Garry Duane Hand, 65, of Cedartown, was arrested this week in Rome on multiple charges related to the alleged grooming of minors for sexual gratification.
According to law enforcement officials, Hand initiated online conversations with a minor, during which he asked the child to have dinner with him without the presence of other adults. Authorities say the conversations continued even after the child’s guardian instructed him to cease contact.
Hand, a registered sex offender, has a history of offenses involving victims the same age as the minor in the current case.
Investigators also discovered additional online communications with another child, in which Hand allegedly asked the minor to join him for dinner and a shopping trip—again requesting there be no adult supervision.
Hand has been charged with two counts of Grooming a Minor for Sexual Gratification. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
