Cedartown Man Arrested in Multi-Agency Investigation for Alleged Trafficking and Exploitation of Minors

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. — A joint investigation by the Floyd County Police Department and the Polk County Police Department has led to the arrest of Garry D. Hand, 65, of Cedartown, a registered sex offender accused of trafficking and exploiting multiple minors over several years.

According to police, the investigation began in August 2025 after officers received a report of inappropriate contact between Hand and a 14-year-old girl. During the course of the investigation, authorities discovered that Hand had contact with multiple minor females and males and had allegedly groomed victims by buying them food, electronics, clothing, alcohol, and vaping devices.

Hand was initially charged in August with grooming, sexual battery, and child molestation. Following continued investigation, additional charges were filed on October 13, 2025, including trafficking of persons, photographing minors by a registered sex offender, and grooming.

Police said the cooperation between agencies was critical to the case’s progress.

“We were grateful to collaborate with the Polk County Police Department to come to a resolution in this case,” the Floyd County Police Department said in a statement. “It is priority number one to keep our children safe.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact Officer Mallory Boatfield of the Floyd County Police Department at (706) 235-7766 or Sergeant Brandy Brady of the Polk County Police Department at (770) 748-7331.