Georgia Department of Agriculture logo

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334

Wed, May 14 2025

Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Seeks Additional Victims in Cattle Theft Fraud Scam

ATLANTA, GA – Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced that Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Law Enforcement is seeking additional victims in an ongoing, multi-state cattle Theft by Deception case. Multiple victims alleged that Garrett Hill (AKA Jared Smith) fraudulently advertised cattle for sale, required victims to pay a deposit via Cash App or online transfer of funds, and never delivered the cattle. Hill was arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) on May 7th, 2025. GDA Law Enforcement is actively coordinating with FSCO Criminal Investigations Division and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement on this investigation. 

(Garrett Hill AKA Jared Smith)
(Garrett Hill AKA Jared Smith)

Anyone who may have fallen victim to Hill’s scams is encouraged to reach out to Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

 

GDA Law Enforcement Contacts:
Chief Harlan Proveaux (404) 656-3610
Harlan.Proveaux@agr.georgia.gov

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Contacts:
Captain Dennis Bell (706)498-1279
dbell@franklincosheriff.net

Investigator Frady (706)498-4638
afrady@franklincosheriff.net 

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About GDA's Law Enforcement Division
The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Law Enforcement Division, reinstated by Commissioner Harper upon taking office, is crucial for enforcing agricultural laws and regulations. Empowered by statute, the Division tackles a wide range of issues, including animal cruelty, labor violations, drug trafficking, and agro-terrorism, while also enhancing security at state farmers markets. Additionally, its Emergency Management branch leads the Department's response to emergencies, such as natural disasters and animal disease outbreaks, ensuring a rapid and effective reaction to safeguard Georgia's agricultural community and public safety.

Georgia Department of Agriculture logo

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334