A Richmond County deputy, Ty Dailey, has been indicted by a Burke County grand jury for his involvement in a deadly 2023 crash that claimed the life of Jay Fager. A Georgia auto accident lawyer notes that when law enforcement officers are involved in fatal crashes, questions of negligence, accountability, and immunity often come to the forefront. The case has drawn statewide attention in Waynesboro, Georgia, raising serious questions about law enforcement accountability, speed limit violations, and the responsibilities of officers driving patrol cars on duty.
The Fatal Crash on Highway 25 and Cohen Road
The car crash occurred near Highway 25 and Cohen Road, where Deputy Ty Dailey, operating a Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) patrol vehicle, collided with a car carrying Jay Fager and Donna Fager. Reports from the Georgia State Patrol confirmed Dailey was driving 90 mph in a 55 mph zone driving in excess of the posted speed limit by 35 miles per hour.
The accident report documented this fatal crash as a direct result of reckless speeding. The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team was called to reconstruct the scene, determining that Dailey’s RCSO patrol vehicle caused the impact that killed Jay Fager. The collision’s severity underscored how one lapse in judgment behind the wheel can end a life instantly.
Indictment and Legal Proceedings
According to officials, a Burke County Grand Jury indicted Dailey for homicide by vehicle in the second degree and for speeding. The Solicitor’s Office confirmed that the charge of homicide by vehicle 2nd degree carries misdemeanor charges, but the underlying issues of accountability remain critical.
Initially, in July 2023, Dailey’s attorney filed a motion to quash the indictment, arguing that the Solicitor’s Office failed to follow proper procedure by not presenting the matter to a grand jury first. Legal analysts noted this was essential since the alleged offense occurred during Dailey’s duties as a law enforcement officer.
Despite earlier dismissal, the Burke County Grand Jury reinstated the vehicular homicide charge, ensuring the case would move forward. In May 2024, Dailey surrendered at the Burke County Detention Center and was formally booked.
The Georgia State Patrol and Burke County Sheriff’s Office coordinated to handle custody procedures. Officials later confirmed Dailey’s reassignment within the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, removing his arrest powers and access to department vehicles until case resolution.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Response
Following public outrage, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced that Dailey had been reassigned to a civilian role, stripped of authority to operate any patrol car or use county property.
The department admitted awareness of the grand jury indictment but offered limited comment. Internal sources confirmed that Dailey was working in court services long before the crash and no longer performed patrol duties. However, the community questioned why an internal review was not launched immediately after the 2023 crash.
Internal Affairs Investigation – Or Lack Thereof
Investigations later revealed that the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office failed to conduct an internal affairs investigation following the fatal crash. Despite clear evidence of speed verification showing Dailey’s vehicle at 90 mph, he was cleared of wrongdoing and returned to duty.
This decision came before the Georgia State Patrol’s findings were complete and before the district attorney’s review. The absence of an internal investigation violated key Injury Prevention Specialist standards, raising concerns about officer discipline within Richmond County.
Critics argue that such leniency damages public trust and sets a dangerous precedent. Whether a civilian or a law enforcement officer, reckless driving that leads to death should be treated equally under the law.
A Pattern of Speeding and Safety Violations
This was not Dailey’s first offense. Records show that in 2013, he was disciplined after two collisions within six weeks both caused by driving in excess of the posted speed limit. The Safety Review Committee reviewed the incidents and found him at fault each time, yet his employment continued.
Fast-forward to the deadly 2023 crash, and the same committee again ruled Dailey not at fault despite clear evidence of reckless speeding. They issued that ruling even before the Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team completed its analysis.
The pattern of internal leniency reflects deep issues in Richmond County oversight. When a law enforcement agency fails to police its own, it undermines the foundation of justice that the public expects it to uphold.
Timeline of the Legal Process
By March 2023, reports surfaced that Dailey was back on active duty. By January 2024, the district attorney chose not to pursue criminal charges and passed the case to the Burke County Solicitor’s Office. However, public pressure continued to grow, especially from supporters of the Fager family.
Soon after, the case was reopened when journalists filed requests under Georgia’s Open Records Act. The decision to withhold the accident report and vehicle download data triggered backlash across Richmond County and neighboring Burke County.
Eventually, officials confirmed that the file would be made public after review. The reopening marked a critical turn in the search for accountability, a move many believe was only possible because of media persistence and public pressure.
Financial and Civil Aftermath for Donna Fager
Beyond the criminal case, the incident had a devastating financial impact on Donna Fager, who lost her husband in the fatal crash. Ironically, she was later billed $20,000 for damage to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office vehicle involved in the collision.
This outcome sparked public outrage in Waynesboro and Burke County, where residents questioned how a widow could be held financially liable for an accident caused by a speeding officer. Legal experts argued that this illustrates systemic flaws in how claims against law enforcement are handled in Georgia.
The Role of Georgia State Patrol and Public Oversight
Throughout the investigation, the Georgia State Patrol maintained that its findings were based strictly on facts including speed data and impact reconstruction. Its report became a central piece of evidence for the grand jury, demonstrating Dailey’s speed and failure to adhere to the speed limit.
Community advocates also called on the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (GA POST) to review Dailey’s certification. Some even suggested that the Georgia Public Service Commissioner should oversee policy reviews to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Public Response and Accountability Debate
The Richmond County case became a flashpoint for debates about off-duty arrests, administrative leave, and the use of county vehicles by law enforcement. Many citizens and community leaders demanded changes in policy so that officers involved in fatal crashes face the same scrutiny as civilians.
Organizations like HEALTH FIRST and local Food Pantries even held awareness events near May Park and the Carrie J. Mays Community Center, connecting traffic safety to community well-being. Speakers including a former Injury Prevention Specialist from Novant Health called for safer driving standards and regular training refreshers for officers across Georgia and South Carolina.
Broader Implications Beyond Richmond County
The Dailey case isn’t isolated. Across the region, similar incidents from Spartanburg County to Burke County highlight a pattern of lenient discipline for officers involved in car crashes. Critics argue that departments often prioritize their reputation over accountability.
The ongoing trial has also sparked discussion about vehicle downloads, dash-cam records, and how data should be publicly released under Georgia law. Transparency remains a core demand from both residents and advocacy groups.
The Human Impact of a Deadly Crash
For Donna Fager and her family, the pain goes beyond court hearings. The loss of Jay Fager was a personal tragedy that shattered a family and shook the community. Friends remember him as a dedicated husband and citizen. His death became a symbol of the urgent need for better traffic safety enforcement and accountability among law enforcement agencies.
Events like the Poretta Soul Festival and community gatherings near the Waynesboro Supercenter even included moments of silence for the Fager family, a powerful reminder of how deeply this case has affected local residents.
About Ted Law
At Ted Law Firm, We proudly represent injury victims throughout Georgia, including Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, Columbus, Warner Robins, and Macon.represents victims and families across Georgia and South Carolina in cases of negligence and wrongful death. The firm advocates for transparency, accountability, and community safety in every case it handles. Through dedication to truth and justice, Ted Law continues to support families like the Fagers who seek answers and fair treatment under the law.Contact us today for a free consultation
