Attorney General Chris Carr announces hire of new regional prosecutor and investigator to combat ‘gang activity’ in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Friday, Attorney General Chris Carr announced two new hires as part of his Gang Prosecution Unit’s recent expansion to Savannah.

Assistant Attorney General Brian DeBlasiis and Criminal Investigator Jacob Hesting will oversee the Unit’s regional efforts in Chatham County – working with local, state, and federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute violent criminal gang activity throughout the area.

DeBlasiis most recently served as the First Chief Assistant District Attorney in Chatham County. Hesting previously worked as a Corporal in the Savannah Police Department’s Gang Unit.

“We have put away some of our state’s most dangerous criminals, and now we’re taking our efforts to Savannah with this most recent expansion of our Gang Prosecution Unit,” said Carr. “This new regional team will prove critical as we work to disrupt and dismantle violent criminal street gangs in every corner of our state. We won’t rest in our efforts to keep Georgians safe, and those who terrorize our communities with repeated acts of violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

This expansion is being funded by the state’s FY 26 budget, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Brian Kemp earlier this year.

Since it began its historic work on July 1, 2022, Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit has secured more than 115 convictions across the state.

The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General’s Prosecution Unit, which also includes Carr’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.