Georgia Attorney General Expands Gang Prosecution Unit with New Hires in Columbus

Attorney General Chris Carr has expanded Georgia’s Gang Prosecution Unit, appointing veteran attorney Sheneka Terry and seasoned investigator Amanda McKelvey to oversee gang-related cases in Columbus. Terry, now an Assistant Attorney General, joins from the Army National Guard’s Trial Defense Services Program, bringing 15 years of military and civilian criminal law experience. McKelvey, previously a Columbus Police Department Sergeant, has over 17 years in law enforcement, specializing in gang investigations and violent crime.

“By expanding our team to include a dedicated prosecutor and investigator in Columbus, we’re able to strengthen our efforts to fully dismantle the growing gang networks that are terrorizing our communities,” Carr stated.

This expansion is part of a statewide effort to address gang violence, with the Gang Prosecution Unit also adding offices in Macon and Southeast Georgia. Since its formation in July 2022, the Unit has secured 50 convictions and indicted nearly 140 individuals across multiple counties. The Unit’s work in Muscogee County has led to four murder and six gang-related convictions, including life sentences for three men convicted of murdering 17-year-old Jesse Ransom and 18-year-old Saiveon Pugh.

Terry’s extensive background includes serving as Acting District Attorney for the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, prosecuting over 150 violent cases. McKelvey has been recognized for her investigative work in operations targeting violent crime and child exploitation, including awards from the Columbus Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Terry’s hire took effect October 16, 2024, and McKelvey joined the team on July 1, 2024. Both will collaborate with regional law enforcement to advance the Unit’s mission of reducing gang influence and ensuring public safety across Georgia.