Attorney General Chris Carr has announced new additions to the Gang Prosecution Unit in Columbus. Sheneka Terry, a veteran attorney with nearly 15 years of experience in military and civilian criminal law, joins as an Assistant Attorney General. Amanda McKelvey, a seasoned gang investigator with over 17 years in law enforcement, will work alongside her. Terry's appointment began on October 16, 2024, while McKelvey started on July 1, 2024.
The expansion of the Gang Prosecution Unit is supported by funding from Georgia's FY 2025 budget, approved by the Georgia General Assembly and Governor Brian Kemp. The unit now operates not only in Columbus but also in Macon and Southeast Georgia, adding to its existing presence in Albany and Augusta.
Carr highlighted the significance of this expansion: “Since creating Georgia’s first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit in July 2022, we have worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement in Muscogee County to successfully prosecute those responsible for repeated acts of violence targeting individuals as young as 16 years old.” He added that expanding the team allows them to dismantle gang networks terrorizing communities.
The Gang Prosecution Unit was established in July 2022 with support from Governor Kemp and state leaders. It has since secured convictions against numerous individuals across several counties. In collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, it achieved significant convictions in Columbus over the past year.
The unit is currently handling a case involving a fatal drive-by shooting from August 6, 2020. It operates under the Attorney General’s Prosecution Division along with other specialized units.
Sheneka Terry has served various roles within the Army National Guard and was previously Acting District Attorney of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. Amanda McKelvey brings extensive experience from her tenure at the Columbus Police Department and recognition for her work on high-profile operations.