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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.