On September 11, 2024, in the Superior Court of Troup County, Hunter Blake Harrington, now 24, pleaded guilty to six violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. He also faced one count each of Possession of a Sawed-off Shotgun, Possession of a Sawed-off Rifle, and Unlawful Possession of a Silencer. Under a negotiated plea agreement, Coweta Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Markette Baker sentenced Harrington to 40 years, with the first 15 years to be served in prison. Harrington entered “best interest” guilty pleas to the Street Gang Act violations, meaning he pleaded guilty without admitting guilt.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Jack Winne prosecuted the case. Troup County Sheriff’s Office Investigator James Robson led the investigation.
The investigation began on October 24, 2022, when a concerned citizen acquainted with Harrington reported him to the Troup County Sheriff’s Office due to his potential danger to others and erratic behavior. The citizen informed law enforcement that Harrington possessed illegal weapons, was infatuated with mass killers, and identified as a member of Atomwaffen Division—a violent Neo-Nazi hate group and domestic terrorist organization. Investigators learned that at the time of the report, Harrington had been involuntarily committed as a danger to himself and others.
During a search of Harrington’s apartment, investigators seized a safe which they suspected might contain explosives. They employed their own explosives in a controlled environment to break it open. Inside were remains of a sawed-off shotgun and rifle, several illegal silencers, and materials suspected for manufacturing an explosive device. Additionally, Harrington possessed at least five legal firearms along with paraphernalia distinct to Atomwaffen Division and specific writings from the group.
Under Georgia law: “‘Criminal street gang’ means any organization...which engages in [criminal offenses enumerated as] criminal gang activity.” The evidence indicated that Atomwaffen Division is considered such an organization; that Harrington’s illegal weapons possession was connected to its activities; and that his crimes aligned with expectations placed upon its members.
A statement noted: "Criminal street gangs come in many forms but in all cases they commit crimes...to benefit their organization." It continued: "I am thankful that this neo-nazi was caught and imprisoned under Georgia’s Gang Act before he used his illegal firearms to harm someone."
This case marks the second white supremacist convicted under the Gang Act by this office. The first was Christopher Copson who received a 20-year sentence as an Aryan Brotherhood member on September 24, 2018.