In response to a recent party near the University of North Georgia Dahlonega campus, Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard issued a statement stating future party-goers could “face some charges.”
“We have met with the District Attorney, we have met with the city court and we have come up with a strategy that can work for the future,” said Jarrard. “So I would encourage the students to be mindful of that and just know that they could face some charges if this happens again, which would be on the state level.”
Jarrard said in the Thursday video that he’s received various inquiries asking why the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office did not do more at the scene of the party, depicted in viral videos that gained national attention. Videos showed a large crowd of UNG students gathered in close proximity and not wearing masks.
The party appeared to be in violation of Governor Brian Kemp’s executive order, which prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people without proper social distancing amid the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.
University officials released a statement following the incident, expressing their disappointment in students’ failure to adhere to state guidelines.
Jarrard encouraged students to follow proper health guidelines to limit the potential impact on university classes.
“I hope and encourage the students that are the ones to come and have their social gatherings [that] they monitor what it is that the governor has put in motion,” said Jarrard.
Dahlonega City Marshal Chief Jeff Branyon joined Jarrard in the video and encouraged students to familiarize themselves with health guidelines.
“Get on the Internet and look at the CDC guidelines, look at the governor’s order and try to comply with those guidelines…we want to keep everyone safe and healthy til this pandemic is over,” said Branyon.
