Grand jury indicts local man on murder charges

grand-jury-indicts-local-man-on-murder-charges

 

U-R update

A Milledgeville man was indicted by a Baldwin County grand jury last week in connection with the shooting death of a 26-year-old man inside his apartment back in August 2019.

Two other men also were arrested by authorities for their reported involvement in the murder case as well, but their cases were not presented to the grand jury.

Grand jurors returned a four-count indictment last Wednesday against Xavier Rashad Chambers, according to records filed in the Baldwin County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

The indictment charges Chambers with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

The defendant is accused of having shot Wydeldrck Denson to death while inside his apartment on the 1900 block of Karen Circle on Aug. 9, 2019.

Denson, who worked at a industrial plant in Milledgeville, was shot once in the abdomen. Following the shooting, Denson was taken by ambulance to what was then known as Navicent Health Baldwin hospital in Milledgeville where he died a short time later.

Two other men reportedly were with Chambers at the time of the crimes.

Milledgeville police identified those two men as Tremonte Boyer and Durrell Malik Roberson.

Boyer and Roberson were both charged with being a party to the crime of murder at the time they were arrested.

Roberson is a former detention officer with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in Eatonton. He currently is serving a three-year prison term after he pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault against an inmate or person in custody, and one count of violation of oath of office by a public official.

Police believe the shooting resulted from a burglary gone wrong.

Meanwhile, grand jurors also indicted several other defendants on unrelated criminal charges, according to court records. They included:

  • Steven Duane Bryant, aggravated assault under the Georgia Family Violence Act, false imprisonment, battery under the Georgia Family Violence Act, and terrorisic threats.
  • Howard Trent Ford, two counts of aggravated assault.
  • Antoine Renaldo Smith, aggravated assault on a state correctional officer, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
  • Patrice Rene Rocker, serious injury by a vehicle, driving under the influence, failure to yield right-of-way, and failure to wear seat safety belt.
  • Travis Bernard Butts, Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, escape, and disorderly conduct.
  • Aaron Willie Stephens, incest.
  • Tyler Eddie Cowan, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and robbery by sudden snatching.
  • Tobias Emory Bridges, interference with government property.
  • Kendrick Keshon Johnson, interference with government property.
  • Michael Health Graham, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, driving under the influence of less safe, (drugs), obstruction of a law enforcement officer, driving while license suspended, and no proof of insurance.
  • Dustin Loyde Adams, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, driving under the influence less safe, (drugs), reckless driving, no proof of insurance, and expired tag.
  • Tavuish Nigel Goddard, three counts of entering an automobile, and one count of burglary in the first degree.
  • Rontrelle Devon Brown, three counts of burglary in the first degree.
  • Jarwaski Lamont Pounds, aggravated stalking.
  • Perry Brandon Jones, entering an automobile, theft by taking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Maityious Matthews, 32 counts of entering an automobile, three counts of theft by taking, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of tools for the commission of a crime, and Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (VGCSA) for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
  • Marius LaTroy Middlebrooks, criminal damage to property in the second degree, and false report of a crime.
  • Rose Leigh Gilmer, three counts of reckless conduct.
  • Robert Morris Bishop, failure to register as a sex offender, making a false statement, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
  • Tobias Emory Bridges, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
  • Tyreques Terrell Whipple, VGCSA for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer.
  • Xavier Manyell Foster, VGCSA for possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of an illegal substance within 1,000 feet of a housing project, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Charles Bernard McGowan, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine, and criminal damage to property in the first degree.

Mrs. Ida Lorraine Weaver West, 92, passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2021. She was a native of Marian County, Georgia and had lived in Augusta for many years before retiring and moving to Milledgeville in 1991. She was predeceased by her husband, Leonard S. West; parents, Raleigh Busha Weaver…

Funeral services for Mr. Larry Garrison Powell, 76, will be conducted Monday, March 15, 2021 at 2 p.m. in Williams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bill Barnes officiating. Interment will follow in Heritage Memorial Park by the Pond. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monda…

Marion Pace Brown, 76, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021. Services will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at the chapel of Moores Funeral Home. Burial will be private. Mr. Brown was born in Irwinton, Ga. on June 8, 1944, to Edward Jessie Brown and Ida Pace Brown. He was retired fro…

Carol Ann Melvin, 74, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021. Graveside services will be held at a later date. Ms. Melvin was born in Arlington, Ga. on Sept. 28, 1946, to Clayton Eugene Melvin and Carolyn Newberry Melvin. She lived in Leary and Arlington but had made her home in Milledgeville …

Carol Connell, 69, passed away Saturday, March 6, 2021. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 11, at the chapel of Moores Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Coopers Cemetery. Ms. Connell was born March 14, 1951, in Dublin, Ga. to Albert John Connell and Grace Turner Connell. She …

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/grand-jury-indicts-local-man-on-murder-charges/article_0a9ff19a-8601-11eb-9a62-f3a1c65d94f8.html

Grand jury indicts defendants in Baldwin

grand-jury-indicts-defendants-in-baldwin

 

U-R update

A Baldwin County grand jury recently returned dozens of true bills of indictments against several defendants on criminal related charges.

Several of the defendants were indicted on drug related offenses, as well as for other charges, according to records filed in the office of Baldwin County Superior Court Clerk Mitch Longino. They include:

  • Cyrus Leo Giles, Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (VGCSA) for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug related objects, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Shermon Rafheal Taylor, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule IV control substance with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and speeding.
  • Jarvis Antwon Thomas, VGCSA for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distibute, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
  • Reagan Brooke Sanner, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, two counts of crossing the guard lines with drugs, and Violation of oath by a public officer.
  • Tracey Brantley, crossing the guard lines with a weapon, and trading with inmates.
  • Natalian Mequinesha Andrews, crossing the guard lines with drugs, and Violation of oath by a public officer.
  • Lagennie Janel Burton, conspiracy to commit furnishing prohibited items to inmates, and Violation of oath by a public officer.
  • Nicholas Chance Bentley, obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
  • Brandon Cole Tipton, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, VGCSA, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, and speeding.
  • Reginald Franklin, VGCSA for trafficking methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of prohibited items by inmates, and possession of a telecommunications device by an inmate.
  • Royce Eugene Mazingo, crossing the guard lines with a weapon, and possession of hydrocodone.
  • Quinterious Jaquion Finney, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Carlos Lutroy Adams, driving under the influence, and speeding.
  • Travis Bernard Butts, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, escape, and disorderly conduct.
  • David Vernard Greer, obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
  • Angel Marie Todd, trading with inmates.
  • Nicholas Michael Peacock, failure to register as a sex offender.
  • Christopher Lee Prevatt, VGCSA for trafficking in methamphetamine, tampering with evidence, two counts of obstruction on a law enforcement officer, and having a defective windshield.
  • Larry Allen Attaway Jr., failure to register as a sex offender.
  • Ryan Wood, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, VGCSA for possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, driving while license suspended, reckless driving, speeding, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • James Williams Jr., VGCSA for trafficking in cocaine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of tools for the commission of a crime, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Grand jurors also returned a “no” bill of indictment against him on a charge of terroristic threats.
  • Joshua Nathaniel Johnson, aggravated stalking.
  • James Howard Darden, two counts of obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
  • Eric Jermaine Marshall Jr., influencing a witness, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Jaden Dequan McGee,making a false statement.
  • Shaunya Laquae Morgan, cruelty to children in the second degree.
  • Kendall Terrill Saulsberry, VGCSA for sale of cocaine, and sale of marijuana.
  • Jarron Rashad Harris, VGCSA for two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of drug related objects.
  • Keyford Denard Lumpkin, VGCSA for possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, and possession of drug related objects.
  • Cedric Calvin Yarbrough, driving while license suspended, and failure to wear seat safety belt, and VGCSA for possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
  • Dustin Kyle Duncan, aggravated stalking.
  • Amanda Lorine Curry and Daron Robert Hirtzler, were jointly indicted on a charge of cruelty to children in the second degree.
  • Nataiha Deanna Jones, criminal damage to property in the second degree.
  • Saahir Russian Salahuddin, VGCSA for possession of marijuana less than an ounce, crossing the guard lines with drugs, two counts of furnishing prohibited items to inmates, and tampering with evidence.
  • Jonathan Morgan Dickens, terroristic threats, and harassing communication.
  • Marcus Lauasaia Curtis, Violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act.

Carolyn Pounds Cook, 78, passed away Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Zebulon United Methodist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Cook was a life-long resident of Hancock County. She worked at McGaw for more than 25 years and retired from the Bank of…

Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Lee Crowder Ussery, 100, will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Bobby Coulter officiating. Interment will follow in Baldwin Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from noon until the service hour. Mrs…

Virginia Anne Falvey Frankenberger, 86, of Milledgeville, passed away Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. Funeral services for Virginia Frankenberger will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at 2 p.m. in Honey Creek Woodlands in Conyers with Father Young officiating. A native of Dayton, Ohio, Virgin…

Malvin Emanuel Berry, 81, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, Nov. 14 after an extended illness. Graveside services only will be held at 2 p.m. in Baldwin Memorial Gardens on Friday Nov 20, 2020. Masks and COVID social distancing are required. Malvin was a lifelong resident of Baldwin Cou…

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/grand-jury-indicts-defendants-in-baldwin/article_b966f2b4-28e1-11eb-9b4e-13fe8b2dc5a1.html

EDITORIAL: Sunshine Week reminds us of the value of free press

editorial:-sunshine-week-reminds-us-of-the-value-of-free-press








Editorial

They say that sunlight is the best antiseptic. Shining a light in dark places where the public has a right to know is what makes Sunshine Week of such value to us all.

This week serves as a reminder of the value of the freedom of the press and why it should matter to all of us. Sunshine Week reminds us of the importance of the free press and protecting the public’s right to know, particularly in today’s world where transparency is far too less of a norm within the walls of our government at every level. 

Media professionals remain under constant scrutiny and our press is often under attack by both the public and from those in charge of leading our government. While there are often walls set up to circumvent transparency and open government, we must continue fighting the good fight because the First Amendment protects our right to know what goes on and how we are governed. That should be held in high regard by all of us, not just those working in media. 

Our system of government was established with checks and balances for a reason, and media, as the Fourth Estate, plays an important role in that system. It is our responsibility to call out those who overstep their bounds and hide behind misinformation, half-truths and cover-ups. Otherwise, we would be like those other nations where the voice of the people is silenced, government is far from transparent, and decisions are masked from the general public.

The First Amendment protects our right to know whether there are burglaries in our neighborhoods or if a convicted sex offender lives down the street. It protects our right to know how our tax dollars are spent and gives us access to information on what type of business is going up next door to our property and our schools. It gives us access to information on the back door deals that some don’t want us to know about, and others choose to ignore.

Sunshine Week is a reminder that transparency and open government isn’t just about media — it’s about all of us. We all must champion our right to know.

Even when we are not fond of the press or when we disagree on coverage, we must uphold press freedoms and the rights our First Amendment grants as part of our democracy. We warrant a critical eye as media, and so deserved. If we wish to examine other entities with scrutiny then we must accept that the tables can be turned on us as well. That doesn’t mean, however, that we should be shut out simply because the press or information we provide is less than flattering. Yes, we should be champions of our community and share good news about local happenings. But we must also be watchdogs — we can and should be both.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as we all navigate a new era of separating fact from fiction, precaution and panic, Sunshine Week reminds us that journalism, the real work of the free press, is a vital part of our democracy, our public and our way of life. 

It still has value. 

Jeannette Farmer Eady, 74, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Nunn-Wheeler Cemetery with the Rev. Freddie Hogg officiating. Mrs. Eady was born in Milledgeville and was a graduate of Baldwin County High School. She worked for Dr. …

Grady Ray Townsend (Pop) of Oxford, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020, at the age of 89. A Marine, Mr. Townsend valiantly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a faithful member of Heritage Hills Baptist Church. He was a hardworking, selfless man w…

Benjie Dewayne Fountain, 58, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2020. Private services will be held at West View Cemetery. Benjie was a life-long resident of Baldwin County. He was a retired electrician. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Fountain; and two brothers, Eddie Fountain a…

A private burial service for Mrs. Lois Gilbert of Sparta, Ga., will be held for family. Her memories shall forever remain in the heart of her children, Johnnie Gilbert, Jennie Rous, Brenda Gilbert, Polly Wheeler, Eddie Gilbert, Bobby Gilbert, Deborah Gilbert, Timmy Gilbert, Trudy Butt and Ro…

Funeal services for Mrs. Evelyn R. Abram of Sparta, Ga., will be held privately with family. Her memories will be cherished by her children, Timothy Duggans, Charles Duggans, Kathy Harper, Lucious Abrams, Reva Williams and Vanessa Cheathem. Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary, 98 Hopgood…

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/opinion/editorial-sunshine-week-reminds-us-of-the-value-of-free-press/article_40789728-6883-11ea-998e-67eb8e4dabd2.html

Kemp officials make case for stronger Georgia anti-gang law

kemp-officials-make-case-for-stronger-georgia-anti-gang-law

ATLANTA (AP) — Gov. Brian Kemp’s administration is seeking to persuade lawmakers of the need to tighten Georgia’s gang laws.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Vic Reynolds, Attorney General Chris Carr and others told a House-Senate panel Monday that gangs are a serious problem needing further action.

GBI wants to strengthen a state law it already touts as the nation’s strongest. Perhaps most controversially, GBI wants the power to begin investigating gang crimes without an invitation from local officials, as is needed now. Reynolds told The Associated Press that he anticipates “open discussions” with sheriffs and others who might be hesitant over that authority.

Reynolds said he also wants changes that would clarify that each separate act listed in the state’s 2010 anti-gang law could be prosecuted as a separate offense, allowing prosecutors to load up charges with hefty potential prison sentences for gang members.

That law makes it a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison for a series of offenses if someone is a member of a “criminal street gang,” even if just painting graffiti.

Kemp and his officials have called for a gang database that investigators could use to share information. They’ve also proposed a public gang registry that would function like the current public sex offender registry, publicizing the names and residences of convicted offenders. Officials want to enshrine Georgia’s current gang task force in law, and allow prosecutors to consolidate criminal cases across county lines, instead of prosecuting individual offenses separately in individual counties.

“We’re so uniquely positioned in the bureau, in GBI, to reach across those jurisdictional boundaries,” Reynolds said.

Kemp could unveil new legislation later this week after spending a significant portion of his State of the State speech on Jan. 16 arguing that gangs are “a statewide threat that undermines our safety and our future.” He also wants to add money for GBI’s gang task force in the state budget.

Some see Kemp’s tough-on-crime message as a throwback to earlier Republican policies, going against a more recent trend led in Georgia by Gov. Nathan Deal to reduce harsh sentences. Others say the state should differentiate, pursuing lenient policies for non-violent criminals, but harsher sanctions for the worst offenders.

“It’s my observation that the two approaches complement each other,” Carr, a Republican, told lawmakers Monday, arguing that it’s not a reversal of what Deal did.

Although Kemp administration officials also discuss prevention, some critics say he’s too focused on jailing people.

“What Georgia should be doing is focusing on the societal barriers that lead young people to gang involvement, and invest the resources necessary to allow communities impacted by these issues to thrive,” Marissa Dodson, public policy director for the Southern Center for Human Rights said in a statement. “Unfortunately, instead of proposing proven methods which reduce violence and increase opportunity, Governor Kemp has chosen to simply increase penalties – which are already harsh and ineffective – for people accused of gang involvement.”

Rep. Carl Gilliard, a Garden City Democrat who chaired a study committee on youth and gangs over the summer, said he’s willing to consider stronger criminal efforts. But he said that should be balanced with other measures.

“The whole focus has been prevention, prevention, prevention,” Gilliard said Monday.

The Georgia Gang Investigators Association estimates that there are 71,000 gang members in Georgia, including 27,000 already in prison. Those estimates have prompted dispute, but Reynolds told lawmakers that they at least show the magnitude of the problem

Ray Ham of the association told lawmakers that combating the problem would require “some teeth to the law” and taking “the handcuffs off” law enforcement.

“Guns, gangs, drugs, it all goes together,” Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee told lawmakers. “Drugs fuel it.”

___

Follow Jeff Amy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffamy

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/kemp-officials-make-case-for-stronger-georgia-anti-gang-law/article_4e540c58-41df-11ea-8395-83f5e8dfe61d.html

Grand jury indicts 2 on assault charges

grand-jury-indicts-2-on-assault-charges








Brookins

A 54-year-old woman who reportedly fired a gun at her husband with two children inside the residence last November was indicted earlier this week by a Baldwin County grand jury.

Grand jurors indicted Sheila Blackwell Brookins, of the 100 block of Brookins Circle, on one count of aggravated assault under the Georgia Family Violent Act, and one count of cruelty to children in the third degree, according to court records.

In a separate case, meanwhile, grand jurors indicted a Milledgeville man on five counts of aggravated assault, four counts of criminal damage to property in the first degree, and one count of criminal trespass.

The defendant was identified as Jatavius Williams, court records show.

In an unrelated case, a Milledgeville man was indicted in a sexual assault case.

Ricky Ray Fowler was indicted on charges of rape, and photographing underneath an individual’s clothing.

Fowler also was indicted in a separate case on charges of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, and criminal trespass.

Grand jurors also indicted Andrew Whidby on a charge of statutory rape.

Another defendant, Sanario Tyshawn Davis, was indicted on charges of cruelty to children in the first degree, and failure to register as a sex offender.

Several other defendants also were indicted this week on various criminal charges. They included:

  • David Broome Brooks, theft by receiving stolen property, Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (VGCSA) for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, driving while license suspended, driving on an improper registration, operating a vehicle without insurance, taillight violation, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Amy Michelle Camp, VGCSA for possession of a Schedule III controlled substance, crossing the guard line with contraband, and illegal use of a communication facility.
  • Tikie Mondrake Mosley, VGCSA for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine.
  • Maurice Deshawn Redding, furnishing prohibited items to inmates.
  • Eric Renard Greene, obstruction of a law enforcement officer and possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
  • Mario Lashun Dixon, making a false statement, hit-and-run, driving while license suspended, and following too closely.
  • Darryl Leroy Thompson, two counts of forgery in the third degree.
  • Leroy Newark, two counts of theft by shoplifting.
  • Oscar Daniel Boyer, theft by deception, and theft by conversion.
  • Joshua Byron Tribble, criminal damage to property in the second degree.
  • Gracie Catherine Mctaggart, theft by conversion.
  • Dequarius Ramone Jones, theft by receiving stolen property, and giving false information to a law enforcement officer.
  • Eric Vernon Fleming, forgery in the third degree.
  • Keldrick Sherrard Thomas, theft by taking.
  • Kayleen Lashon Butts, two counts of financial transaction card theft.
  • Brian Christopher Allen, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine, driving without a license, no proof of insurance, expired tag, and littering.
  • Nicklous Bernard Ford and Victoria Promise Williams were jointly indicted in a case. Ford was indicted on charges of influencing a witness, discharging a gun near a highway or street, and possession of firearm by a convicted felon. Williams was charged with making a false statement.
  • Robert Scott Vancliff, VGCSA for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, crossing the guard line with contraband, and driving under the influence.
  • Kenshawn William Johnson, VGCSA for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
  • Kenneth James Walker, terroristic threats.

Jeannette Farmer Eady, 74, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Nunn-Wheeler Cemetery with the Rev. Freddie Hogg officiating. Mrs. Eady was born in Milledgeville and was a graduate of Baldwin County High School. She worked for Dr. …

Grady Ray Townsend (Pop) of Oxford, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020, at the age of 89. A Marine, Mr. Townsend valiantly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a faithful member of Heritage Hills Baptist Church. He was a hardworking, selfless man w…

Benjie Dewayne Fountain, 58, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2020. Private services will be held at West View Cemetery. Benjie was a life-long resident of Baldwin County. He was a retired electrician. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Fountain; and two brothers, Eddie Fountain a…

A private burial service for Mrs. Lois Gilbert of Sparta, Ga., will be held for family. Her memories shall forever remain in the heart of her children, Johnnie Gilbert, Jennie Rous, Brenda Gilbert, Polly Wheeler, Eddie Gilbert, Bobby Gilbert, Deborah Gilbert, Timmy Gilbert, Trudy Butt and Ro…

Funeal services for Mrs. Evelyn R. Abram of Sparta, Ga., will be held privately with family. Her memories will be cherished by her children, Timothy Duggans, Charles Duggans, Kathy Harper, Lucious Abrams, Reva Williams and Vanessa Cheathem. Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary, 98 Hopgood…

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/grand-jury-indicts-2-on-assault-charges/article_2229509a-3896-11ea-bb3c-076df07a94ef.html

District attorney, state senator look to close loophole in sex offender registry

district-attorney,-state-senator-look-to-close-loophole-in-sex-offender-registry








District attorney, state senator look to close loophole in sex offender registry

Chuck Payne


DALTON, Ga. — People on the sex offender registry in the state should have to obey all reporting requirements, says state Sen. Chuck Payne.

Payne, a Republican from Dalton, said he was surprised when Conasauga District Attorney Bert Poston (Whitfield and Murray counties) brought it to his attention that in some circumstances there are lower legal penalties for an individual on the registry who fails to update his or her information as required.

“I’ve been working with him, and Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, and I have introduced a bill to clarify the language in the sex offender registry law and close that loophole. We hope to get that passed in the next session (which starts in January),” Payne said.

Poston said the issue first came to his attention last year.

“All persons required to register go through a classification process by the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board. That results in a rating of 1, 2, 3 or ‘sexually dangerous predator,’” Poston said. “Level 1 is the least dangerous, least likely to reoffend, and obviously ‘sexually dangerous predators’ are considered the most dangerous and most likely to reoffend. Persons classified as sexually dangerous predators have additional registration requirements including that they update their registration twice annually. Once on their birthday like all sex offenders and once six months after their birthday (on their half-birthday).”

Poston said his office was handling a case of a sex offender who failed to update his information on his “half-birthday.”

“I don’t believe we’d had that charge come through the office before and in the process of researching the law and preparing the charges we discovered that the legislation creating that requirement had failed to specify any penalty for violating that particular part of the code section,” he said. “Failure to register generally (on the birthday) is a felony carrying a penalty of one to 30 years, or five to 30 on a second offense. But failure to register on the half-birthday for the most dangerous offenders, because of the absence of sentencing provisions in the statute, has to be prosecuted as a misdemeanor by default.”

Poston said it doesn’t appear

that’s what lawmakers intended.

“SB (Senate Bill) 269 as currently written addresses a couple of different issues, but some of those were fixed by a different bill last session, so we are in the process of stripping those parts out of 269 which will leave it addressing this issue alone,” Poston said. “The final bill should only be one to two pages and will make the failure to update registration by sexually dangerous predators on their half-birthday a … felony just like failure to register on their birthday.”

Poston said the Office of Legislative Counsel has to go over the bill before Payne can officially drop the new version and a hearing on the bill can be scheduled.

Jeannette Farmer Eady, 74, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Nunn-Wheeler Cemetery with the Rev. Freddie Hogg officiating. Mrs. Eady was born in Milledgeville and was a graduate of Baldwin County High School. She worked for Dr. …

Grady Ray Townsend (Pop) of Oxford, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020, at the age of 89. A Marine, Mr. Townsend valiantly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a faithful member of Heritage Hills Baptist Church. He was a hardworking, selfless man w…

Benjie Dewayne Fountain, 58, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2020. Private services will be held at West View Cemetery. Benjie was a life-long resident of Baldwin County. He was a retired electrician. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Fountain; and two brothers, Eddie Fountain a…

A private burial service for Mrs. Lois Gilbert of Sparta, Ga., will be held for family. Her memories shall forever remain in the heart of her children, Johnnie Gilbert, Jennie Rous, Brenda Gilbert, Polly Wheeler, Eddie Gilbert, Bobby Gilbert, Deborah Gilbert, Timmy Gilbert, Trudy Butt and Ro…

Funeal services for Mrs. Evelyn R. Abram of Sparta, Ga., will be held privately with family. Her memories will be cherished by her children, Timothy Duggans, Charles Duggans, Kathy Harper, Lucious Abrams, Reva Williams and Vanessa Cheathem. Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary, 98 Hopgood…

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/ga_fl_news/district-attorney-state-senator-look-to-close-loophole-in-sex-offender-registry/article_646c5293-9cfd-55c2-bda2-8f4bb7a93903.html

Several indicted by Baldwin County grand jury

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logo

A Baldwin County grand jury recently returned a number of indictments and accusations against several defendants accused of various criminal offenses, including a local woman in an aggravated assault case, according to records filed in the Baldwin County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

Grand jurors returned a four-count indictment against a local woman, Sabrina Butts.

She was indicted on one count of aggravated assault, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, and cruelty to children in the third degree.

In a separate case, grand jurors returned a “no bill” against another defendant, who had been accused of aggravated assault.

The defendant in that case was identified as Quaveonta Jacquez Bell, who was indicted on a charge of criminal damage to property in the second degree.

Several other defendants also were either indicted or had accusations filed against them as to various criminal charges.

They included:

  • Clabornes Edward Jones, criminal attempt to commit rape.
  • Jayjuanna Deon May, robbery by sudden snatching.
  • Jontario Antwon Hill, possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Terrell Antione Havior, three counts of false imprisonment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, disorderly conduct, four counts of obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Grand jurors returned a “no bill” against him on a charge of criminal trespass.
  • Capril Lasavron Matthews, Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (VGCSA) for trafficking in cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of a Scheduled II controlled substance.
  • Johnny Wayne Gibbs, VGCSA for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a schedule II controlled substance, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
  • Wayne Gregory Martin, VGCSA for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a Scheduled IV controlled substance with intent to distribute, and two counts of possession of a Scheduled II controlled substance. Grand jurors returned a “no bill” against him on a charge of possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
  •  Tony Edwards Horton and Stacey D. Thornton, were jointly indicted on charges. Horton was indicted for VGCSA for possession of cocaine, and possession of marijuana less than an ounce. Thornton was indicted for VGCSA for possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and violation of conditions of a Class D license. Grand jurors returned a “no bill” against her as to a charge of failure to maintain lane.
  • Isaiah Terezze Clark and Michael Shawn Singleton were jointly indicted on charges. Clark was indicted on charges of VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine. Singleton was indicted on charges of aggressive driving and stalking. Grand jurors returned a “no bill” against Clark on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Tracey Vvonne Haralson, and Thomas James Kitchens Jr. were jointly indicted. Both defendants were indicted on a charge of illegal use of a communications facility. Haralson also was indicted on charges of crossing the guard lines with drugs, and possession of methamphetamine.
  • Ryan James Hartry, VGCSA for possession of marijuana more than an ounce, and criminal trespass.
  • Christopher Paul Deaton, VGCSA for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, driving while license suspended, and possession of a drug related objects. Grand jurors returned a “no bill” against him as to a charges of possession of a Scheduled IV controlled substance, and possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
  • John Willie Weeks Jr., VGCSA for possession of marijuana less than an ounce, giving false information to a law enforcement officer, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Roderick Jujuan Waller, VGCSA for possession of cocaine, and possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
  • Tina Sheree Vinson, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug related objects.
  • Willie Terrence Strange, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine.
  • Bobbie Lynnellle Stout, VGCSA for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, and driving the wrong way on a one-way roadway.
  • Inger Smith, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug related objects.
  • Brittney Roxane Richards, VGCSA for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, and driving under the influence.
  • Michael Anthony Phillips, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine.
  • Ashley Dion Martiny, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
  • Darius Deon Marshall, VGCSA for possession of a Scheduled II controlled substance, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, drugs not in original container, and disorderly conduct.
  • Heather Lynn Kight, VGCSA for possession of a Scheduled II controlled substance, possession of a Scheduled II controlled substance, two counts of a Scheduled IV controlled substance, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, and possession of drug related objects.
  • Terrance V. Havior, VGCSA for possession of cocaine, and possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
  • Bryan Jackson, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine.
  • Samuel Andrew Barlow, VGCSA for possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug related objects.
  • Sally Omar Mbye, two counts of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, driving under the influence less safe of alcohol, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and reckless driving.
  • Chicoby D. Durden, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane.
  • Shaga Emmanuel Childs, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and no proof of insurance. Grand jurors also returned a “no bill” against him as to a charge of having a defective windshield.
  • Khamron Treyron Lewis, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, giving false information to a law enforcement officer, and driving without a license. Grand jurors returned “no bills” against the defendant as to charges of a second count of obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and driving without headlights.
  • Albert Frank Thomas, violation of sexual offender registration, loitering or prowling, and public indecency.
  • Ambra Nicole Davis, two counts of interference with government property, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
  • Christopher Ryan Jackson, driving under the influence, improper lane change, and improper headlights.
  • Robert David Cook, burglary in the first degree.
  • Matthew Ryan Jordan, false identification of a document. Grand jurors returned “no bills” against him as to charges of entering an automobile, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, underage possession of alcohol, and public drunkenness.
  • Lori Fort Steele, theft by shoplifting, and giving false information to a law enforcement officer.
  • Tanisha Shykemma Cooper, theft by taking.
  • Shauna Lynn Reker, theft by taking.
  • Charles Christopher Ward, and David Lee Ward were jointly indicted. David Ward was indicted on charges of theft by taking and criminal trespass, while Charles Ward was indicted on a charge of theft by taking.
  • Jeremiah Aaron Carbon, two counts of theft by receiving stolen property, and funeral procession violation. Grand jurors returned “no bills” against him as to charges of possession of marijuana less than an ounce, and window tint violation.
  • Kristi Lanette Reeves, also known as Kristi Lanette Northern, two counts of theft by taking.
  • Jamel Jerrod Jackson, failure to register as a sex offender.
  • Ryan Curtis Parker, three counts of invasion of privacy.
  • Kendra Keeshon Lundy, making a false statement, and false report of a crime. Grand jurors returned a “no bill” against the defendant as to a charge of possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

Jeannette Farmer Eady, 74, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Nunn-Wheeler Cemetery with the Rev. Freddie Hogg officiating. Mrs. Eady was born in Milledgeville and was a graduate of Baldwin County High School. She worked for Dr. …

Grady Ray Townsend (Pop) of Oxford, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020, at the age of 89. A Marine, Mr. Townsend valiantly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a faithful member of Heritage Hills Baptist Church. He was a hardworking, selfless man w…

Benjie Dewayne Fountain, 58, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2020. Private services will be held at West View Cemetery. Benjie was a life-long resident of Baldwin County. He was a retired electrician. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Fountain; and two brothers, Eddie Fountain a…

A private burial service for Mrs. Lois Gilbert of Sparta, Ga., will be held for family. Her memories shall forever remain in the heart of her children, Johnnie Gilbert, Jennie Rous, Brenda Gilbert, Polly Wheeler, Eddie Gilbert, Bobby Gilbert, Deborah Gilbert, Timmy Gilbert, Trudy Butt and Ro…

Funeal services for Mrs. Evelyn R. Abram of Sparta, Ga., will be held privately with family. Her memories will be cherished by her children, Timothy Duggans, Charles Duggans, Kathy Harper, Lucious Abrams, Reva Williams and Vanessa Cheathem. Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary, 98 Hopgood…

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/several-indicted-by-baldwin-county-grand-jury/article_d76d22c4-18ac-11ea-b89e-679b9a9232ba.html

Greensboro man arrested on 8 counts of child pornography

greensboro-man-arrested-on-8-counts-of-child-pornography

GREENSBORO, Ga. – A 45-year-old Greensboro businessman is being held withheld without bond after he was arrested several days ago on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of children, local authorities say.

The arrest of the man stems from an investigation that began back in May.

Greene County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Capt Lee Stancill identified the suspect as Brandon Lee Manning, who had been living in the Charity Drive neighborhood of Greensboro.

Manning, who reportedly is affiliated with a swimming pool business, is specifically charged with eight counts of sexual exploitation of children, according to Capt. Stancill, who is the lead investigator.

Capt. Stancill said Manning was taken into custody at his residence Nov. 14 without incident. Manning’s arrest stemmed from an ongoing criminal investigation that has been underway by investigators with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office for the past several months.

A search warrant was executed at the residence of the suspect back in May, according to the investigator.

Capt. Stancill said during that time, he and other sheriff’s office investigators seized more than a dozen electronic devices from the residence.

The lead investigator said the seizure of the electronic devices came as the result of a tip that potentially explicit images were being accessed from the residence.

“After conducting examinations of each of these devices, several hundred images of suspected child pornography were found,” Capt. Stancill said.

Capt. Stancill said since the case was pending prosecution, he would not be able to discuss exactly what prompted the investigation.

Manning who previously had been a registered sex offender in Greene County was removed from the list in 2009 after he completed certain requirements, Capt. Stancill said.

Manning appeared before Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Terry N. Massey on Monday morning in Greene County Superior Court and was denied bond in the case. Manning was represented by his defense attorney, Mo Wiltshire during the brief hearing before the judge.

Capt. Stancill said during the course of the investigation that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) had provided certain records, but that all digital forensics had been performed by him in his lab with equipment provided him by U.S. Secret Service.

Capt. Stancill, who also works with the Electronic Crimes Task Force out of the U.S. Secret Service field office in Atlanta explained that the federal agency provides him all the equipment, his training, as well as his training and support for work he does when it comes to computers and mobile devices.

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/greensboro-man-arrested-on-8-counts-of-child-pornography/article_f74b5f84-0beb-11ea-bc33-47c2ecc58322.html

Greene County man pleads guilty to sex crimes involving children

greene-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-sex-crimes-involving-children








U-R update

GREENSBORO, Ga. — A 70-year-old Greene County man will spend the next three years of his life in prison.

William Boyd Anderson, of Greensboro, pleaded guilty Monday morning in Greene County Superior Court in Greensboro to two counts of felony sexual battery and one count of simple battery, a misdemeanor, according to court records.

Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Amanda S. Petty sentenced Anderson to 10 years, the first three of which will be served in prison. Anderson also was ordered to register as a sex offender and to abide by sex offender conditions after he is released from prison.

Before sentencing, Leslie Saunders, a victim advocate, read a letter in open court from a victim’s mother, according to a court official.

Anderson was arrested Sept. 18, on three counts of child molestation and one count of felony sexual battery of a child under the age of 16, according to Greene County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Capt. Lee Stancill.

“The investigation began when we received information from the parents of one of the victims,” Capt. Lee Stancill said in a press release shortly after Anderson’s arrest. “After opening an investigation, additional complaints were received and those allegations were investigated as well.”

A court official said Anderson was arrested for inappropriately touching children in the neighborhood when they were at his residence.

Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant District Attorney Allison Mauldin prosecuted Anderson on behalf of the state.

Jeannette Farmer Eady, 74, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Nunn-Wheeler Cemetery with the Rev. Freddie Hogg officiating. Mrs. Eady was born in Milledgeville and was a graduate of Baldwin County High School. She worked for Dr. …

Grady Ray Townsend (Pop) of Oxford, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020, at the age of 89. A Marine, Mr. Townsend valiantly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a faithful member of Heritage Hills Baptist Church. He was a hardworking, selfless man w…

Benjie Dewayne Fountain, 58, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2020. Private services will be held at West View Cemetery. Benjie was a life-long resident of Baldwin County. He was a retired electrician. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Fountain; and two brothers, Eddie Fountain a…

A private burial service for Mrs. Lois Gilbert of Sparta, Ga., will be held for family. Her memories shall forever remain in the heart of her children, Johnnie Gilbert, Jennie Rous, Brenda Gilbert, Polly Wheeler, Eddie Gilbert, Bobby Gilbert, Deborah Gilbert, Timmy Gilbert, Trudy Butt and Ro…

Funeal services for Mrs. Evelyn R. Abram of Sparta, Ga., will be held privately with family. Her memories will be cherished by her children, Timothy Duggans, Charles Duggans, Kathy Harper, Lucious Abrams, Reva Williams and Vanessa Cheathem. Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary, 98 Hopgood…

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/greene-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-sex-crimes-involving-children/article_75077cf8-f53c-11e9-8901-cb7aa8b781e2.html

Sheriff’s deputies respond to 3,195 calls last month

sheriff’s-deputies-respond-to-3,195-calls-last-month



TIFTON — Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough reported that deputies responded 3,195 calls for service, conducted 1,376 business and property checks along with 583 mobile home park and subdivision checks along with 32 school checks in the month of September, according to a press release.

Scarbrough said deputies served 81 warrants, 66 civil papers and 170 subpoenas.

The sheriff reported that deputies arrested 78 people, some on multiple charges. He said that 27 charges of parole/probation violation were filed, eight drug charges, one crime against a person charge, 16 property crimes charges, eight failures to appear, one child support violation, one case of fraud, one weapon violation, five cases of obstruction of deputies with 52 cases being assigned to the Criminal Investigative Division.

Traffic stops conducted by deputies led to 32 individuals having a suspended or revoked driver’s license as well as the arrest of one wanted person and four drivers being charged with DUI.

Scarborough added that deputies completed 533 reports, worked 37 accidents, patrolled 57,474 miles, verified the home addresses of 70 registered sex offenders and issued 1,366 citations with 172 warnings.

The sheriff also reported that deputies provided 72 transports, totaling 206 hours and 8,096 miles.

Jeannette Farmer Eady, 74, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Nunn-Wheeler Cemetery with the Rev. Freddie Hogg officiating. Mrs. Eady was born in Milledgeville and was a graduate of Baldwin County High School. She worked for Dr. …

Grady Ray Townsend (Pop) of Oxford, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020, at the age of 89. A Marine, Mr. Townsend valiantly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a faithful member of Heritage Hills Baptist Church. He was a hardworking, selfless man w…

Benjie Dewayne Fountain, 58, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2020. Private services will be held at West View Cemetery. Benjie was a life-long resident of Baldwin County. He was a retired electrician. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Fountain; and two brothers, Eddie Fountain a…

A private burial service for Mrs. Lois Gilbert of Sparta, Ga., will be held for family. Her memories shall forever remain in the heart of her children, Johnnie Gilbert, Jennie Rous, Brenda Gilbert, Polly Wheeler, Eddie Gilbert, Bobby Gilbert, Deborah Gilbert, Timmy Gilbert, Trudy Butt and Ro…

Funeal services for Mrs. Evelyn R. Abram of Sparta, Ga., will be held privately with family. Her memories will be cherished by her children, Timothy Duggans, Charles Duggans, Kathy Harper, Lucious Abrams, Reva Williams and Vanessa Cheathem. Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary, 98 Hopgood…

Source: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/ga_fl_news/sheriff-s-deputies-respond-to-3-195-calls-last-month/article_28e1886f-9c6d-5469-8cfa-a530596404fb.html