Columbus gay pride group concerned by ‘serious’ charges after arrest of their president

Colgay Pride has expressed concern about the “serious” allegations levied against the organization’s president who was arrested Wednesday.

President Jeremy Hobbs, 49, was arrested on multiple drug charges and a weapon charge. The arrest stemmed from a months-long investigation by Columbus Police Department, according to police. Colgay Pride provided a statement to the Ledger-Enquirer Thursday regarding the arrest.

“The board of the Debra Smith Wellness Center, Inc., doing business as Colgay Pride, expresses our utmost concern and regret regarding the arrest and charges facing our Executive Director, Jeremy Hobbs,” said Harry Underwood, Colgay Pride’s vice president of communications. “The charges which have been filed against him are serious. The board does not condone the alleged actions and we will cooperate with law enforcement in the coming investigations regarding our operations and finances.

“We believe that all persons are innocent until proven guilty, including Mr. Hobbs. We offer our support to Mr. Hobbs’ family at this time.”

Underwood’s statement said the group will meet to discuss next steps, including a transition in leadership.

“Our events and operations are on hold until further notice,” the statement said.

Police said a search warrant was executed Wednesday morning at a residence in the 4200 block of 16th Avenue, leading to the seizure of 5.4 grams of crack cocaine, 20.7 grams of methamphetamine, 23.8 grams of liquid GHB and an .38 revolver.

Hobbs was charged with the following:

• Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

• Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute

• Possession of VGCSA Schedule I Drug with Intent to Distribute

• Possession of Drug-Related Objects

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime

Hobbs appeared in Muscogee County Recorder’s Court Friday morning, where his probable cause hearing was continued until June 17.

This story was originally published June 13, 2024 at 12:36 PM.