Georgia fire chief arrested for child molestation after boy calls 911 to report abuse

Written by: A. Smith

Published January 29, 2026 @ 8:02 AM ET

TATTNALL COUNTY, Ga. – The chief of the Glennville Fire Department has been arrested and charged with multiple sex crimes involving a minor, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

GBI agents arrested 66-year-old Dale Lehman Barnard of Glennville and charged him with child molestation, aggravated child molestation and criminal trespass. Barnard, who serves as fire chief for the City of Glennville, was booked into the Tattnall County Jail.

According to investigators, the case began on Jan. 27, 2026, when Glennville police responded to a 911 call placed by a minor who reported that Barnard had entered the child’s home and molested him. The Glennville Police Department and the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the GBI later that day.

Authorities said law enforcement recovered evidence from the home that corroborates the child’s account. Details about the nature of the relationship between Barnard and the victim have not been released, and officials have not said whether the alleged incident involved more than one occurrence.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Once the GBI completes its work, the case will be turned over to the Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Officials have not said whether Barnard has been suspended or removed from his position as fire chief. The City of Glennville has not released a statement as of publication.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the GBI.