Macon-Bibb County Sues Autumn Trace Apartments Over 'Deplorable Conditions'

Lawsuit alleges frequent shootings, drug activity, and other safety issues at low-income housing complex

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Macon-Bibb County has filed a public nuisance lawsuit against the owners of Autumn Trace Apartments, a low-income housing complex, over what officials describe as 'substantial gang and drug activity' and 'frequent shootings and violent crimes' at the property over the past two years. The lawsuit seeks to force the owners to implement a range of security measures to address the issues.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights growing concerns over public safety and living conditions at some low-income housing complexes in Macon. Autumn Trace provides housing for residents in the federal Project-Based Voucher program, but the lawsuit states that residents are 'functionally trapped' there due to a lack of affordable housing alternatives in the area.

The details

The lawsuit cites numerous incidents of shootings, gun battles, and other criminal activity at Autumn Trace since January 2024, including a recent shooting that left a pregnant woman injured. In total, 78 shell casings from three different assault rifles were recovered from two separate shooting incidents on a single day. The county is seeking a court order to force the owners to implement security measures like security cameras, fencing, lighting, and a zero-tolerance policy for criminal activity.

  • On January 29, 2026, a shooting left a pregnant woman shot in the arm and torso.
  • Also on January 29, 2026, another apartment received over 30 rounds of gunfire, primarily through the rear bedroom.

The players

Macon-Bibb County

The local government that filed the public nuisance lawsuit against the owners of Autumn Trace Apartments.

Autumn Trace Apartments

A low-income housing complex in Macon that the county claims has experienced substantial gang activity, drug activity, and frequent shootings and violent crimes over the past two years.

Hallmark Company

The company that owns Autumn Trace Apartments and is named as the defendant in the county's lawsuit.

Danny Glover

A resident of Autumn Trace Apartments who hosted a community meeting to speak with other residents about the 'deplorable conditions' at the property and advocate for change.

Lester Miller

The mayor of Macon-Bibb County, who stated that the community has made it clear that public safety is the top priority and that the county will not tolerate businesses not taking appropriate measures to protect people.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant the county's request to force the owners of Autumn Trace Apartments to implement the proposed security measures.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges faced by low-income residents trapped in unsafe housing conditions, and the need for property owners and local governments to work together to address chronic crime and safety issues in affordable housing complexes.