On Monday, September 21, 2026, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) awarded the Outstanding Police Officer of the Year to Valdosta Police Detective Heather Turner.
Detective Heather Turner has served with the Valdosta Police Department for 17 years, with the past 10 in the Persons Crime Unit. Earlier this year, the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services shared a small child reported to his teacher that his mom had been beaten, locked in a closet, and was possibly dead. When the detective contacted two adult females at the residence, she was met with evasive responses. A male who was not present at the residence, told the females through a doorbell camera to not cooperate with detectives. Because of the exigency circumstances, the detective requested additional officers and forced entry into the residence.
Once inside, they found a closet that was locked by a padlock. Officers found a 37-year-old female balled up with her knees to her chest. The victim was sitting on soiled puppy pads. There was also a small naptime mat with a pillow, trash and a small potty-training toilet. She was emaciated, had deformities of her wrists, numerous severe scars, showing years of abuse.
After arriving at the hospital, the victim shared she was upset because she did not get any birthday cake from her son’s birthday a couple of weeks prior to being found. As the victim was being treated, the detective went to a nearby store and bought her a piece of cake. When the officer gave it to the victim, the victim became emotional and shared she did not want to be abused anymore.
On-going interviews and investigations revealed the victim had been mentally and physically abused for more than 10 years which resulted in four individuals being arrested.
In a second case, Detective Turner received a call from Mobile, Alabama detectives reporting they were investigating a child exploitation case of a 13-year-old female who had ran away with a 44-year-old male who lived in Valdosta. The victim’s mother told them her daughter had met the man online and presented himself as being 15 years old.
The detective was able to identify the suspect’s residence where they found the 13-year-old hiding in a tent in the backyard. The suspect had changed victim’s appearance by cutting and coloring her hair. The suspect was arrested as he attempted to run.
The victim was not cooperative and still believed the suspect was 15 years old. After building rapport with victim, it was determined they were planning to leave together “travelling west” the next day to shoot skeet.
After executing search warrants, they found over 10,000 images of child sexual abuse and several electronic devices. In addition, three more victims under the age of 10 were identified.
Subsequently, because the offenses occurred in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, the detective worked with the FBI and the suspect has been indicted on 29 felony counts and is facing approximately 300 years in prison.
In addition to these two cases, the detective investigated 159 other cases and made 60 arrests. As part of this, she investigated four homicides and made arrests in all four as well as four rape cases.
