Mark Dempsey

The Georgia Gazette is actively monitoring this case. Check back for the latest updates as more information becomes available.

Name:
Dempsey, Mark James

Date of Booking:
01/25/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT – F

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT – F

HOME INVASION – 1ST DEGREE – F

BURGLARY – 1ST DEGREE – F

TERRORISTIC THREATS AND ACTS – F

POSSESSION OF FIREARM OR KNIFE DURING COMMISSION OF OR ATTEMPT TO COMMIT CERTAIN FELONIES – F

FALSE REPORT OF A CRIME – M

SIMPLE ASSAULT – M

SIMPLE ASSAULT – M

CRIMINAL TRESPASS – M

Disorderly Conduct – M

AGGRAVATED STALKING – F

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On 01/25/26 while on unifromed patrol in the city of Savannah I was dispatched to call for a reported hostage situation.

I activated my lights and sirens and drove down to the area of [200 BLOCK] Avery Street. Upon my arrival I noticed an individual walking across the field next to Randolph Street and East Oglethorpe Avenue.

I parked my marked patrol unit on the West bound curb of East Oglethorpe and that’s when the subject, later identified as Mr. Mark Dempsey, made his way over in my direction. He was asked if he was the one who called, and he stated that he was and that four black male individuals and one black female were holding his wife, Mrs. [VICTIM #1], hostage at [200 BLOCK] Avery Street. (Mr. Dempsey was able to show us the he had the GPS location of his wife’s phone and traced it back to the apartment.)

Mr. Dempsey stated that he went to the apartment and tried to gain contact and that the individuals, and they pointed guns at him and told him to not comeback. He also advised me that he was pushed off the 2nd floor guard rail and complained of back and shoulder pain (I asked Mr. Dempsey if I could check person to see visible signs of injuries and I did not see anything on him that indicated he fell from the height of a second story building).

When asked when the was last time he seen or contacted his wife he said Friday (01/23/26). I asked Mr. Dempsey if could describe what the males and the female looked like he stated that everything happened so fast that he could not give a good description of the individuals or describe what the gun looked like.

He was asked again by Ofc. Wall when was the last time he contacted his wife, he said he stated that it was this morning and then changed his answer to Friday. Mr. Dempsey was kept getting upset and pacing (I noticed that he had trouble maintaining balance) he kept asking to leave the scene and Ofc. Wall informed him that he was not and he was part of this ongoing investigation (At this time Officers were at the apartment and contacted the tenants and Ms. [VICTIM #1]).

Officer Ellis, who was investigating what happened at [200 BLOCK] Avery Street, began to inform me that all parties at the apartment stated that there was no hostage situation and that Mrs. [VICTIM #1] was attempting to get away and seek shelter from Mr. Dempsey because of a previous domestic case that happened in December (I later found out that Mr. Dempsey was out on bond because of this case and one of the stipulations was that he did not have contact with his wife).

I was also informed that Mrs. [VICTIM #1] stated that she received a message from Mr. Dempsey stating that he was going to kill her. When asked if she could provide the message, she stated that she couldn’t and that Mr. Dempsey was able to access her messages through his phone and delete the message. The tenants of the apartment also stated that Mr. Dempsey forced his way into the occupied apartment with the intent of contacting Mrs. [VICTIM #1] and brandished a knife when he then had raised over his head in an assaultive manner (Two if the individuals stated they were in fear of receiving great bodily injury).

It was reported that Mr. Dempsey swung the knife at some of the individuals in the apartment. They told him that he needed to leave and he did not want to comply.

Mr. Dempsey was placed under arrest for Aggravated assault (O.C.G.A 16-5-21), Home invasion (O.C.G.A 16-7-5), Burglary (O.C.G.A 16-7-1), Terroristic threats (O.C.G.A 16-11-37), Aggravated stalking (O.C.G.A 16-5-91 (B)), Possession of a knife during the commission of a felony (O.C.G.A 16-11-106), False report of a crime (O.C.G.A 16-10-26), Simple assault (O.C.G.A 16-5-20), Criminal trespass (O.C.G.A 16-7-21), Disorderly conduct (O.C.G.A 16-11-39), Aggravated assault (DVA) (O.C.G.A 16-5-21).

[End of Narrative]

The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Case History:

1/30/26

BOND ORDER ISSUED

What this means: Judge Crystal Denise Harrison in Chatham County Recorder’s Court issued a bond order for Mark James Dempsey in case 260125067. Dempsey is accused of home invasion in the first degree and other charges. The court denied bond, meaning Dempsey must remain in jail until his case is resolved. The judge found him to be a significant risk of fleeing from prosecution or failing to appear in court when required, and determined he poses a danger or threat to persons, the community, or property.

---

1/30/26

FIRST APPEARANCE HELD

What this means: Mark James Dempsey appeared before the court for his first appearance in Chatham County Recorder’s Court. This is typically the defendant’s first court hearing after arrest, where they are formally informed of the charges against them and bond conditions are set. In this case, Dempsey was facing charges including home invasion in the first degree, aggravated assault, burglary, and other felonies.

---

2/23/26

FELONY DOCKET HEARING SCHEDULED

What this means: Mark James Dempsey’s case was scheduled for a felony docket hearing at 2:00 PM in Chatham County Recorder’s Court. This hearing requires the arresting officer to be present. Felony docket hearings are used to review the status of felony cases and determine next steps in the legal process.

---

2/23/26

CASE BOUND UP TO SUPERIOR COURT

What this means: Mark James Dempsey’s case was bound over from Chatham County Recorder’s Court to Superior Court. This means the recorder’s court judge determined there was sufficient evidence (probable cause) to believe Dempsey committed the felony charges he’s facing, including home invasion in the first degree, aggravated assault, and burglary. Felony cases must be handled in Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over serious criminal matters. The case will now proceed in Superior Court where Dempsey will face formal arraignment and potentially a jury trial.