The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says there is no evidence of foul play in the recent death of a Banks County Jail inmate.
The state’s lead investigative agency Tuesday confirmed that inmate’s identity.
Danny Nelson Hardin, age 69, of Alto, passed away on November 30, 2023. He died less than 24 hours after being jailed following his conviction on child molestation charges.
The GBI is investigating Hardin’s death but has not said how he died.
“Our agents are working to gather details and awaiting lab results,” GBI Director of Public Affairs Nelly Miles tells Now Habersham.
Miles adds, “Preliminary information does not indicate evidence of foul play.”
Hardin was booked at the Banks County Jail on November 29 following his conviction and sentencing in superior court.
Jurors convicted Hardin on two counts of child molestation and two counts of first-degree cruelty to children. He faced another felony count of child molestation, but that case never made it to court.
Banks County investigators initially charged Hardin with the crimes in 2018.
Judge Nicholas Primm sentenced Hardin to 20 years, with 15 to serve and 5 on probation.
After Hardin died, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office turned over the investigation to the GBI and has not publicly commented on his death.
