Albany Deacon Arrested for Reckless Conduct
A church deacon faces charges after allegedly leaving four children on the side of a road.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Crime — General
Police have arrested Erin Menefee, a deacon at Oakridge Baptist Church, following allegations that he removed four children from a church bus. The children were reportedly left at the intersection of Westover Boulevard and Gillionville Road.
Why it matters
The incident has sparked concern for child safety after the children, aged nine to 12, were abandoned before being returned home by a stranger. Menefee remains under investigation for his decision to remove the minors due to alleged disruptive behavior.
Erin Menefee faces multiple counts of reckless conduct regarding the incident involving four children. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific court appearance date for these charges.
The players
Erin Menefee
He is a deacon at Oakridge Baptist Church and a teacher at Mitchell County High School.
Oakridge Baptist Church
This is the religious institution where the incident involving the church bus originated.
Mitchell County High School
This is the academic institution where the defendant is employed as a teacher.
The details
Menefee, who also works as a teacher at Mitchell County High School, reportedly claimed he removed the children because they were cursing or being disruptive. The four children, aged 12, 11, 10, and 9, were found and transported home by a bystander.
Timeline
Police responded to the incident at Oakridge Baptist Church on October 11, 2026.
Legal Context
This case highlights the strict application of Georgia's reckless conduct penal code when adults are entrusted with the safety of minors. It follows an increasing trend in this jurisdiction to prosecute individuals who abandon children in public spaces, regardless of the perceived justification.
The incident has prompted immediate questions from Albany residents regarding the security protocols for church and school transportation. Local parents are advised to verify the supervision policies currently in place for extracurricular group activities.
The takeaway
This case serves as a critical reminder of the legal responsibilities held by any adult supervising minors during transit. Ensuring that clear, safe protocols are followed remains essential for maintaining the physical security of children in the community.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit the Crime — General section.
