridges and bullets from previously unrelated cases. At the end of each day the GBI Firearms experts download all the images stored on the system to the ATF to be search against the main database for a possible match. GBI firearms division test fires an average of 100 guns per week.

capability at its first pilot site in Gwinnett County. The addition of ADX equipment and the training of nine technicians has provided Gwinnett County with the first local DUI drug testing capability in Georgia.
Technicians were trained and began running tests in FY96. The

ultimate goal of the project is to determine if the development of this program will provide more immediate DUI drug testing results, while reducing the incoming DOFS toxicology caseload.
Looking Ahead
DOFS Re-engineering

DOFS Capillary Electrophoresis - The latest technology in DNA testing
i~~~=:y,~ ~f~~~~:~d

In FY95, the Office of Planning and Budget and the Department of Audits completed an audit ofDOFS. The results were favorable in terms of the overall quality ofthe work and customer satisfaction. The most critical concern was in the completion time or cycle time of incoming cases. In late FY96, DOFS applied and received funding from CJCC to complete a reengineering study of its case processing system. The study will be completed in FY97 and is expected to provide important recommendations on further
. ~----- .. ~ improving the case processing

Through FY96, the system achieved more than 40 "cold" matches of open homicides and/or aggravated assault cases already entered on the system. Without this technology these cases would never be linked.
Local Drug Screen Project
In a project supported by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Byrne Grant, DOFS has been developing drug testing

A firearms examiner closely analyzes the marks left on a bullet image onto the IBIS System.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation
system in order to yield case turnaround time which will meet the DOFS goal of 30 days for all incoming work.
Summerville 'Laboratory
The Summerville Laboratory will be on line in early FY98. The new Laboratory will provide increased capacity for the overall DOFS system, while also providing local customers the benefits of services close to their jurisdictions.
Quality Team
In FY97, the DOFS Quality Team will form a partnership with the Re-engineering Team to develop quality standards that will aim DOFS toward becoming the premier laboratory system in the world. The team will form quality objectives that will include production, safety, customer service, and incorporate quality control into all aspects ofDOFS operations.

UlVl.SlUIJ UJ ,VJL-11.;:,,..., ....,~~~-

GEORGIA CRIME INFORMATION CENTER

Paul C. Heppner Deputy Director

134 Positions $9,664,197 Budget

Georgia Bureau of Inuestigation

Geomia Crime Information Center

GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Georgia Crime Information Center

Mainframe services
Micro Services
CJIS Network
Customer Service

CJIS Network Auditors
Criminal Records Auditors

Major System Development
Systems Integrations
Special Projects & Development

AFIS Tenprint Operations
Tenprint a-----1Production
Manager
System Support

CCH Record Corrections

AFIS/UCR Operations Support
Uniform Crime Reporting
AFIS Operations Support

Record Challenges
Background Check
CJIS Network Security

56 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Crime Information Center

GEORGIA CRIME INFORMATION CENTER
During FY96, Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) programs continued in their growth, refinement and innovation. The Georgia Criminal Justice Information System (CTIS) network continued to grow, reaching the 5,000 terminal mark. Technological advances moved Georgia's Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) into its second phase. AFIS technology was extended to the local law enforcement community with the establishment of the Networked AFIS Transaction Management System (NATMS).
Technology has resulted in a capability to permit criminal case disposition reports to be sent to GCIC's central site electronically from the courts. Through FY96, 15% of all dispositions received by GCIC were electronically submitted. The Instant Gun Check program denied a total of 8,463 prospective buyers from purchasing a firearm. Expansion in this program is expected in FY98 when all gun purchases will require a record check.
AFIS Operations
AFIS/CCH
GCIC implemented an aggressive project to achieve backlog reduction in criminal fingerprint cards during FY96. This was done with continued use of contract personnel, reassignment of all AFIS support personnel and sus-

pension of quality and service projects normally handled within AFIS Operations. With a beginning backlog of 120,000 cards and anticipated receipts of 28,000 additional cards each month, the target completion date of this project was December 1996 with an interim goal of reducing the backlog to 65,000 by the end of FY96. By July 1, the total number of criminal cards awaiting to be processed was 55,976 cards, 9,000

Data Systems and Games was selected. The contract required that after 90 days the vendor had to maintain a monthly production of 40,000 documents until the backlog was eliminated. With anticipated monthly receipts of 22,000 reports, the target completion date of this project is the first quarter of FY98. Data entry will continue to be outsourced even after the backlog is eliminated.
During FY96, the processing of

AFIS technicians process fingerprint cards

ahead of schedule. Felony arrest cards were given priority and by April 1, 1996, all felony arrest cards were eliminated from the backlog and incoming felony arrest cards were processed as they were received.
The backlog of final disposition reports grew from 140,000 to 202,000 records. GCIC researched and analyzed the benefits of outsourcing the data entry of these documents. By July 1, 1996, the bidding process was complete and

applicant cards remained current with an average processing time of three days from the time the card was received at GCIC until the time the response was mailed to the requesting agency.
FY96 reflected an increase in receipts over FY95 of 16.5% for criminal cards, 49% for final disposition reports and 15.5% for applicant cards.
During calendar year 1996, Georgia ranked third,"-hehind California and New York, in the

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Crime Information Center 57

overall submissions of criminal cards to the FBI. Georgia ranked eleventh in user fee applicant cards; eighth in non-user fee applicant cards; and fifth overall in submissions of all criminal history documents to the FBI. In overall submissions, Georgia trails behind California, New York, Florida and Texas. Production and document receipts for FY96 include the following:

Department. An upgrade to be completed in FY97 will allow AFIS to electronically receive fingerprint images transmitted directly from live scan terminals and for remote agencies to search and update AFIS and CCH data bases. A total of 1,468 tenprint and latent searches were initiated from remote terminals during FY96.
AFIS analysts continued efforts to automate final disposition data

representatives. Interested citizens also could obtain the same statistics through the publication of "Georgia UCR Summary Report - 1995" and 962 special reports. GCIC continued to expand UCR automated submissions. A total of 83 (16% of reporting) agencies submitted their crime, clearance and arrest statistics via magnetic tape or diskette in FY96.
The UCR program also began

Production Receipts

CR 400,000

350,000

AP 100,000

100,000

DP 190,000

300,000

from courts. During FY96, a total of 68 courts reported dispositions electronically via the GO network or specially designed case management software. Electronic up-

the collection of special family violence incident reports during FY96. The 1992 General Assembly passed legislation mandating the collection, reporting and analy-

(CR= Criminal Cards; AP = Applicant Cards; and DP = Disposition Reports)

dates of final disposition data from both types of automated courts accounted for approximately 20% of the total number of dispositions

sis of family violence data; however, the mandated program was not funded until 1995. During FY96, a total of 12,775 family

reported to

violence incident reports were

GCIC in FY96. processed.

During

FY96, AFIS

Training

analysts also

completed 911

AFIS Operations personnel

requests for

provided 214 hours of training to

special record 654 students in the areas of finger-

At the close ofFY96, GCIC maintained fingerprint and criminal history records on 1,760,108 individuals. An additional 107,474 individuals were added during FY96, which represents a 6.5% growth rate. The above chart represents significant productivity data in AFIS Operations.
During FY96, three additional remote terminals were added to AFIS for a total of six. Remote terminals exist at the US Secret Service, Atlanta Police Department, Dougherty County Sheriffs Office, Fulton County Police Department, DeKalb County Police Department and Savannah Police

reviews and corrections, which came from law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, as well as private individuals. An additional 4,500 special record checks were completed for individuals and attorneys requesting copies of their records.
Uniform Crime Reporting
During FY96 the Uniform Crime Reporting program continued to provide crime and arrest statistics to local law enforcement agencies, the Governor and General Assembly, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, county and municipal officials, and media

printing, OBTS, and UCR report completion and program requirements.
The GCIC Audit
Program
During the reporting period, GCIC auditors continued to meet mandatory requirements for biennial audits of agencies operating terminals on or connected to the State Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). Our system has grown from approximately 100 terminals at 60 sites (1970) to more than 5,000 terminals in more than 900 sites. Our staff also conducted

58 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Crime Information Center

training, provided guidance in matters of agency policies and procedures, drafted policies, and coordinated actions among criminal justice agencies as required by state and federal laws and rules.
Program Staffing and Description
Audit activity encompassed three teams in FY96. First, a team of two auditors were responsible for on-site or full-service audits for agencies with authorized access
into the ens network, which
allowed agencies to enter, update and remove computerized records
entered by ens network agency
employees into state and federal (National Crime Information Center - NCIC) computerized files. On-site audit findings were identified in a "check-off' report and transferred to agency heads at the conclusion of post-audit briefings, during which time auditors presented their findings and recommendations. Heads of target agencies were required to remit written reports, citing efforts to resolve audit deficiencies. Due to continued network growth during the reporting period, the audit program was reshaped to accelerate the audit process for agencies accessing the
ens network for "inquiries" only.
The second team consisted of a resultant-correspondent audit program which was designed for a pre-audit package mailout to include an audit questionnaire to be completed by target agencies. Packages were then reviewed when returned to GCIC with areas of non-compliance noted. Agency heads were then asked for written responses, citing remedial actions

(taken or planned). A random

dissemination, training, and GCIC/

sample of agencies was then

NCIC record quality control. Other

selected for on-site reviews, regard- areas of non-compliance included

ing an agency's response to the

the validation process for these

pre-audit questionnaire and written records, and the proper handling of

action reports. One auditor was

official requests for case file

assigned to this effort.

verification by agencies coming

Collective efforts of this three- into contact with persons who may

member team resulted in the

be wanted or missing, or with

completion of more than 450 audits serial-numbered property which

during FY96. In addition, this

may be stolen. The tum-over rate

team of three also participated in of key local agency employees,
ens Network Seminars for Termi- agency heads and employees who

nal Agency Coordinators ("TACs") are specially trained in the opera-
tion of the ens

network continues

to hamper the

ability of these

agencies to main-

tain compliance.

Due to the

NCIC requirement

for biennial audits
of ens network

terminals, coupled

with a growing

network and a

minimal audit

staff, the audit

program was

forced to scale

back and to focus

solely on activi-

\j)::. :: ::;:::::::::/:::::::/<:::

:{f:i\i:\:/:: :/:

: : .

GCIC ChiefAuditorGeorgeL. Emfinger and

Auditor Kathy Harvey discuss the findings of a recent

audit.

ties related to
ens network
operations, which
paralleled those of
FBI-NCIC inter-

est. Other impor-

tant local agency

activities cited in

and trained more than 100 criminal state law and administrative rules

justice employees in the security were no longer assessed. Over

and integrity of Criminal History time, the cessation of auditing in

Record Information.

key areas, such as the fingerprint-

Audit findings continued to

ing of arrested persons and the

show non-compliance in areas such reporting of final disposition

as criminal history access and

reports, caused an erosion of the

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Crime Information Center sg

integrity of the central criminal record base with respect to the timely reporting of these core documents to update the central criminal record base.
The third team was established during the second quarter of FY96 when GCIC was awarded a federal appropriation under the Byrne program. The appropriation called

the end of FY96. This is an increase of 513 terminals over FY95,
reducing the number of Georgia
counties without a ens network terminal to five. The ens network
processed and delivered more than 109 million messages in FY96.
GCIC provided more than 598

computerized investigative support in more than 1,800 high priority cases. A total of 2,500 reports were produced as a result of these requests. GCIC also produced an additional 537 reports detailing
inquiries of the ens databases in
response to 360 requests for such assistance.

for criminal history record im-

Computer

provements, establishing an audit

Support

team to assess current practices of fingerprinting arrested criminal and completing final disposition reports. Once trained, the auditors conducted more than 50 audits during the remaining two quarters and collected more than 5,000 delinquent dispositions to update the central criminal record base managed by GCIC. The goal of the Byrne program was to achieve a 95 % reporting level for felony arrests and dispositions for the years 1990 through 1995. As the fiscal year closed, GCIC was asked to apply for additional federal funds under the Byrne program for a team of auditors who would research local records in Georgia criminal justice agencies for delinquent dispositions.
As fiscal year 1997 begins, we will be evaluating the success, strength and effectiveness of the audit activities underway. We will also continue to search for ways in which federal compliance standards can be met with existing audit staff.
Computer Services

During FY96,

the staff com-

pleted 1,018

requests for

service. The

requests varied

from help with

problems on

single personal

computers to

developing soft-

ware applications

to be used by

many individuals.

Major computer

applications were

developed to

GCIC Programmer Analyst Dwayne Lee checks the status of the GBI Local Area Network

support the Gun Program and the Sex Offender

Registry. A

hours of formal CJIS network training to 2,307 criminal justice employees during the year. GCIC also sponsored one seminar for
ens terminal coordinators during
FY96, which was attended by more than 500 individuals from through-
out the state.

system also was developed in support of the 1996 Olympics to assist in the accreditation process.
Computer Services reorganized during FY96. The primary goal of the reorganization was to be more customer focused. A Customer Service unit was established with responsibilities of visiting custom-

Criminal Justice Information

Investigative Assistance

ers to solicit their input on our

System (CJIS) Network

services, conduct surveys, help

During FY96, GCIC received solve outstanding problems and to

The CJIS network, managed by requests from federal, state, and

be a point of reference that the

GCIC, supported 4,829 terminals at local law enforcement agencies for customer can call upon anytime

60 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Crime Information Center

they are not satisfied with GCIC services. Twenty-six agencies were visited in the first five months of operation of the Customer Services unit.
Research & Development
AFIS Upgrade
The state of Georgia is implementing Phase 2 of its AFIS migration plan by installing a Networked AFIS Transaction Management System (NATMS). The NATMS will extend AFIS

the submitting agency.
Automated Dispositions
The 1993 Edward Byrne Memorial Drug Control and System Improvement Formula Grant (DCSI) expired on September 30,

data from their case management system to send automated final dispositions to GCIC.
Back in 1993, the Georgia Courts Automation Commission (GCAC) used grant funding to purchase a statewide license for an automated case management
software system called SUSTAIN. One feature of the SUSTAIN software is that it allows local courts to electronically extract and transmit final disposition data to GCIC. As of FY96, there are 21 Superior Courts transmitting final disposition data to GCIC:

Criminal Justice Records Improvement (CJRI) Plan

j~
GCIC Computer Programmer Artie Dewberry rolls fingerprints on the ldentix TouchPrint live scan device.

services to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state by allowing agencies with compliant live scan devices to transmit fingerprint images and demographic data electronically to the central site facility. The transaction will then be processed by central site personnel and an identification response will be returned electronically to

1996. This grant assisted criminal justice agencies in acquiring necessary equipment needed to transmit final disposition data electronically to update the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database. The 12 Superior Courts listed above received DCSI funds to purchase equipment and software which would enable the agency to electronicalty extract

During the past year, the Georgia Criminal Justice Records Improvement Plan was drafted, and received approval from CJCC and the federal government. This plan outlines the developments and enhancements required to improve Georgia's criminal justice records to meet national guidelines for completeness and accuracy. The plan governs the use of federal grant moneys dedicated to this effort and covers the fiscal years through 1998.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Crime Information Center 61

National Criminal History Improvement Program Grant
In FY96, the state of Georgia received three additional grant awards, totaling $784,910 from the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), to enhance the quality, completeness and accessibility of criminal history records. This money combined with the previous year's award of $1.5 million brings the total funding from the NCHIP grant program to $2,284,910.
Live Scan Award- $505,000 This grant money will be used for the upgrade or purchase of live scan systems for local law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Georgia. These upgrades or purchases of live scan devices will be based upon the national standard for fingerprint image transmission and the GBI's Live Scan Data Transmission Specification.
Domestic Violence Award$30,000 This grant will provide funding to support research efforts under the auspices of the Domestic Violence Registry Council for collection of domestic violence statistical data. Collected data will then be used to assist in sizing the statewide temporary protection order project.
Advanced State Award Program (ASAP), Statewide Courts Database - $249,910 This award will support the design and prototype of a temporary protection order component. As part of this effort, standard forms, orders, data elements and procedures will be developed. At

present, the lack of uniformity and standardization presents a serious obstacle to the implementation of any systematic effort to track temporary protection orders.
Remote Site Installations
During FY96, four local law enforcement agencies purchased Engineering Workstations (EWS) and began searching the state of Georgia's Automated Fingerprint Identification System's fingerprint database. These agencies have the ability to conduct both tenprint and latent print searches. The following seven agencies (six local agencies and one federal agency) access and search the state's fingerprint database:
Atlanta Police Department
Dekalb County Police Department
Dougherty County Sheriffs Office
Fulton County Police Department
Lowndes County Sheriffs Office Savannah Police Department
United States Secret Service
These seven agencies made 1,714 inquires against the fingerprint database during FY96. As a result of the inquires, 385 positive identifications were made.
Sexually Violent Offender Registry
GCIC received a grant award to start the Sexually Violent Offender Registry for the state of Georgia. Under this program, mandated by federal law, upon release from

prison, violent sexual offenders and predators are required to register their place of residence with their local sheriffs office. In addition, annual verification records will be mailed to the sexual offender for address update or corrections. Grant moneys were provided for start-up costs and state funds have been requested to continue support for this critical program.
Firearms Program / Instant Background Check
General Information
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Firearms Program was implemented by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) on January 1, 1996, pursuant to O.C.G.A. 16-11-170 et. seq. This program provides for "Instant Background Checks" on persons wishing to purchase handguns from federally licensed firearms dealers as required by the federal Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act. The intent of these background checks is to prevent convicted felons, wanted persons, and others prohibited by federal or state statutes from purchasing or possessing a handgun.
The Firearms Program Call Center is operational from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 365 days a year. When a person wishes to purchase a handgun, the firearms dealer contacts the call center by telephone and furnishes the Call Center Operator with the name and other identifying information concerning the person. This information is checked against five

62 Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Crime Information Center

different computerized data bases:

(1) Georgia Criminal Histories (2) FBI Criminal Histories (3) Georgia Wanted (4) FBI Wanted (5) Georgia Mental Health Involuntary Hospitalizations

Ifthe computer response indicates no record or no possible record match is found, the firearms dealer is given an approval number for the sale. If a record or a possible record match is found, the dealer is advised the sale cannot be approved at this time. This possible disqualifying information is checked by an analyst to determine if the record information is in fact the person in question and if so does the information prohibit the person from purchasing a handgun. Once a determination has been made by the analyst, the firearms dealer is contacted and the sale either approved or disapproved. Should a sale be denied, the firearms dealer is requested to inform the person that if he/she wants further information or explanation they must contact the Firearms Program analyst. If contacted, a Firearms Program Analyst will explain the reason for the denial to the person.
Ifthe denial is due to an "open arrest" (no recorded court disposition) every effort is made to obtain the disposition from the agency having the final disposition. When the documentation is received from the reporting agency the computerized criminal history record is updated to reflect the final disposition of an arrest. If the final disposition of the arrest does not prohibit the person from owning a handgun,

dpenifor Yvette WaT1Ur ~rtters ii
prospective gun buyer's information into the system.

the firearms dealer is notified and the sale approved. During FY 1996 the Criminal History Record Corrections unit updated a total of 694 records as a result of the research conducted.
To date, no denials have been appealed to the superior courts.
The Firearms Program currently employs four GCIC Firearms Program Analysts, one supervisor and eighteen to twenty call center operators. The call center operators are obtained from a temporary employment agency.

felony convictions and 11 7 had outstanding felony warrants. This program will expand as federal legislation calls for record checks for all gun purchases by November 1998.
The following figures reflect the number of telephone calls received by the Firearms Program on the listed holidays during FY96: New Years Day 1996, 60 calls; and Memorial Day (May 27), 31 calls.

Firearms Transactions Conducted

The Instant Gun Check program, employing 18 - 20 call center operators and four analysts processed 89,837 calls during FY96, generating 81,323 approvals. Record checks determined that 3,737 prospective buyers had

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

veorq1u UUIJ<:: lllJVHHUUVU ----~ .. ~-

TOTAL TYPE FIREARMS TRANSACTIONS - 1996 FY1996

Month
January February March April May June TOTAL

Total Calls
10569 10568 11179 8095 6881 6866 54158

1Total Transact
9363 9176 9582 7020 6089 5989 47219

Total Approvals
8543 8185 8586 6286 5456 5472 42528

Total NonApprovals
820 991 996 734 633 517 4691

Felony

Open

Conviction Arrest

165

599

217

763

226

761

156

576

140

489

136

376

1040

3564

Felony Wanted
53 11 9 2 3 5 83

Mental Health
3 0 0 0 1 0 4

Pending Research
0 0 0 0 0 0
0

(Felony Conviction and Open Disposition figures for January and February are estimates of total non-approvals)

Total Firearms Approvals vs. Non-Approvals by Month FY96

9000 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000
0
1

2

3

4

5

January - June

Illll Total Approvals

I

6

I Total Non- Approvals I

Total Firearms Transactions by Month - FY96

6000 4000 2000

2

3

4

5

January - June

6

I [mTotal Transact