Newnan, Coweta County — The quiet streets of Coweta County became the backdrop of a strange and troubling scam that left one man out thousands of dollars and an 18‑year‑old woman in handcuffs. Brya Hardy, of Newnan, was arrested on December 31, 2025, after authorities say she convinced her former boyfriend that he was the father of a child who wasn’t his — and then collected about $7,000 in supposed child support payments.
It all came to light in early December 2025 when the man, startled by his own doubts, reached out to the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office. He told detectives that Hardy had contacted him, said they shared a child, and pressed him to send money to help care for the baby. Trusting her, he began sending payments. Hardy even sent photos of a child she claimed was theirs.
But something didn’t add up. The man began to question whether the story was real, and that suspicion grew until he reported it to police. Investigators dug into the claims and made a surprising discovery: not only was the baby not the victim’s biological child, it wasn’t Hardy’s child either. Officials described the twist as unusual — scams involving fake child support are known, but using someone else’s child in the deception is far rarer.
Detectives say Hardy’s actions crossed the line into theft by deception, a charge she now faces. After securing an arrest warrant, deputies took her into custody right at the end of the year. Court records haven’t yet disclosed details about her bond or upcoming hearing dates.
The Sheriff’s Office has gone public with the case not just to explain the arrest, but to warn the public that this kind of scheme could happen to others. Investigators are actively probing to see if there are any additional victims who might have been contacted by Hardy with similar claims.
For the man caught up in the scheme, the experience brought relief — that it ended with police involvement — but also frustration and embarrassment. Scams like these prey on trust and personal history, and law enforcement officials say they see versions of romance or financial fraud often. But this case, involving a false child claim, stands out for its emotional gravity.
Anyone who believes they might have been contacted by Hardy or has more information about the case is encouraged to reach out to the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation continues, neighbors are shaking their heads over how trust was twisted into something costly and confusing.
