Former Pulaski County Sheriff arrested on DUI charge

GSP says a trooper clocked Brannen at 63 mph in a 45 mph zone before observing bloodshot, glassy eyes and slurred speech.

HAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Former Pulaski County Sheriff Danny Brannen was arrested Wednesday morning on DUI and speeding charges following a traffic stop in Hawkinsville, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

GSP says a trooper was using stationary radar on Georgia Highway 11 near mile marker 13 around 9:48 a.m. when a white Ford Maverick was clocked traveling 63 mph in a 45 mph zone.

The trooper stopped the vehicle near Progress Avenue and identified Brannen as the driver.

According to GSP, the trooper smelled an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle and noticed Brannen had bloodshot, glassy eyes and slurred speech.

GSP says the trooper conducted a DUI investigation and arrested Brannen. He was turned over to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and charged with DUI alcohol/drugs and speeding. Online jail records show he has been released.

Brannen served as Pulaski County sheriff from 2017 through 2024 and lost his reelection bid that year.

In July 2022, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed a three-member committee to investigate what an executive order described as Brannen’s “alleged incapacity.” The order said the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association had received information indicating Brannen was not performing all of his duties.

The committee was directed to determine whether the allegations were true and whether Brannen should be suspended from office.

Brannen was also sheriff in November 2021 when five inmates escaped from the Pulaski County Jail after investigators said inmates attacked a jailer, took her keys and stole her vehicle.

All five inmates were captured within days. Brannen told 41NBC at the time that the sheriff’s office was 12 employees short and had updated its safety protocols following the escape.