Dillan Sanford

Name:
Sanford, Dillan Richard Lee

Date of Booking:
05/18/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
CRUELTY TO CHILDREN- 3RD DEGREE

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 May 10, 2026, Corporal Clayton Hughes was dispatched to [REDACTED] in reference to a physical altercation that had occurred earlier. Dispatch advised, the other party had left the scene prior to receiving the call. I responded code one (no activated emergency lights and sirens).

Upon arrival I met with the complainant Elizabeth Sanford. Elizabeth stated that her ex-husband Dillan Sanford was bringing the kids to her at 6 PM on this day. Elizabeth stated when he arrived on scene that he began talking about court issues and child support he was supposed to be paying. Elizabeth stated the conversation became hostile and very argumentative. Elizabeth stated at this time Dillan stated that it was not 6 PM yet and that he was going to take the kids back with him.

Elizabeth stated her daughter [VICTIM #1] was outside with them witnessing the conversation. Elizabeth stated when Dillan stated he was going to take the kids back, she reached down and wrapped her hands around [VICTIM #1] so Dillan couldn’t take her. Elizabeth stated Dillan attempted pry her arms away from her so he could get [VICTIM #1] and leave. Elizabeth had faint red markings where she said Dillan grabbed her but no bruising at this time.

I then asked to speak with [VICTIM #1] privately about the incident which Elizabeth allowed me to. Elizabeth brought [VICTIM #1] out of the residence, and we walked around the side of the house. [VICTIM #1] had a cast on her left arm and I asked her what had happened to her arm. [VICTIM #1] stated she was trying to do a back handspring and that’s how it happened.

I then began to ask [VICTIM #1] what happened between her mother and father. [VICTIM #1] stated her father and mother began arguing. [VICTIM #1] stated her dad said it wasn’t time for her to be there anyways so he was going to take her back with him. [VICTIM #1] stated her mom then grabbed her around the throat and her dad grabbed her by her legs and began pulling on her, causing her to hit her already broken arm and causing it to hurt.

While explaining what happened between her mother and father [VICTIM #1] demonstrated to me without me asking her to, how her mother Elizabeth was grabbing her. [VICTIM #1] showed me that her mom had her arms around her throat lifting her in the air while her dad was pulling her legs as if she was in a game of tug of war.

I asked [VICTIM #1] numerous questions like if her mother had her in a bear hug position. I asked [VICTIM #1] if she was scared during the incident. [VICTIM #1] stated yes. I asked [VICTIM #1] if she was hurt in the incident. [VICTIM #1] stated no. After speaking with [VICTIM #1], I gathered all information from Elizabeth and Dillan’s personal information.

On 5/13/26, I spoke with Dillan about the incident. Dillan stated the two argued but never got physical. I asked about what happened with [VICTIM #1]. Dillan stated they both picked her up and was trying to take her with him but he didn’t hurt her.

After gathering all information involving all parties of the incident, I spoke Detective Russel Henson #592 about the incident. After explaining the incident to Detective Henson, I advised him I would be taking charges of Cruelty to children (3rd degree) on both Dillan and Elizabeth due to the incident with [VICTIM #1].

A DCFS report was made about the incident as well.

[End of Narrative]