Wanted out of Candler County: Deputies say rape suspect flees to Louisiana 1 day after crime, ongoing search continues

CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The Candler County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for 45-year-old Jorge Eduardo Hinojosa in connection with a sexual assault that occurred in Candler County on February 27, 2026, in the area of Webb Circle.

Following the initial response, investigators secured arrest warrants for Rape and Kidnapping on Hinojosa.

Investigators developed information this morning that Hinojosa had fled Candler County and was believed to be in Louisiana.

The Louisiana State Police were notified in an effort to intercept him.

Early Saturday, according to deputies, Hinojosa fled from Louisiana State Police on Interstate 20 in the Rayville, Louisiana area. During the pursuit, he crashed his vehicle and fled on foot. An extensive manhunt is ongoing, and he remains at large.

This investigation remains active and ongoing.

If you see this individual, do not approach him. Call 911 immediately.

The Candler County Sheriffs Office also added, “We greatly appreciate our law enforcement partners assisting with this investigation, especially the Louisiana State Police, the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the other assisting law enforcement agencies involved in the ongoing search.”

More information will be released following his capture.