Georgia fire chief Dale Lehman Barnard faces child molestation charges

Jan 29, 2026 - 17:25
Jan 29, 2026 - 17:26
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Georgia fire chief Dale Lehman Barnard faces child molestation charges
Dale Lehman Barnard

GLENNVILLE, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested the chief of the Glennville Fire Department on child molestation and trespassing charges, authorities said.

Dale Lehman Baard, 66, was booked Jan. 27 into the Tattnall County Jail on one count of criminal trespass, one count of aggravated child molestation and one count of child molestation, the GBI said in a news release.

The investigation began after the Glennville Police Department responded to a 911 call from a minor who alleged Baard entered the child’s home and molested him, the bureau said. Evidence recovered at the home supported the report, officials added.

The Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI’s assistance, and the case remains active. When the investigation is complete, it will be tued over to the Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attoey’s Office for possible prosecution.

No additional information about Baard’s employment status with the fire department was immediately released.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.