A Northwest Georgia man who was originally arrested in August on sex-related charges is now facing a significantly expanded indictment, including multiple felony counts of human trafficking and grooming involving multiple juvenile victims.

Garry Duane Hand, 65, of Cedartown, who is a registered and convicted sex offender, has been charged with a long list of violent and exploitative offenses following a continued investigation into his activities within Floyd and surrounding counties. Hand remains in custody at the Floyd County Jail.

According to jail records and charging documents, the investigation revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned multiple counties and involved the exploitation of several juveniles.

Allegations of Luring and Exploitation

Authorities allege that Hand actively sought out and groomed multiple teenage females, offering them material goods in exchange for physical affection and silence regarding the encounters.

Records indicate that Hand allegedly told a teenage female to bring other juveniles to his home, promising to provide goods for them. He is accused of driving the victims—who ranged in age from 11 to 15—across county lines to various stores and restaurants.

The goods allegedly provided by Hand to the minors included phones, vaping devices, alcohol, food, and electronics. Investigators state that these items were exchanged to buy the victims’ silence and for the purpose of receiving physical affection.

Additional Photographic and Trafficking Charges

The expanded investigation led authorities to file grave new charges, notably including human trafficking—a felony usually reserved for cases involving forced labor or sexual exploitation where a victim is compelled through force, fraud, or coercion.

In addition to the alleged luring and exploitation, Hand is accused of secretly photographing and videotaping the victims without their knowledge or consent, a serious offense amplified by his status as a convicted sex offender.

The full list of new and expanded charges filed against Garry Duane Hand includes:

  • Two counts of Human Trafficking
  • Three counts of Grooming
  • Two counts of Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes
  • Two counts of Photographing a Minor by a Sex Offender Without Consent

Hand was initially arrested in August on charges including child molestation and sexual battery. The new charges underscore the severity of the alleged crimes and suggest the scope of the case has widened dramatically since his initial detention.

Hand is currently being held without bond at the Floyd County Jail and is awaiting his court appearance. Due to the sensitive nature of the charges and the age of the victims, additional details regarding the ongoing investigation have not been released by local authorities.