Mike Pruitt dies; handled high-profile drug cases

The captain of Fayette County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force died Saturday following a long illness, officials said.

Capt. Mike Pruitt, 50, of Fayetteville lost his battle with kidney cancer, said Fayette Sheriff-elect Wayne Hannah. Capt. Pruitt was a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation before joining the Fayette Sheriff’s Office 27 years ago. He headed up the drug task force for the last eight years.

Most recently, Capt. Pruitt help investigate a multi-million dollar, indoor marijuana operation that spanned 13 metro Atlanta counties. He also spearheaded the investigation into the role drugs played in the deaths of famed wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his wife and son before committing suicide.

Capt. Pruitt is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dianna Pruitt, four children, six grandchildren, parents and sister.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church. Rev. Dennis Watson will officiate. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday 4-8 p.m. at the Carl J. Mowell and Son Funeral Home in Fayetteville.