The GBI has arrested and charged a former Banks County detention officer with multiple felonies for allegedly supplying contraband to inmates.
Sammy Reece is accused of providing inmates on his work crew with prescription medication and alcohol and allowing the unauthorized use of a cell phone.
Reece, prior to becoming a detention officer for the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, had been a Banks County commissioner for 12 years. He took office as a commissioner on January 1, 2011. He lost his reelection bid for commissioner to Chris Ausburn during the May 2022 primary. His final day as a county commissioner was December 31, 2022.
He was hired as a jailer for the Banks County Sheriff’s Office on August 23, 2023, according to records obtained from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
On September 27, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to investigate allegations that the 67-year-old Reece was providing contraband to the work release inmates he oversaw.
As a result of that investigation, the GBI charged Reece with three felony counts of items prohibited for possession by inmates; Warden’s Authorization and one felony count of violating his oath as a public officer.
Reece was booked into the Banks County jail and released on bond.
According to the GBI, this investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Banks County Sheriff’s Office at 706-677-2248 or the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Athens at 706-552-2309.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the GBI will turn over the case file to the Banks County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
