HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Towns County Sheriff Anthony Coleman said one of two previously reported missing firearms issued to the sheriff’s office has been recovered, though an investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
“One of the previously reported missing firearms has been located,” Coleman said in a statement released Wednesday. The case remains under active investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, he said.
The sheriff’s office is still searching for a second firearm with the serial number CETD710.
Coleman assumed leadership of the agency after then-Sheriff Kenneth Henderson was suspended indefinitely by Gov. Brian Kemp. In October, Kemp suspended Henderson for 60 days following a recommendation from the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, citing conduct that included misuse of county property and failure to properly account for department equipment, according to prior Now Habersham reporting. Henderson later faced additional scrutiny as questions mounted over missing agency-issued items.
As part of the transition of power, Coleman issued a legal notice earlier this month demanding the return of all county-issued property. The notice required anyone in possession of uniforms, badges, weapons or other equipment to return the items by Dec. 31, 2025, warning that failure to comply could result in criminal or civil action.
Coleman said the effort has produced results.
“We have made solid progress,” he said. “Several pieces of agency-owned equipment have been returned, and we appreciate those who took the time to bring those items back.”
In a separate announcement, Coleman said the sheriff’s office’s budget for the 2026 fiscal year was approved by the county commissioner last week.
“We are looking forward to a safe and positive year ahead,” he said.
