TV STAR STEVE HARVEY HAS PURCHASED THE ROCK RANCH

  THE  NEW  OWNERS  OF  THE  ROCK  RANCH  MET  THE  COMMUNITY  SATURDAY  AND    SEEMED  TO  HIT  IT   OFF.      TV  CELEBRITY  STEVE  HARVEY  AND  WIFE  MARJORIE , WHO  LIVE  IN  ATLANTA   ARE  THE  NEW  OWNERS,       WITH   PLANS  FOR      PERMANENT    LODGING  FOR  SEVERAL  HUNDRED  YOUTH  FROM     AROUND  THE  COUNTRY   EACH  SUMMER  TO   LEARN    LIFE  SKILLS , SOMETHING  THE  HARVEYS  DID  ANNUALLY  AT  THE  ROCK  RANCH  UNDER   A  BIG  TENT    UNTIL  THE  COVID  PANDEMIC.    " THE  STEVE  AND  MARJORIE   HARVEY   LEGACY  RANCH"  IS  NOW THE  FORMAL  TITLE OF THE  PROPERTY.

THE  HARVEY'S  SPOKE  AND  TOOK  QUESTIONS  BEFORE  AN  INVITATION  ONLY  AUDIENCE  AT  A  TOWN  HALL  MEETING AT  THE  U-L  FINE  ARTS  CENTER, AND  STRESSED  SAFETY  OF  THE  COMMUNITY  AND  THE  KIDS  IS   THE  MOST  IMPORTANT  ELEMENT OF  THEIR  MISSION.  HE  ADDED   THE  YOUTH  ARE  KEPT SO  BUSY , THEY    DON'T  HAVE  TIME TO  GET  IN    TROUBLE. 

 

 THE   HARVEYS  STATED  THEY  WILL      INCLUDE  

  COMMUNITY  IN  THEIR  INVESTMENT  ,  HIRING  LOCALS  ,   USING   LOCAL  CONTRACTORS  TO  BUILD  PERMANENT  STRUCTURES  AND  TAKING  ON   LOCAL  YOUTH  TO  PARTICIPATE  IN  THEIR  PROGRAMS.

THEY  ENVISION    YEAR  ROUND  ACTIVITIES   INCLUDING  CORPORATE  RETREATS,  AND  POSSIBLY  SPORTS  FIELDS  OPEN  TO  LOCALS. 

SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  WAS  ON  THE  PROGRAM  AND  WELCOMED  THE  HARVEYS  TO  UPSON  COUNTY  AND  DURING   Q&A  THOMASTON'S  MAYOR  PRO TEM  DOUG  HEAD  RELATED  ITS  GREAT  TO  HAVE  THEM  IN  THE  COMMUNITY.     

  STEVE  SAID  HE'S  A  COUNTRY  BOY  AT   HEART,  WHO  GREW  UP  ON  A  FARM, SLOPPING  HOGS  AND  BAILING  HAY  AND  THE  RANCH  WILL  ALSO  SERVE  AS  A  GET-A-WAY  PLACE  FOR  HIM. .

STEVE  HARVEY  TOLD  THE  CROWD  " I  HAD  TO  BUY  THIS  RANCH  BECAUSE  I  HAVE  TO  DO  WHAT  GOD  TELLS  ME  TO  DO."

Georgia Power Welcomes Hyundai Motor Group

Georgia Power today joined with Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Economic Development to celebrate the decision by Hyundai Motor Group to open its first fully dedicated electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing facility in the State of Georgia. The new state-of-the-art

U.S. smart factory will be located at the more than 2,900-acre Bryan County Megasite, representing a $5.54 billion investment by Hyundai Motor Group, with non-affiliated Hyundai suppliers expected to invest approximately another $1 billion in the project, delivering approximately 8,100 new jobs to Georgia’s coastal region.

Headquartered in Seoul, Korea, Hyundai Motor Group employs 250,000 people worldwide, with vehicles sold in 193 countries through 5,000 dealerships and showrooms.

“Coastal Georgia continues to grow and thrive, with the positive impact of the Port of Savannah felt every day in every community in the region. Today’s announcement in Bryan County is historic for our state, and only possible thanks to the foresight of state and local leaders who recognized the opportunity to create a megasite that could

offer unmatched opportunity for an innovative, international manufacturer like Hyundai Motor Group,” said Chris Womack, chairman, president, and CEO of Georgia Power, who also serves on the Georgia Ports Authority Board. “On behalf of Georgia Power, we welcome Hyundai Motor Group to Georgia today.”

At the new Georgia highly connected, automated, and flexible EV smart factory, Hyundai Motor Group plans to produce a diverse range of innovative full electric vehicles. Through the battery manufacturing facility, Hyundai Motor Group also aims to establish a stable supply chain for EV battery and other EV components in the U.S. market.

Georgia’s evolving automotive industry

To date, Georgia is home to more than 200 automotive-related facilities that contribute more than $3 billion annually to the state's economy. In 2021, Georgia boasted 977,000 workers to support these operations and facilities. Additionally, the state’s growing EV and battery production industry created 13,200 new jobs and $8 billion in new capital investment before Hyundai Motor Group’s announcement.

Georgia is recognized as a leader in electric transportation and is near the top in the nation for EV customer adoption and EV charging with thousands of connections available across the state. Georgia Power also continues to support the State of Georgia in proactive efforts to attract multibillion-dollar companies involved in the production, recycling, and development of the auto manufacturing industry and EV supply chain and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) throughout the state and region continue to shift their product lines to keep up with the increasing production of EVs.

“As more and more Georgians choose to drive electric, there is no better market in the country for auto manufacturers, supplier companies, and leaders in technology to collaborate and create the future of the EV marketplace. We look forward to continuing to work with partners across our state to build the infrastructure necessary to advance the electric transportation ecosystem here in Georgia,” added Womack.

Georgia Power also recently partnered with the University of Georgia’s College of Engineering to create an e- Mobility Certificate program. With elements of engineering, public policy, public health, and business acumen, this new program will prepare Georgia’s workforce for an electrified transportation future. The company is also working closely with design students at Georgia Tech to evaluate the environmental benefits and future workforce opportunities of transportation electrification.

In 2021, Georgia Power joined Southern Company and utilities across the South, Midwest, Gulf Coast, Central Plains and mid-Atlantic to enable EV drivers’ seamless travel through a coordinated network of charging stations. The Electric Highway Coalition will enable increased charging options along major highway routes from Texas to Washington, DC to provide easier access to EV options for drivers.

For more information about the benefits of electric transportation and how Georgia Power is leading the way in charging capabilities across the state, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/ET.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to

2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/Georgia Power), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Drug Bust In Zebulon

On Wednesday the Zebulon Police Department in conjunction with the GBI, ended an in depth investigation, with the execution of a Search warrant as well as arrest warrants for Trafficking Cocaine. The suspect in this case Darjuan Seqeoria Harden has been apprehended.

The GBI along with the ZPD obtained a search warrant, for 76 Thomas St. Zebulon GA 30295. As well as arrest warrants for D. Harden

Officers conducted a traffic stop on Mr. Harden away from the residence to try and eliminate placing the family in harm’s way.

Upon execution of the search warrant officers found the entire family of Mr. Harden, which included his mother, wife, daughters, and newborn grandchild. During the investigation we found that Mr. Harden was selling illegal drugs directly from the residence while the family was often at the residence.

During the search of the residence officers located a stash of guns, and a large quantity of Crack Cocaine.

Authorities seized a total of 4 AR style rifles, with 8 magazines for these weapons, 2 pistols and two magazines for these weapons.

Also seized over 4 ounces of crack cocaine, some already broken into individual rocks for sale, and some freshly produced and broken down for single use sales.

Thomaston Featured On National TV Sunday

THOMASTON WILL BE A NATIONAL TV STAR SUNDAY AT 8PM ON HGTV PLUS STREAMING ON DISCOVERY +, A PROGRAM ENTITLED, "HOMETOWN KICKSTART PRESENTED BY PEOPLE." HGTV CELEBS BRIAN AND MIKA KLEINSCHMIDT OF TAMPA, FLORIDA, DID RENOVATION WORK IN THOMASTON AT PIGGLY PARK DRIVE-IN, DOWNTOWN FACADES AT HAIR ON THE SQUARE, UPPER CRUST, AND THE BASEMENT AT THE HOME OF MARLON AND TONIA BROWN, AN EXTRA-GIVING COUPLE FEATURED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF PEOPLE.

CITY OF THOMASTON/SLICES PIZZERIA, INVITING EVERYONE TO A FREE TV WATCH PARTY FOR THE SHOW SUNDAY 5;30 TO 9 ON THE SQUARE, A MEET AND GREET FEATURING THE KLEINSCHMIDTS, LIVE MUSIC, FOOD TRUCKS, AND MORE.

MIKA AND BRIAN WERE INTERVIEWED ON THE BILL BAILEY MORNING SHOW FRIDAY ON FUN 101 FM AND SAID THEY ARE EXCITED TO BE RETURNING TO THOMASTON FOR THE SUNDAY EVENT.

GOV BRIAN KEMP IN THOMASTON THURSDAY

 A  CROWD  ESTIMATED  AT   150  WELCOMED  GOVERNOR  BRIAN  KEMP,  WIFE  MARTY,  A   DAUGHTER ,   AND  STATE  SENATOR  TYLER  HARPER--CANDIDATE  FOR  STATE  AG  COMMISSIONER,  TO  GREATEST  GENERATION  MEMORIAL  PARK   IN  THOMASTON,  THURSDAY.

THE  GOVERNOR  SHOOK  EVERY  HAND OFFERED  DURING  HIS    VISIT,  HIS  SECOND  TO  UPSON  COUNTY   SINCE ANNOUNCING  FOR  REELECTION.  DURING  REMARKS  TO  THE  CROWD , HE  TOUTED  HIS  TAX  REFUND  TO  GEORGIANS,  PAY  RAISE  FOR  TEACHERS  AND  STATE  EMPLOYEES,    KEEPING  BUSINESS  OPEN  DURING  THE  HEIGHT  OF  THE  COVID-19   PANDEMIC,  AND  HIS   JOBS  CREATION  RECORD. 

DURING  A   PRESS  CONFERENCE  BEFORE  DEPARTING , A  NEW  YORK  TIMES  REPORTER  QUIZZED    KEMP   ON  WHY  HE  HAS  NOT  RESPONDED  TO  DONALD  TRUMP'S   AND  DAVID  PERDUE'S    ADS   THAT  HE  HAS  BEEN  A  "DISASTER"  AS  GOVERNOR.    KEMP   APPEARED    TIRED OF  ANSWERING   THAT  QUESTION  FROM  THE   NATIONAL  NEWS  MEDIA,     RESPONDING  THAT  HE  IS   ONLY   FOCUSED  ON  HIS  REELECTION  CAMPAIGN  AND  NOT   ON  OUTSIDE "NOISE."

DRIVE BY SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN SPALDING

 SPALDING  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DARRELL  DIX  SAID  DEPUTIES  PATROLLING   INSIDE  CITY OF  GRIFFIN  COMBINED  WITH  THE  GRIFFIN P.D.  AND   BUTTS  COUNTY  S.O.   ARRESTED   5   SUSPECTS  IN  RECENT  DRIVE-BY  SHOOTINGS, WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

  ABOUT    30  SHOTS  WERE  FIRED  NEAR 409  JEFFERSON  STREET  AND  UNITS  GOT  BEHIND  A  BLACK 2012  TOYOTA  THAT  FLED  ON GA. 16  AND  HIT  SPEEDS  CLOSE  T0  100  UNTIL  STOP  STICKS   HALTED  THE  CAR  NEAR  THE  BUTTS  COUNTY  LINE.

THE  FIVE  ARRESTED;  DEONTREZ  SHIVERS,  19   AND    JESTON  MORGAN,  25  BOTH OF   JACKSON,  CHRISTOPHER  WALKER,  25   AND  GREGORY  GEE,  21  BOTH  OF     FLOVILLA,    AND  DEVIN  BROWN  20  OF  ATLANTA.  

DEPUTIES  FOUND  TWO  GLOCKS  ON  THE  HIGHWAY  THEY  BELIEVE  WERE  TOSSED  OUT  DURING  THE  CHASE--AND  A HANDGUN  MAGAZINE  WAS  FOUND  IN  THE  CAR.

Upson Lee High School Class of 2022 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Congratulations to Upson-Lee High School's Class of 2022 top 2 seniors, Valedictorian Monserrath Mata and Salutatorian Andrew Caldwell. Upson-Lee High School will hold its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2022 on Friday, May 27, at Matthews Field. Gates will open at 6:30 PM and the ceremony begins at 8 PM. This is a private ceremony, and a ticket is required for admission. Reserved seating is available on a first-come basis for those with green and yellow tickets. Please remember that no noisemakers, balloons, or tripods are allowed inside Matthews Field. The ceremony will be live-streamed on the Thomaston-Upson You Tube channel. The link will be available on the school district's webpage and social media pages on the day of the event.

THOMASTON COUPLE FEATURED IN PEOPLE MAG

 THE  LATEST  ISSUE OF PEOPLE  MAGAZINE  FEATURES  A  THOMASTON  COUPLE MARLON  AND  TONIA  BROWN  DESCRIBED  AS  MENTORS  ON  A  MISSION,  WHO  WILL  BE  HIGHLIGHTED  ON  HDTV  SUNDAY  NIGHT  8PM  AS  PART  OF  THE  HOMETOWN  HEROS  AMONG  US.   

THE  BROWNS  ARE  PART OF  THE  NEW  HDTV  SERIES --" HOMETOWN  KICKSTART  PRESENTED  BY  PEOPLE" -- AND  TELLS  THE  STORY  OF  HOW  THE  BROWNS  OPENED  THEIR  HEARTS  AND  HOMES  TO  HELP  YOUTH.

CITY  HALL  IS  SPONSORING  A  DOWNTOWN  WATCH  PARTY  ON  THE  SOUTHSIDE OF  THE  SQUARE  SUNDAY  EVENING   5;30  TO  9  WITH  A  BIG  SCREEN  AND  CONCESSIONS. 

TWO KILLED IN SOUTHERN UPSON CO

 UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  CONFIRMS  TWO  MOTORISTS  WERE  KILLED  IN  A  HEAD-ON  COLLISION  ON  PLEASANT  GROVE  ROAD  NEAR  THE  CRAWFORD  COUNTY  LINE,  TUESDAY  AROUND  4;30PM.

REPORTS  ARE  THE  TWO  FATALITIES   ARE    CAMERON  TRAYLOR,  IN  HIS   20'S  WHO  PLAYED  ON  THE  UPSON-LEE  STATE  CHAMPIONSHIP  BASKETBALL  TEAM  AND  GRANT  KING  IN  HIS   60'S ,  A  CUSTODIAN  AT  UL  MIDDLE  SCHOOL  WHO   REPORTEDLY   WAS  PLANNING  TO  RETIRE  AFTER  THE  SCHOOL TERM.

101  NEWS  WAS  TOLD  MR.  KING  WAS  DRIVING  A  PICK-UP,  PULLING  A  TRAILOR  AND  MR.  TRAYLOR  WAS  IN  AN  AUTO, POSSIBLY  AN  AUDI  THAT  CAUGHT  ON  FIRE  AFTER  THE  CRASH   AND THEN   CAUGHT  THE  WOODS  ON  FIRE.

SHERIFF  KILGORE  ASKED  FOR  THOUGHTS  AND  PRAYERS  FOR  THE  TWO  FAMILIES  WHO  HAVE  LOST  LOVED-ONES.

UPSON COUNTY CLERK SWORN IN AS VICE PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA COUNTY CLERK’S ASSOCIATION

Chairman Norman Allen and the Upson County Board of Commissioners are delighted to announce that Upson County Clerk, Jessica Jones, was sworn in as Vice President of the Georgia County Clerk’s Association (GCCA) on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

 The Georgia County Clerk's Association was established over 50 years ago to generate a coordinated interest among County Clerks and their Boards of Commissioners in county affairs, and to promote the welfare of county government. As Vice President of the GCCA, Jessica is authorized to act in all instances and with equal power as the President when the President is not present at meetings or is otherwise unable to attend to official duties, serve as Chairman of the Budget Committee, and the office of Vice President shall be affirmed at the Annual Meeting of the Board.

 

Jessica Jones has worked for Upson County for over twelve years and has held the role of Upson County Clerk for eight years. She is a Certified County Clerk and previously held the position of Treasurer of the GCCA before taking on the job of Vice President in 2022.

 

Jessica excels at the core duty of a county clerk, which  is to serve as the official record keeper for the county.  She has implemented new processes that resulted in county records becoming easily referenceable and searchable documents.  She was able to create an archive of all board actions including meeting minutes, official communications, board contracts, and much more.  Not only has she implemented these new processes, but she has also been able to go back to previous records and use

her current strategies to organize and streamline older records so that they, too are a searchable archive.

 

Upson County Manager, Jason Tinsley shared, “Jessica is the type of forward thinker that I like to have on my team.  She works each day to create an accurate record of the official actions and plans of our county.  She thinks outside of the box and comes up with creative ways to implement successful record keeping strategies.  I know that anyone who works for our county in the future will be grateful for the level of detail that she puts into her work each day.”  

 

Jessica always works to improve herself both professionally and personally.  When she is not dedicating her time to her job, she is active in her community.  Jessica is church secretary at Log Town Bethel Church.  She is also a member of the Middle Georgia Basketball Officials Association and serves as a referee for local basketball games including both recreational league and school sponsored games.

 

To learn more about GCCA and the leadership duties that Jessica will fulfill as Vice President, please visit https://www.georgiacca.com/.

GUILTY PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER, JR

           MAY 16, 2022

TELLY WYCHE, CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: ALFORD PLEA: 3 YEARS TO SERVE. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY CONVICTED FELON: 5 YEARS TO SERVE CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1. CT. 4: POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY CONVICTED FELON: 5 YEARS TO SERVE CONCURRENT TO COUNT 3; CONCURRENT TO CASE 21R0246.

 

TELLY WYCHE, CT. 1: BATTERY FAMILY VIOLENCE: ALFORD PLEA: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE CONCURRENT TO CASE 21R0245.

 

DARRON STOKES, CT. 1: VIOLATION OF THE RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRURPT ORGANIZATION ACT: 10 YEARS, SERVE 2     YEARS IN PRISON; FOLLOWED BY 8 YEARS ON PROBATION; $1,000 FINE; BANISHMENT FROM THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. CT. 2: VIOLATION OF THE RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRURPT ORGANIZATION ACT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

FUN 101FM TO AIR PIKE PIRATES STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

 THE  PIKE  COUNTY  PIRATES  MOVED  TO  THE  STATE  CHAMPIONSHIP    SERIES   BY  SWEEPING  DEFENDING  STATE  CHAMPS,  NORTH  HALL  OF  GAINESVILLE,  MONDAY  IN  ZEBULON  5-2  AND  9-2.  PIKE  PLAYS   THE  WINNER  OF    THE    REDAN-PIERCE  COUNTY  GAME  IN  BLACKSHEAR,GA.  TODAY .  THE  STATE  CHAMPIONSHIP    SERIES    WILL  BE  PLAYED  IN  THE  BRAVES  FARM  TEAM     BALL  PARK    IN  GWINNETT COUNTY.  FIRST  GAME  MONDAY  5PM,  FOLLOWED  BY  THE  2ND  AND  IF  A  3RD  GAME  IS  NECESSARY  TUESDAY  AT  12;30.

ALL  GAMES  ON  FUN  101  FM.

Thomaston Native Wins World Tennis Championship

Thomaston native Joe Perdue and his doubles tennis partner Oren Motevassel are undefeated in doubles matches this year after winning the ITF World Clay Court 55's in Palm Beach, Florida.

The USTA (US Tennis Assoc) governs tennis in the US, the ITF (International Tennis Federation) governs tennis globally and runs the World Championships each year somewhere across the globe.

The USTA classifies tournaments from Levels 1 (National Championship) down to the smallest Level 7. The World Championship is a special category of it’s own above Level 1. The bigger the tournament, the more ranking points you get for winning matches. Each year, the USTA has 3 National Championships for each age group, one on each surface, grass, clay and hard courts.

At National Championships, tournament players aspire to win a gold, silver or bronze ball representing 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. These have been the ultimate prizes for tournament players for decades.

Growing up Joe prioritized football, basketball and baseball, but always enjoyed playing tennis in the summers for fun, along with Ms. Wilder’s group lessons at Weaver Park.

Joe never played junior tournaments but did play on the high school team. Paul Sheets and Joe made it to the finals of state their junior year and lost in the semis their senior year.

Joe graduated from R. E. Lee in 1985 and West Point in 1989. While in the Army, and after, he played all the rec-type sports, softball, flag football, volleyball and basketball. In 1998 he became very serious about triathlon for several years.

In 2006 Joe rediscovered tennis. He’d been away from the game for close to 20 years, so he took lessons, practiced and began playing lower level tournaments.

In 2017, he played a Level 2 tournament in Atlanta against the #1 seed, Oren Motevassel. Joe lost 6-3, 6-2 but was thrilled with that result. Oren and Joe became friends, Oren would watch his matches along with Joe's wife Suzie and pass along helpful coaching tips.

In 2018, Oren and Joe decided to play together at the 2018 Clay Court National Championship. With low expectations, they were surprised to win a silver ball (2nd place losing in finals 7-6, 7-5).

In 2020 (during the COVID shutdown of tournaments) they decided to play some tournaments in the 50s to prepare for the first year in the 55s. Again, they were surprised to make it to the finals (another Silver Ball) of the 2021 Grass Court National Championships held in Providence, Rhode Island for the 50+ age group and were 4th place in the Hard Court 50s National Championships in October in Peachtree City, Georgia.

In 2022, they are undefeated and have won three Level 2 tournaments in Naples FL, St. Petersburg FL and Baton Rouge. The team's confidence coming into the World Championships was high as they drew a first round bye. In the 2nd round they defeated a team from Portugal 6-2, 6-4 and defeated a team from Mexico 6-1, 6-1 in the 3rd round. The quarterfinal match against a team from Finland went to a tie breaker and after being down 2-7, Joe and Oren ran off 8 straight points to win the match. The semi-final round against a team from the Netherlands also reached a tie breaker. The pair won the final round in straight sets 6-0, 6-2.

Joe and his wife Suzie also won a Silver Ball at the Husband-Wife Hard Court National Championship for the 50+ age group in 2021. Joe has also won 13 City Championships over the years in ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association) leagues.

Joe and Suzie live in Peachtree City, GA where Joe now owns a financial services firm with 3 partners.

EARLY VOTING OPEN IN GA. SAT 5/14/22

EARLY VOTING IS OPEN SATURDAY MAY 14, IN GEORGIA--FOR THE MAY 24TH PRIMARY.

THE LATEST TOTALS FOR UPSON COUNTY THROUGH FRIDAY 1227 IN-PERSON 112 ABSENTEE

IN PIKE COUNTY A 6% TURN-OUT WITH A WEEK TO GO---892 TOTAL IN-PERSON 65 ABSENTEE. REGISTRAR DAVID NEYHART REPORTS PIKE COUNTY IS CLOSE TO BREAKING THE RECORD FOR IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING IN THE 2020 PRIMARY, AVERAGING OVER 80 PER DAY.

Spalding County Man Arrested For Child Sex Crimes

On Thursday, Brandon Smith, age 29, of Spalding County, Georgia, was charged with 2 counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material) and 2 counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children (Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material) by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit.

The GBI CEACC Unit began an investigation into Smith’s online activity after receiving a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the online possession of images depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation led to a search warrant at Smith’s residence in Spalding County, Georgia, and his subsequent arrest. Smith was found in Jasper County, Georgia, at the time of his arrest, but was directly taken to the Spalding County Jail. The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this case.

This investigation is part of the ongoing effort by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, housed within the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, to identify those involved in the child pornography trade. The ICAC Program, created by the U. S. Department of Justice, was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the Internet, the proliferation of child sexual abuse material, and the heightened online activity by predators searching for unsupervised contact with underage victims.

Anyone with information about other cases of child exploitation is asked to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Unit at 404-270-8870.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Pike County Man Arrested For Child Sex Crimes

On Thursday, Caden Collis, age 17, of Pike County, Georgia, was charged with 3 counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material), 1 count of Sexual Exploitation of Children (Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material), and 1 count of Tampering with Evidence, by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit.

The GBI CEACC Unit began an investigation into Collis’ online activity after receiving a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the online possession of images depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation led to a search warrant at Collis’ residence in Pike County, Georgia, and his subsequent arrest. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office assisted the GBI with this case.

This investigation is part of the ongoing effort by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, housed within the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, to identify those involved in the child pornography trade. The ICAC Program, created by the U. S. Department of Justice, was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the Internet, the proliferation of child sexual abuse material, and the heightened online activity by predators searching for unsupervised contact with underage victims.

Anyone with information about other cases of child exploitation is asked to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Unit at 404-270-8870.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.