Man Arrested After Domestic Assault and Standoff in Franklin County

On January 5, 2025, at approximately 6:50 PM, Franklin County Deputies responded to a domestic violence report at the Citgo in Lavonia. The incident was linked to an earlier assault on Highway 106 in Carnesville. The victim reported that her boyfriend, William Gregory Ballenger, 43, of Commerce, GA, had assaulted her, striking her in the face, allegedly brandishing a gun, and making threats to both her and himself.

While deputies were speaking with the victim, Lavonia Police received a report of a man barricaded inside a residence on Rainbow Drive—the victim’s home. Authorities determined the two incidents were connected.

After unsuccessful negotiations, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by Lavonia Police, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia State Patrol SWAT Team, and Georgia Power, entered the residence. Ballenger was found inside and taken into custody, sustaining minor injuries from a dog bite during the operation.

He was transported to a local medical facility before being booked into the Franklin County Jail. Ballenger faces charges of Aggravated Assault (2 counts), Battery (Family Violence), and Terroristic Threats and Acts.