Breaking News: Sheriff Shirley Seeks Public Assistance in Locating Fugitive
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance for any information leading to the apprehension of Joel Eugene Keller, 38, of Toccoa.
Sheriff Randy Shirley told WNEG News that Keller’s facial hair is currently thicker than shown in photo.
Keller was released after being granted bond for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. As part of his bond conditions, he was placed on an electronic GPS monitoring device.
On or about May 17, 2024, the monitoring company received an alert of possible tampering with the GPS device. Sheriff’s deputies went to Keller’s residence on Fowlertown Road and discovered that he removed the GPS device and fled the area.
Sheriff’s investigators procured warrants for escape, and interference with electronic monitoring devices. Keller has been entered into both the state and national crime information centers.
If you have any information that may lead to the location of Joel Eugene Keller, contact the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office at 706-886-2525 or call our confidential tip line at 706-886-7048 and leave a detailed message.
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In February, 2022, WNEG News reported that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation had issued an arrest warrant for Joel Eugene Keller, then 36, of Toccoa, for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
In July of 2022, WNEG News reported that Joel Eugene Keller was indicted for aggravated assault, cruelty to children in the second degree, driving under the influence, and driving while license suspended.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on February 15, 2022, when Keller assaulted a Stephens County Sheriff’s Officer with a Glock .40 caliber handgun.
As WNEG News initially reported when the incident first occurred, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation issued an arrest warrant for Keller following a traffic stop that ended with an officer involved shooting.
Note: Older photo
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
YOB: 1985
RACE: WHITE
GENDER: MALE
HEIGHT: 6’01”
WEIGHT: 189
EYE COLOR: GREEN
HAIR COLOR: BROWN
SCARS, MARKS, TATTOOS
INCARCERATION DETAILS
MAJOR OFFENSE: AGGRAV ASSAULT
MOST RECENT INSTITUTION: AUGUSTA STATE MED. PRISON
MAX POSSIBLE RELEASE DATE: 10/31/2022
ACTUAL RELEASE DATE: 11/01/2022
CURRENT STATUS: INACTIVE
KNOWN ALIASES
A.K.A. KELLER,JOEL EUGENE
A.K.A. KELLER,JOEL WAYNE
STATE OF GEORGIA – CURRENT SENTENCES
CASE NO: 782444
OFFENSE: CRMNL DAMAGE 1ST DEGREE
CONVICTION COUNTY: HART COUNTY
CRIME COMMIT DATE: 10/31/2012
SENTENCE LENGTH: 10 YEARS, 0 MONTHS, 0 DAYS
CASE NO: 782444
OFFENSE: CRUELTY TO CHILDREN
CONVICTION COUNTY: HART COUNTY
CRIME COMMIT DATE: 01/24/2012
SENTENCE LENGTH: 5 YEARS, 0 MONTHS, 0 DAYS
CASE NO: 782444
OFFENSE: AGGRAV ASSAULT
CONVICTION COUNTY: HART COUNTY
CRIME COMMIT DATE: 06/15/2009
SENTENCE LENGTH: 20 YEARS, 0 MONTHS, 0 DAYS