Final Suspect in Hall County Undercover Sting in Custody

Richard Gerrin Hall, 38, of Monroe, was transferred from the Walton County Jail to the Hall County Jail on Monday, August 5, 2024, to face a felony charge of sexual exploitation of a minor. The charge stems from an undercover investigation where Hall engaged in voice and text conversations with an individual he believed to be a minor under the age of 16, discussing plans for drug use and sexual activity. A warrant for Hall’s arrest was issued in January 2024.

Hall was identified as one of the suspects in phase one of Operation Good Shepherd, a covert operation conducted by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals seeking to exploit minors. The first phase of the operation occurred on January 12 and 13, 2024, and Hall was among the suspects targeted during this phase.

In addition, Kevin Frank Welborn, 44, of Hartwell, was previously apprehended on March 5, 2024. Welborn was transferred to Hall County Jail from the Hart County Jail, where he had been held prior to his transfer. Welborn faces a felony charge of sexual exploitation of a minor for using an electronic device to arrange a meeting with someone he believed to be a minor under the age of 16 for sexual purposes.

Operation Good Shepherd, executed in two phases during January and February 2024, resulted in the arrest of 22 individuals. The investigation, led by the HCSO with assistance from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, targeted individuals involved in the exploitation of minors through online interactions. To date, a total of 21 suspects have been arrested in connection with the operation.