On Sunday, December 8, 2024, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Bernard Wallace in connection with a significant animal cruelty case spanning Crawford and Johnson counties. Wallace faces 25 counts of animal cruelty, with additional charges pending.
Following the arrest, the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) partnered with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, to coordinate the safe removal of the animals, from the suspect’s property. On December 9, 2024, a joint operation involving USDA-OIG Special Agents, Georgia Department of Agriculture Special Agents, the U.S. Marshals Service, and members of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff Greg Rowland, Chief Sammy Young, Major Jeff Coleman, Captain Angie Coleman, Sgt. Jose Soto, and Investigators Randy Sumner and Troy Fallon, successfully seized 40 dogs from the location in Johnson County.
Due to the animals’ deplorable living conditions and urgent health concerns, the dogs have been transported to an undisclosed Animal Rescue and Care Unit. There, they will receive necessary medical treatment and care.
The investigation, which began in October 2024, has uncovered evidence of additional animals being held under similar conditions in multiple counties across Georgia. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is actively pursuing leads to address the broader scope of this issue.
Sheriff Rowland and Staff would like to express their gratitude to the USDA, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance concerning this critical matter.
Animal cruelty is a serious and intolerable offense that reflects deep depravity and a disregard for the well-being of innocent creatures.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to contact Captain Angie Coleman or Investigator Randy Sumner at 478-864-4006.
