D.A. COKER SAYS 3 CONVICTED OF ARMED ROBBERY

BENJAMIN D. COKER
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Griffin Judicial Circuit

PRESS RELEASE

January 31, 2019

The Spalding County District Attorney’s Office presented the case of the State of Georgia vs. Dexter Lamar Boyd and Victor Lee Warner this week in front of a Spalding County jury. The Honorable Christopher Edwards presided over the case. The jury convicted Boyd and Warner of Armed Robbery, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Theft by Taking, Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. Warner was also convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. District Attorney Ben Coker and Assistant District Attorney Donna Gopaul tried the case. Warner was sentenced to Life in prison for his actions, and Boyd was sentenced to 20 years with the first 12 years to be served in prison for his involvement. Another co-defendant, Timothy Ragland, entered a guilty plea and testified against the other two co-defendants at trial. He received a sentence of 20 years with the first 10 years to be spent in prison.

The defendants were convicted of taking cellular phones from the T-Mobile store located on North Expressway on July 31, 2018. They forced two employees working at the T-Mobile store into the back and ordered them to dump cellular phones into bags. Unbeknownst to the defendants, one employee placed a tracking device into the bag. That tracking device allowed law enforcement to track the defendants into Henry County where they proceeded to engage law enforcement in a high speed chase. They were apprehended after their vehicle wrecked.

“It was an honor to fight alongside ADA Gopaul and law enforcement in obtaining a conviction in this case. Thank you to my office, law enforcement, and the brave witnesses who testified in this trial. Armed robberies are a horrific crime that have a lasting impact on victims. We as a society cannot accept or condone the idea that ‘you have it, I want it, I’m going to take it.’ My offices will continue to work hard to make sure that this idea is eradicated from this community. This sentence should be a message to those that violently take what is not theirs. We are tired of it.”

NEW INVESTMENT FOR THOMASTON-UPSON

DURING THE JANUARY MEETING—THE THOMASTON-UPSON DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WELCOMED TWO NEW MEMBERS MARK IRVIN AND CHASE PHILLIPS AND APPROVED RESOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS FOR TWO LOCAL COMPANIES WHO WANT TO INVEST MORE IN THE COMMUNITY.

STANDARD TEXTILE—A $12 MILLION IRB AND INTERFOR ONE OF THE LARGEST BONDS EVER, $112 MILLION .

THE BOND FOR INTERFOR HAS A TAX ABATEMENT FOR COUNTY TAXES ONLY.

WITH STANDARD TEXTILE'S BOND IT REFLECTS A TOTAL INVESTMENT OF OVER $25 MILLION IN RECENT YEARS.

INTERFOR-A CANADIAN COMPANY-- AIMS TO USE THE FUNDING TO UPGRADE ITS PLANT AND RETAIN CURRENT JOBS.

ALTHOUGH THE IDA ISSUES THE BONDS IT HAS NO LIABILITY IN THE TRANSACTION, ITS ONLY A CONDUIT—ACCORDING TO THE BOARD'S ATTORNEY JOEL BENTLEY.

GRIFFIN WOMAN CAUGHT IN DRUG STING

SPALDING COUNTY SHERIFF DARRELL DIX SAYS A GRIFFIN WOMAN –NORMA BOYD ALSO KNOWN AS JAN BOYD AGE 53 IS ONE OF THE KINGPINS IN A SOUTH METRO DRUG RING—UNDERCOVERED BY HIS NARCOTICS DIVISION, DEA ATLANTA AND HENRY COUNTY AUTHORITES THAT BEGIN IN JULY 2017.

SHERIFF DIX SAID BOYD WAS THE MAIN DRUG DISTRIBUTOR FOR DOUGLAS VILLEGAS, AGE 45 SERVING A LIFE SENTENCE IN AUTRY STATE PRISON FOR MURDER AND NOW CHARGED WITH MULTI-COUNTS OF CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE METH AND HEROIN.

THE OPERATION SEIZED 4 KILOGRAMS OF METH, 19 KILOGRAMS OF COCAINE, 7 KILOGRAMS OF HEROIN, 11 FIREARMS, 3 VEHICLES AND $389,000 IN ALLEGED DRUG PROCEEDS.

SEVERAL OTHERS FROM SOUTH METRO WERE ARRESTED;

ETHICS HEARING ON JUDGE CRAWFORD POSTPONED

VIRGIL BROWN—ATTORNEY FOR SUSPENDED SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ROBERT MACK CRAWFORD TOLD ZOOM NEWS TUESDAY AFTERNOON—AN ETHICS HEARING SCHEDULED WEDNESDAY IN HENRY COUNTY HAS BEEN CONTINUED BY THE GA. JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION.

ATTORNEYS FOR JUDGE CRAWFORD FILED A MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE CONTENDING THERE WERE SEVERAL OUTSTANDING ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED BEFORE A HEARING WAS HELD AND THE J.Q.C. NOTIFIED THE ATTORNEYS LATE MONDAY THE HEARING BEFORE A PANEL OF THE J.Q.C. WILL BE POSTPONED UNTIL LATE FEBRUARY OR EARLY MARCH.

THE J.Q.C. PANEL SUSPENDED JUDGE CRAWFORD IN DECEMBER WITHOUT A HEARING, SOMETHING ATTORNEY BROWN HAS QUESTIONED.

JUDGE CRAWFORD WAS INDICTED BY THE PIKE COUNTY GRAND JURY FOR THEFT BY RECEIVING $15,000 AND VIOLATION OATH OF OFFICE, BUT ATTORNEY BROWN SAYS THE MONEY WAS LEGAL FEES EARNED BY THE JUDGE WHEN HE WAS A PRACTICING ATTORNEY.

FATALITY IN UPSON CO. SAT.

POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL THOMASTON SAYS--A MOTORIST IS BEING HELD WITHOUT BOND IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL ON CHARGES OF HOMOCIDE BY VECHILE, FOLLOWING A WEEKEND ACCIDENT ON 36 EAST.

26 YEAR OLD BRIAN KEITH LOGAN OF 981 HIGHWAY 41 SOUTH IN LAMAR COUNTY CHARGED WITH THE DEATH OF 31 YEAR OLD MATTEW SMALLWOOD OF 1145 VESTAVIA LANE IN THOMASTON.

SMALLWOOD WAS RIDING A MOTORCYCLE NEAR TRICE CEMETERY ROAD WHEN LOGAN'S JEEP CHEROKEE TURNED IN FRONT OF HIM.

LOGAN ALSO CHARGED WITH DUI, RECKLESS DRIVING, AND FAILURE TO YIELD.

PEDESTRIAN KILLED IN GRIFFIN ON HIGHWAY 19

ACCORDING TO POST ONE GSP-GRIFFIN A PEDESTRIAN KILLED ON HIGHWAY 19 MONDAY EVENING -- 44 YEAR OLD TAMMY MORGAN OF MOOSE CLUB DRIVE, WHO OFTEN WALKED THAT AREA OF ZEBULON ROAD.

ZOOM NEWS WAS TOLD MS. MORGAN WAS STRUCK AND KILLED BY A 2005 BMW, DRIVEN BY 55 YEAR OLD RITA SMITH OF GRIFFIN, NEAR THE DOLLAR GENERAL STORE.

THE GSP SAID THE INVESTIGATION IS ON-GOING AND THE BODY WAS SENT TO THE STATE CRIME LAB TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF DEATH.

HOUSE DESTROYED BY FIRE 106 C. ST. TFD DISPATCHED

CITY OF THOMASTON FIRE CHIEF RENEA HARRIS SAYS A SPACE HEATER COULD HAVE CAUSED A HOUSE FIRE THAT DESTROYED A RESIDENCE AT 106 C. STREET , MONDAY EVENING.

CHIEF HARRIS TOLD ZOOM NEWS, THE HOUSE WAS FULLY INVOLVED WHEN UNITS ARRIVED SHORTLY AFTER 7;30PM.

NO ONE WAS AT HOME AT THE TIME, OWNER LISTED AS CANDACE WEAVER.

HOLLENVILLE OPRY IN PIKE CO. CLOSING DOWN

THE HOLLENVILLE OPRY IN PIKE COUNTY -- PROVIDING WHOLESOME FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT SINCE 1991-- IS CLOSING DOWN AND SATURDAY NIGHT'S PERFORMANCES WERE THE LAST IN THE BUILDING.

ACCORDING TO CHARLOTTE KIRKLAND, WIFE OF OPRY PRESIDENT HAROLD KIRKLAND THE EQUIPMENT IS BEING MOVED OUT AND THE BOARD IS LOOKING FOR A NEW LOCATION.

THE HOLLENVILLE OPRY BOARD HAD BEEN LEASING FROM THE LANIER JOHNSON ESTATE, A LEASE THAT EXPIRED IN DECEMBER AND THE GRANDCHILDREN INVOLVED SOLD THE BUILDING TO HOLLENVILLE PROPERTY OWNER JASON MASK—WHO HAS TOLD THE BOARD HE PLANS TO REMODEL IT FOR HIS PERSONAL USE.

MS. KIRKLAND TOLD ZOOM NEWS—MASK OFFERED THE OPRY USE OF THE BUILDING RENT FREE ON A MONTH TO MONTH BASIS BUT THE BOARD FELT IT BEST TO MOVE-ON AND DO SO ON A POSITIVE NOTE.

THE BOARD HAS LOOKED AT SEVERAL BUILDINGS IN THE VICINITY OF HOLLENVILLE BUT WOULD ENTERTAIN ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR A NEW HOME—MS. KIRKLAND TOLD US.

SHE ADDED --THE HOLLENVILLE OPRY HAS CARRIED ON A GREAT MUSICAL TRADITION – IT HOPES TO CONTINUE AND HAS ONLY PRECIOUS MEMORIES OF ALL THOSE SATURDAY NIGHTS .

THOMASTON MAYOR STALLINGS ON SEWER OVERFLOW

THOMASTON MAYOR J.D. STALLINGS SAYS THE CITY'S WATER/SEWERAGE SYSTEM CONSULTLANT E.S.G. IS TAKING CORRECTIVE MEASURES AFTER A SEWER OVERFLOW ON DAVIS LAKE ROAD AREA LAST WEEK. A HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING OF THE TRUNK LINE IS SLATED FOR FEB. 17TH.

THE MAYOR SAID 20% OF THE SEWER SYSTEM IS PHOTOED ANNUALLY AS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND SINCE 2016 $9.5 MILLION IN LOANS AND GRANTS HAVE BEEN DIRECTED TO IMPROVING STORM WATER AND SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS. ALSO 100% OF SPLOST PROCEEDS FROM 2011 AND 2016 REFERENDUMS HAVE BEEN FOR SEWER UPGRADES.  

DEWEY YARBROUGH NAMED PIKE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFF.

THE PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AT 6;30PM TUESDAY, JAN. 29, FOR A THIRD TRACT OF PROPERTY AS POTENTIAL SITE FOR AN OUTPATIENT VA CLINIC IN ZEBULON.

OWNER LARRY LYNCH AND APPLICANT BLUE CORD DEV/GROUP SEEKING REZONING AT 10296 HIGHWAY 19 NORTH OF ZEBULON NEAR THE NEW MCLEROY COMPANY DEVELOPMENT. TWO OTHER REZONINGS HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR THE VA CLINIC , ONE SOUTH OF ZEBULON, ONE NORTH.

ALSO ON THE AGENDA A MASTER SITE PLAN FOR K&K MANUFACTURING ON US 19/41.

COUNTY MANAGER BOBBY BICKLEY SAYS PIKE COUNTY'S NEW CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DEWEY YARBROUGH IS ON THE JOB AS OF MONDAY, JAN. 28.  

JUDGE CRAWFORD'S ATTORNEYS FILE FOR A CONTINUANCE

AN ETHICS HEARING BEFORE THE GA. JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION FOR GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ROBERT “ MACK” CRAWFORD IS SET FOR 9AM WEDNESDAY AT THE HENRY COUNTY JUDICIAL COMPLEX, BUT ATTORNEY VIRGIL BROWN OF ZEBULON TOLD ZOOM NEWS MONDAY—CRAWFORD'S LEGAL TEAM HAS FILED A MOTION TO HAVE THE HEARING CONTINUED.

ATTORNEY BROWN SAYS THERE ARE SEVERAL ISSUES UNRESOLVED AND ANOTHER ATTORNEY FOR THE JUDGE-- FORMER GA. GOVERNOR ROY BARNES , HAS FILED MOTIONS TO HAVE THE HEARING DATE—WEDNESDAY , DELAYED. THOMASTON ATTORNEY DAVID DUNAWAY IS ALSO A PART OF JUDGE CRAWFORD'S LEGAL TEAM-.

JUDGE CRAWFORD WAS INDICTED BY THE PIKE COUNTY GRAND JURY FOR THEFT BY TAKING AND VIOLATION OATH OF OFFICE AND HE WAS SUSPENDED BY THE J.Q.C. HEARING PANEL IN DECEMBER.

ATTORNEY BROWN TOLD US--$15,000 THE JUDGE IS ACCUSED OF TAKING—WAS HIS LEGAL FEES EARNED FROM A CASE THE JUDGE HANDLED WHEN HE WAS A PRACTICING ATTORNEY BACK IN THE EARLY 2000'S. HIS CLIENT , DAN MIKE CLARK ALSO KNOWN AS TIMOTHY DAVID CLARK LATER DIED AND BROWN SAYS THERE IS A DISCREPANCY ON CLARK'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE THAT RAISES QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE A HEARING SHOULD PROCEED.

ADULT ED CLASSES AVAILABLE IN THOMASTON

Beginning Monday, February 4, 2019, the Thomaston-Upson School System, in partnership with Southern Crescent Technical College, will be hosting Adult Education classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 AM - 12 Noon at the Upson-Lee Learning Academy, located at 300 S. Adams Street.

All classes will be taught by a Southern Crescent Technical College instructor.

Adult Education classes are designed to help adult students with College and Career Readiness, GED Preparation, Life Skills, and English as a Second Language. Instruction includes individualized assignments, small group and large group instruction and activities, and online components in order to maximize learning opportunities.

All instruction, books, and materials are FREE of charge to students. Regular attendance is required. For information, call 706-646-6121.

UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY JAN. 28TH

UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING MONDAY, JAN. 28TH—7PM AT THE ARCHIVES—GUEST SPEAKER, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT LORI SMITH—A PROGRAM ON UPSON HISTORIC SITE TOURISM.

T-U SCHOOLS ,SHERIFF KILGORE HELPING FED WORKERS

The Thomaston-Upson School System is reaching out to furloughed federal workers in the T-U area who are currently affected by the government shutdown.

According to Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico, the district wants to help those government employees whose work and home lives have been disrupted and offer them the opportunity to join the Thomaston-Upson School System as substitute teachers. “We have a plan in place to expedite the hiring and training process for these furloughed government workers,” stated Derico. “Sheriff Dan Kilgore has offered to partner with the school district in these efforts. The Upson County Sheriff’s Office will be waiving the background check fees for furloughed employees seeking temporary employment with TU Schools.

In addition, Sheriff Kilgore has agreed to fast track these background checks in order to have them completed in 1 day if at all possible. We cannot end this crisis, but we can help just a little by offering temporary employment to furloughed workers in our area.” Non-certified substitute teachers earn $60 - $75 daily, depending on their education level.

For information on joining the Thomaston-Upson team as a substitute teacher, furloughed federal employees should call Jenny Williams, Thomaston-Upson School System’s Human Resources Specialist, at 706-647-9621.

UPSON SO TWO ARRESTS FOR THEFT

Two individuals have been arrested for their involvement in three thefts in Upson County.

On November 29, 2018 a Caterpillar Track loader valued at $30,000 was reported stolen from Bailey Mill Road. On November 30, 2018 a 1985 Kenworth Truck valued at $25,000 was stolen, and recovered a short distance away, from Willis Road.

 On January 21, 2019 at Komatsu PC55 mini excavator valued at $35,000 was stolen from a construction site on Barnesville Highway in Upson County. The Komatsu was equipped with a GPS device. The GPS device lead investigators to an address on Hwy 109 west in Pike County. With the assistance of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office the Komatsu was recovered and it was determined that the following individuals were responsible for the thefts:

John Ethan Osbolt, 26, of 8321 Hwy 109 west Zebulon, Ga.

Robert Kevin Chapman, 31, 344 Oliver Road Meansville, Ga.

Osbolt is charged with 3 counts of theft by taking and is held in the Upson County Jail on $30,000 bond. Chapman remains in the Pike County Jail on other charges and will be charged with 3 counts of theft by taking in Upson County.

PIKE FOOTBALL COACH WEBER AT THE PRO BOWL

THE NFL PRO BOWL IS SUNDAY 3 PM ON ABC /ESPN AND PIKE COUNTY HEAD FOOTBALL COACH BRAD WEBER IS IN ORLANDO WITH PIRATES RUNNING BACK GERALD HINES, WEBER NOMINATED BY THE FALCONS AS NFL HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR. THE WINNER FROM THE 32 COACHES NOMINATED WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE GAME WHICH ALLOWED EACH COACH TO BRING ONE PLAYER.

UL STAR STUDENT, STAR TEACHER ANNOUNCED

THE 2019 STAR STUDENT AND STAR TEACHER AT UPSON-LEE HIGH SCHOOL WERE RECOGNIZED AT TUESDAY'S MEETING OF THOMASTON KIWANIS, STAR STUDENT ZAKIYA IMARA DAVENPORT SELECTED HER ENGLISH AND HOMEROOM TEACHER LARA GREER AS HER STAR TEACHER.

ZAKIYA IS THE DAUGHTER OF THE LATE CRAIG DAVENPORT AND REGINA WEATHERS AND SHE PLANS TO MAJOR IN BIO-CHEMISTRY STARTING HER COLLEGE CAREER AT GORDON STATE COLLEGE IN BARNESVILLE. SHE TOLD KIWANIS SHE SELECTED MR. GREER HER STAR TEACHER BECAUSE SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR HER.

MS, GREER CALLED ZAKIYA A MODEL STUDENT WHO ALWAYS LISTENED AND PROVIDED FEED BACK ON HER STUDIES.

ZAKIYA WILL ADVANCE TO REGIONAL STAR STUDENT COMPETITON.

THOMASTON KIWANIS IS THE LOCAL SPONSOR OF THE STAR PROGRAM, AND RETIRED EDUCATOR DOYLE ALLEN IS CHAIR OF THE PROGRAM.

GRIFFIN SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER STABBED MONDAY

Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education member Syntel Brown was seriously wounded in a stabbing Monday morning.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the incident occurred at a High Falls Road residence.

Deputies responded at approximately 9:07 a.m. to a call of an aggravated assault at that location. Upon arrival, deputies located Brown, age 33, in the front yard.

Mr. Brown was found to have suffered multiple stab wounds and cuts,” the release stated. “A neighbor, along with deputies, began rendering aid to Brown until EMS could arrive. Brown has since been transported to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment.”

A second individual identified as 24-year-old Devontae Perkins, was located a short distance from the residence. Like Brown, Perkins was found to be suffering from multiple stab wounds and cuts.

Perkins was transported to WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital, where he is being treated for his wounds.

“After being briefed by my investigators as to the details of the incident and those involved, I made the determination to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and ask for their assistance,” Dix said. “At this point the investigation has been turned over to them. No other details will be released at this time as the investigation into the incident and fact gathering is ongoing.”

Kimberly Willis Green, executive director of Communications and Partnerships for the Griffin-Spalding County School System stated, “Our hearts and minds are with Mr. R. Syntel Brown and his family at this time. We wish him a speedy recovery.

MEMO TO JURORS LAMAR CO. SUPERIOR COURT

ACCORDING TO THE CLERK'S OFFICE, JURORS SUMMONED TO LAMAR COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT ON MONDAY, JAN. 28TH DO NOT HAVE TO REPORT—DO NOT HAVE TO REPORT.

THOMASTON NATIVE NAMED HEAD COACH IN MACON

A FORMER UPSON-LEE FOOTBALL PLAYER IS MOVING UP THE COACHING RANKS. RUSTY EASON DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR AT EAST COWETA AND THE SON OF PAT AND MARVIN EASON OF THOMASTON, NAMED HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND A.D. AT RUTLAND HIGH SCHOOL IN MACON.

UPSON'S MLK HOLIDAY PROGRAM MONDAY

THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION COMMITTEE HAS ANNOUNCED UPSON COUNTY'S OBSERVANCE OF THE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY BEGINS MONDAY AT 11AM WITH WREATH-LAYING ON THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE.

THEN A MARCH TO UL MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR THE PROGRAM AT 12 NOON WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER, KEVES COLLIER , A STUDENT AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE.

SPALDING CO. FORMING A TSPLOST COMMITEE

SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NEED YOUR HELP! The Spalding County Board of Commissioners need your assistance in establishing and setting up a TSPLOST Committee. The State of Georgia and the Federal Government have been restricted in providing funding for infrastructure for several years. We now have the opportunity to provide for our own infrastructure improvements through a one cent Transportation SPLOST. We are looking for individuals who are motivated to learn more about programs available to our community, who are willing to work toward a goal and who can deliver a message. The TSPLOST program is already benefiting those counties that passed it in years past. Counties like Dekalb have announced that they will be paving 200 miles of road that needs replacement and repair from funding received from their TSPLOST. TSPLOST funding can be utilized for paving of roads, repair or replacement of bridges, Bike Trails, Sidewalks, transit service expansion, etc. Over the last 10-15 years, the only money available to the Counties for paving of roads has been the Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) through the Georgia Department of Transportation. A TSPLOST will provide funds for the County to make improvements immediately, it will provide matching funds for grants that we currently are not qualified for because we do not have funding available for a match. Come and be a part of this important team to further improve the quality of our roads and assist in improving transportation and the quality of life our community. An interesting note is that approximately 40% of the funds raised by a SPLOST or TSPLOST are paid by citizens from outside of the County who come into Spalding County to shop and take advantage of restaurants, hotels and other services available. If a TSPLOST should pass, these folks will be contributing to the roads, the bridges, the sidewalks and whatever other transportation projects that are approved on the ballot. We need your input. If you are interested in becoming a member of this committee, please contact County Manager William Wilson at TSPLOST@spaldingcounty.com

GRIFFIN-SPALDING CHAMBER ANNUAL AWARDS THURSDAY

Member of the Year- Cindy Shaddix

Lon Touchstone Small Business- Jody Sellars Law Firm

Corporate Citizen of Year- Ga. Power- Craig Ogletree

Citizen of Year- Josh Abernathy

Ambassador Year- Michelle Boggs

New General Griffin for 2019- Johnnie McDaniels (former county commissioner)

Outgoing Chamber Chair Trudy Gill was proud that the membership rose to over 850 members this year. She brought on and introduced new Chamber Chair for 2019- Kathleen Smith from Wellstar Hosp.

 

CHASE FALLIN, MARK IRVIN NEW MEMBERS OF THE TU IDA

AT TUESDAY'S MEETING, THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL APPOINTED BUSINESSMAN CHASE FALLIN TO THE THOMASTON-UPSON DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. HE REPLACES DR. FRANK KING WHO STEPPED DOWN FROM THE BOARD. RECENTLY, THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED ATTORNEY MARK IRVIN TO THE IDA, REPLACING SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT DR. LARRY DERICO WHO STEPPED DOWN FROM THE BOARD.

NORTHSIDE BOIL WATER ALERT HAS BEEN LIFTED

THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE UPSON COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN LIFTED, AS OF THURSDAY MORNING. WATER ISSUES AROSE AFTER A CONTRACTOR RUPTURED A COUNTY WATER LINE, TUESDAY. THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY WAS ISSUED FOR THE NORTHSIDE AREA INCLUDING POTATO CREEK HEIGHTS.

UPSON COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDANT GARRETT NORDAN GAVE ZOOM NEWS A TIME LINE ON HOW THE LINE WAS DAMAGED. TUESDAY MORNING AN OUT OF TOWN CONTRACTOR WORKING ON THE 19 NORTH WIDENING PROJECT STRUCK AN 8 INCH WATER MAIN WITH A BORING ROD IN FRONT OF NORTHSIDE SUPERETTE.

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY WAS ISSUED TUESDAY AFTERNOON AFTER THE WATER PRESSURE DROPPED AND THE PROBLEM WAS ISOLATED.

SUPERINTENDANT NORDAN EXPLAINED ONCE THE WATER MAIN WAS REPAIRED BACTERIOGICAL SAMPLES HAD TO BE TESTED AT A LAB IN ALABAMA TO ENSURE THE WATER WAS SAFE TO DRINK. THOSE TEST RESULTS CAME BACK POSITIVE THURSDAY MORNING AND THE BOIL WATER ALERT WAS CANCELLED.

NORDAN SAID THE COUNTY WATER SYSTEM APPRECIATES THE PUBLIC'S PATIENCE DURING THIS EVENT.  

GORDON STATE INVITES U TO TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE

The community is invited to bundle up and join Gordon State College professors Dr. Chad Davies and Dr. Richard Schmude to view the total lunar eclipse starting late Sunday evening Jan. 20.

“As many know, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon's orbit around the Earth takes it through the Earth's shadow, often causing the Moon to turn a coopery or deep red color,” Davies said. “Due to this effect, this event is referred to as a ‘Blood’ Moon.”

Davies, Schmude and others who want to brave the cold and enjoy the celestial show will gather at Summers Field Park beginning at 9:30 p.m.

“It’s at that time that the Moon will begin to move into a part of the Earth's shadow known as the penumbra,” Davies explained. “The total eclipse will begin at 11:41 p.m. and last for about an hour.  While this event can be viewed without any special device from any location with an unobstructed view of the southern sky, we will have a couple of telescopes at the park for those who would like to take a closer look.”

There will also be additional information on lunar eclipses on display.

“Anyone with binoculars, spotting scopes, or telescopes is welcome to bring them and join the group,” Davies said.

And unlike a solar eclipse, no special eyewear is required to view a lunar eclipse. 

WATER SERVICE WILL BE OFF ON 36 EAST THURSDAY 8AM.

THE CITY OF THOMASTON'S WATER DEPARTMENT CONSULTANT E.S.G. WILL SHUT OFF WATER ON HIGHWAY 36 EAST THURSDAY MORNING FROM SHARP ROAD TO QUAD GRAPHICS FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AT 8AM. DART, INTERFOR, QUAD GRAPHICS AND RESIDENTIAL WATER CUSTOMERS ON THE HIGHWAY 36 LINE WILL BE AFFECTED.

ESG NEEDS TO REPAIR A LEAK VALUE ON THE SYSTEM.

SPALDING HIGH FOOTBALL COACH RESIGNING FOR FAYETTE CO

SPALDING COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HEAD FOOTBALL COACH NICK DAVIS IS RESIGNING TO BECOME HEAD COACH AT FAYETTE COUNTY HIGH, A TEAM WINLESS LAST SEASON.

COACH DAVIS IS THE WINNINGEST COACH IN THE SCHOOLS HISTORY.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR EDDIE PAYNE SAID “ COACH DAVIS HAS DONE AN OUTSTANDING JOB, HE WILL BE TOUGH TO REPLACE.”

HEART AND SOUL SUMMIT FEB. 20

THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY HEART AND SOUL IS ENTERING ITS 2ND YEAR—AND PUBLIC INVITED TO A COUNTY WIDE SUMMIT WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20TH , 11AM TILL 1PM AT THE XCHELON EVENT CENTER NEXT TO DAIRY QUEEN—WITH A CATERED MEAL AND THE ORTON FAMILY FOUNDATION TEAM WILL ATTEND TO FACILITATE AND PLAN A PATH FOR THE COMMUNITIES FUTURE.   

WRECK ON U.S. 19 TUES. BLOCKS TRAFFIC

AN AIR AMBULANCE COPTER WAS DISPATCHED AROUND LUNCHTIME TUESDAY AFTER A WRECK BLOCKED TRAFFIC ON U.S. 19 IN PIKE COUNTY NEAR THE BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME . ONE VEHICLE REPORTEDLY FLIPPED OVER .

UPSON P&Z DENIES ZONING

MONDAY BEFORE A STANDING ROOM ONLY CROWD—MOSTLY FROM THE POTATO CREEK HEIGHTS COMMUNITY, THE UPSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A MOTION TO DENY A REZONING FROM A-R TO MANUFACTURING FOR JAMES FORTNER/JMF TRUCKING COMPANY AT 1409 COUNTY ROAD—AND SEND THAT RECOMMENDATION TO THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR A FINAL DECISION.

HOWEVER, MANY IN THE CROWD HELD THE OPINION THAT UPSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT GOOFED-UP AT SOME POINT PROBABLY WHEN IT IMPLIMENTED ZONING IN 1995.

FORTNER WANTED TO ADD A STRUCTURE TO HIS COMPLEX BUT WHEN HE CAME TO APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT HE WAS TOLD IT WAS IN AN AGRICULTURAL-RESIDENTIAL ZONE, NOT IN A COMMERICAL ZONE. BUT MOST FOLKS IN THE COUNTY ALWAYS CONSIDERED THOSE SITES COMMERCIAL .

FORTNER WHO CLAIMS HE HAS A MILLION DOLLAR A YEAR PAYROLL WITH 23 CONTRACT EMPLOYEES ,RUNS A TOWING, DIESEL REPAIR AND TRUCK TERMINAL ON THE SITE ON THE BANKS OF POTATO CREEK, THE WATER SOURCE FOR THE CITY OF THOMASTON. FORTNER SAID FLYERS DISTRIBUTED TO NEAR-BY RESIDENTS ARE FALSE CLAIMING HE WANTED THE REZONING FOR A JUNK YARD AND DEBRIS SITE.

HIS RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORS CALLED HIS SITE JUNKY AND A BLIGHT ON THEIR PROPERTY—AND HE GENERALLY AGREED WITH THEM AND CONCEDED HE WOULD AGREE TO PUT UP A PRIVACY FENCE -IF NEED BE. THE JUNK TRUCKS ARE USED FOR PARTS SALES, FORTNER TOLD THE ZONING BOARD—BUT PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR DOUG CURRIER SAID EPD WAS CALLED IN A WHILE BACK DUE TO ILLEGAL DUMPING CLOSE TO THE CREEK.

CURRIER SAID APPARENTLY WHEN UPSON COUNTY PASSED A ZONING LAW IN 1995 MOST PROPERTY WAS ZONED A-R AND THAT INCLUDED FORTNER'S PROPERTY , ALTHOUGH THE COUNTY NEVER QUESTIONED THE EXISTANCE OF BUSINESSES THERE UNTIL NOW. FORTNER SAID WHEN HE CLOSED ON THE PROPERTY 6 YEARS AGO HIS ATTORNEY TOLD HIM IT WAS COMMERCIAL.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER SAM BAITY MADE THE MOTION TO DENY THE REZONING, WITH HIS MAJOR CONCERN TRUCK REPAIR WITH POSSIBLE OIL AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS LEAKING INTO THE SOIL SO CLOSE TO POTATO CREEK, THE CITY OF THOMASTON'S WATER SOURCE .

PHONE SERVICE IN NORTHSIDE TO BE DOWN 9AM WED.

ACCORDING TO UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE TELEPHONE SERVICE IN THE NORTHSIDE AREA WILL BE DOWN WEDNESDAY FOR 2 TO 4 HOURS STARTING AT 9AM—BUT 911 SERVICE WILL CONTINUE VIA PIKE COUNTY 911. SHERIFF KILGORE SAID UTILITY WORK ON THE 19 NORTH IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IS THE CAUSE OF THE DOWN SERVICE.

THE SHERIFF SAID SOME OF HIS 911 DISPATCHERS WILL BE IN PIKE COUNTY TO TAKE EMERGENCY CALLS, BUT ADMINISTRATIVE CALLS WILL NOT BE TAKEN DUE TO THE INTERRUPTED PHONE SERVICE.

UPSON AND PIKE HAVE A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT TO HELP EACH OTHER OUT IF 911 SERVICE IS INTERRUPTED. 

AS OF 11AM TUESDAY UPSON CO. WATER OFF IN NSIDE

A BULLETIN FROM THE UPSON COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT—A CONTRACTOR HAS RUPTURED A COUNTY WATER LINE AT U. S. 19 AND GARDNER STREET—AND COUNTY WATER CUSTOMERS WILL BE WITHOUT SERVICE FOR 2 TO 6 HOURS TODAY WHILE REPAIR WORK IS UNDERWAY.

JAN 2019 MEETING AGENDA UPSON PLANNING COM

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Thomaston-Upson County Government Administration Complex 106 East Lee Street – R.E. Lee Building City/County Meeting Room, #140 Monday, January 14, 2019, 5:30 P.M. (Please silence all audible alarms.) 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Adoption of Meeting Minutes - December 10, 2018 Regular Meeting – Minutes Provided 3. Old Business - None 4. New Business A. Application for Rezoning – REZ2019-01, James Fortner/JMF Trucking Co., 1409 County Road; Parcels #030 046, 046A and 046B, To Allow Existing Towing, Diesel Repair and Truck Terminal – Material Provided 1. Public Hearing 2. Commission Discussion B. Discussion of Backyard Chicken Ordinance – Materials Provided C. Discussion of Solar Ordinance – Materials Previously Provided 5. Other Business A. Election: 2019 Chair B. Election: 2019 Vice Chair C. Approve 2019 Meeting Schedule – Material Provided 6. Planning Commissioner Issues and Announcements 7. Secretary’s Issues and Announcements A. Update: Manufactured Home Ordinance B. Update: TRRV Program C. Update: Matis Rezoning 8. Adjournment

PIKE CO. CHASE ON 19 SAT=ARRESTS

Pike County Deputies were involved in a vehicle pursuit this evening. A Deputy stopped to check a suspicious vehicle that was near a neighborhood on Highway 19 in North Pike County. The suspect vehicle fled upon seeing the Deputy and a pursuit ensued that ended on Adams Street in Zebulon when the vehicle wrecked. Three occupants were taken into custody and a bag containing methamphetamine and marijuana was located on the side of the roadway after being thrown out by the suspects. 

The driver was found to be a fifteen year old. The other individuals that were arrested are Emma Echols , 18 years old , and Dustin Adkerson  , 28 years of age, both from Griffin.  Echols and Adkerson are currently in the Pike County Jail and the juvenile is being turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL AGENDA JAN. 15

CITY OF THOMASTON

MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL – AGENDA

JANUARY 15, 2019 – 7:00 P.M.

City-County Meeting Room, Main Floor, R. E. Lee Building

A. Call Meeting to Order / Invocation / Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.

B. Approval of Minutes of January 7, 2019.

C. Adoption of Agenda.

D. Public Comment and Announcements.

E. City Attorney’s Report.

F. Assistant City Clerk’s Report.

G. City Engineer’s Report.

H. City Manager’s Report.

1. Approval of Resolution – City Property Rental Fees.

2. Approval of Appointments of Individuals to Serve on the City Committees and Joint Committees.

3. Approval of New Phone System for City Hall Offices and Police Department.

I. Other Business.

J. Executive Session.

K. Adjournment.

UGA FOOTBALL NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

ATHENS----------James Coley, who served as Co-Offensive Coordinator at the University of Georgia this past season, has been promoted to Offensive Coordinator at UGA according to an announcement Friday by Bulldog head coach Kirby Smart.

Coley has been on the UGA coaching staff since Smart took over as head coach in 2016.

“James has been an critical part of our staff since we came to Georgia,” said Smart.  “He’s done an incredible job in all aspects of his responsibilities including coaching wide receivers for two years, serving as co-offensive coordinator this past season coaching the quarterbacks, and recruiting.  James has extensive coordinator experience during his entire coaching career and will transition easily into his new role.”

Coley was named Co-Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at Georgia in 2018 after two seasons coaching the Bulldogs’ wide receivers

PIKE CO. FOOTBALL COACH BRAD WEBER NOMINATED NFL HONORS

THE ATLANTA FALCONS HAVE NOMINATED PIKE COUNTY FOOTBALL COACH BRAD WEBER NFL HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR FOR AN 9-4 RECORD AND THE STATE PLAY-OFFS FOR THE 3RD YEAR IN A ROW. MOREOVER, COACH WEBER GUIDED HIS TEAM THROUGH THE CHALLENGE OF DEALING WITH THE TRAGIC DEATH OF LINEBACKER DYLAN THOMAS .

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF COACH OF THE YEAR WILL BE MADE AT THE PRO BOWL JAN. 27TH.  

UPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY SOCIAL GRACES CLASS

The Upson Historical Society Social Graces Class begins Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 3:00 P. M. at the Pettigrew White Stamps House  located on South Church Street. This class is limited to eight graders.  Mr. and Mrs. Mike (Peggy) Greene will teach this class for six weeks.  The class will include table manners, table settings, thank you notes, and social etiquette.  Class size will be limited to 12 and the cost is $60.00, which includes membership in the Historical Society.  CONTACT:  pgreene42@gmail.com.

UPSON CO. JAILER ARRESTED

On Tuesday night, January 8, 2019 a jail officer was arrested while attempting to smuggle marijuana and other contraband into the Upson County Jail. Kenny Richardson, 19, of Thomaston had been employed as a jail officer since October 29, 2018.

Investigators searched Richardson as he entered the jail to begin his shift based on information developed during an internal investigation. He was found to be in possession of marijuana, tobacco and cigar wrappers. Richardson is charged with Possession of Marijuana with the intent to Distribute, Violation of Oath of Office and Crossing Guard Lines with Contraband. All are felonies. Richardson is being held on $15,000 bond.

T-SPLOST VOTE IN MARCH IN UPSON CO

A 5 YEAR $17 MILLION TRANSPORTATION SPLOST IS HEADED FOR A VOTE IN MARCH AFTER THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL AND UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPROVED AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT AT SEPERATE MEETINGS THIS WEEK.

THE CITY OF YATESVILLE WILL GET THE FIRST $140,000 AND THE CITY OF THOMASTON GETS 43% AND THE COUNTY GETS THE REST. ITS ESTIMATED AROUND $13.5 MILLION WILL BE COLLECTED. ALSO ON THE BALLOT VOTERS ASKED TO APPROVE A BOND MEASURE FOR THE COUNTY TO GET UP TO $6 MILLION UP FRONT TO GO AHEAD AND BEGIN ROAD WORK.

DURING TUESDAY'S MEETING OF THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, DISTRICT ONE COMMISSIONER LORENZO WILDER WAS ELECTED VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR 2019 AND THE BOARD WELCOMED NEW DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER BENJAMIN WATSON.

THE COMMISSIONERS HELD A RETREAT ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY AND COUNTY MANAGER JASON TINSLEY TOLD ZOOM NEWS— AS PART OF THE RETREAT THE BOARD PLANNED TO SET GOALS FOR 2019 AND FOR FUTURE YEARS.

SUPPORT THE LIBRARY IN PIKE CO. AT BIG BAND DANCE

                                     5th Annual Taste of Two Counties Big Band Dance

The beat of the Big Band returns to Griffin on Saturday, January 26th, from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at the Kiwanis Event Center, 1025 South Hill Street for the 5th Annual "Taste of Two Counties" Big Band Dance.

Join the Friends of the J. Joel Edwards Public Library for a night of great music, great food and loads of fun.

Night Train Swing Band, a 17-piece authentic Big Band will be providing the music; restaurants from Pike and Spalding County will supply the food.

Tickets are available at Novel Experience Booksellers in Zebulon, the J. Joel Edwards Public Library in Zebulon or online at www.friendsofthejjoeledwardspubliclibrary.com

Call 770-584-3094 for additional information

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT ILLUSIONISTS COMING TO UPSON-LEE

Illusionists David & Jenny, from America’s Got Talent, will be performing their 70-minute illusion show production, “Cutting-Edge Illusions & Daring Escapes” at the UPSON-LEE FINE ARTS CENTER on JANUARY 17, 2019, at 7:30 PM. 

Millions across the globe have witnessed David & Jenny in over 1000 live performances as well as appearances on America’s Got Talent and international TV networks. 

The show, which will serve as a fundraiser for THE UPSON-LEE HIGH SCHOOL KNIGHTS OF BROADWAY, features large-scale Vegas-style illusions, hilarious comedy, and audience participation. 

Tickets are on sale now at magicshowtix.com or at the front office of Upson-Lee High School. Student tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Adult tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 

Early bird prices are available until January 10 with $5 tickets for students and $8 tickets for adults.

SURVEY SEZ RADIO IS THE MOST TRUSTED MEDIUM

iHeartMedia today (Jan. 7) released the results from a survey that provides insights into why radio is America’s most trusted medium. According to the survey, 84% of respondents said radio understands what is important to them, 20% higher than for network and cable television and social media. Conducted by AskSuzy in December 2018

GBI Makes Arrests in Thomaston Murder Investigation

On Friday, January 4, 2019, the GBI arrested two individuals in connection with the death of Roderick Crawford, 46, of Barnesville, Lamar County, GA. Cameron Jones, 20, of Upson County, and Kiera Williams, 18, of Clayton County, both have been charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes, and kidnapping. Jones is being held at the Clayton County Jail and Williams is being held at the Upson County Jail.

On Wednesday, January 2, 2019, the GBI was requested by the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a missing person investigation. Preliminary information received was that on Saturday, December 29, 2018, Crawford was reported missing by his wife and was last seen on Friday, December 28, 2018.

During the investigation, Crawford’s vehicle was found abandoned in Clayton County, GA. A search for Crawford continued and on Thursday, January 3, 2019, a deceased male was located behind a residence on Grantling Street in Thomaston, GA. Based on preliminary information, the deceased male is believed to be Crawford.

The GBI, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, Upson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office are continuing to follow leads in this investigation. Once the investigation is completed, the case file will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

RECUE FROM POTATO CREEK SATURDAY NIGHT

ACCORDING TO UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SIX YOUTHS FROM LAMAR AND SPALDING COUNTY GOT IN TROUBLE ON RAIN-SW0LLEN POTATO CREEK SATURDAY EVENING AND WERE RESCUED BY LATE SATURDAY NIGHT—A RESCUE THAT DISPATCHED A HELICOPTER TO SEARCH FOR THEM NEAR THE MUD BRIDGE ROAD BRIDGE. THREE WERE IN A HIGH DEGREE OF PERIL.

UPSON S.O. SAID 17 YEAR OLD AUSTIN PRINCE OF GRIFFIN CALLED 911 AROUND 5PM AFTER 21 YEAR OLD ANDREW PRINCE OF GRIFFIN FELL OUT OF THE BOAT .

THREE OF THE KAYAKERS MANAGED TO STAY IN THE BOAT BUT A THIRD HAD TO HANG ON TO A GROUP OF TREES IN THE SWIFT WATER FOR 6 HOURS.

DEPUTIES IDENTIFIED THE OTHER YOUTHS AS 18 YEAR OLD BRYSTON CLEMENTS OF MILNER, 18 YEAR OLD GAGE DOVECK OF BARNESVILLE, 17 YEAR OLD JARED DOERING OF GRIFFIN, AND 18 YEAR OLD CHANCE THOMPSON OF MILNER.

SHERIFF KILGORE SAID RECENT SWIFT WATER RESCUE TRAINING IN TEXAS BY THE EMA PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN THE RESCUE.

EMA DIRECTOR MARTHA ANNE MCCARTY WAS ON SITE AS THE RESCUE EFFORT ENDED AROUND 11PM SATURDAY. SHE THANKED SPALDING COUNTY AND LAMAR COUNTY AUTHORITES AND THE GA. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THEIR HELP.

THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL AGENDA 1/7/19 12 NOON

Annual of Appointments of City Officials:

City Attorney Assistant City Clerk

City Auditor Municipal Court Judge

City Prosecutor

E. Public Comment and Announcements.

1. Thomaston Police Department Promotion – Officer Jaron Gross.

F. City Attorney’s Report.

G. Assistant City Clerk’s Report.

1. Approval of 2019 Municipal Election/Qualifying Fees.

H. City Engineer’s Report.

I. City Manager’s Report.

1. Approval of Appointments of Individuals to Serve on the City Committees and Joint Committees.

2. Approval of Resolution – City Property Rental Unit Fees.

2. Approval of Surplus Property – Thomaston Police Department.

3. Approval of Proposal from Qualifying Firm to Provide Architectural Services.

4. Approval of Right-of-Way Mowing and Maintenance Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation – “Park Drive” to “R Street”.

5. Approval of TSPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement with County of Upson.

6. Approval of Hiscox Professional Binder Liability.

7. Approval of Hiscox Cyber Proposal.

J. Other Business.

FURTHER UPDATE UPSON CO. MURDER

The arrests of Williams and Jones have led investigators to other violent crimes.

Forest Park Police said Williams and another woman, Ashanti Dorsey, are now charged with the Dec. 21 murder of Mario Rashaad Edwards in Forest Park.

Sheriff Kilgore said Jones faces an additional murder charge for a separate Clayton County murder.

Members of the Clayton County Fugitive Squad arrested Dorsey Thursday, hours after became the first woman to top the county’s Most Wanted List.

Squad members captured Dorsey in DeKalb County for another murder charge separate from the Forest Park case.

Investigators believed Dorsey shot and killed a wanted man Wednesday after an argument on Lakeview Way in Clayton County.

The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office described Dorsey as a known prostitute who is a suspect in a series of robberies of men who solicited her services off of the internet.

Investigators believe all of the suspects met their victims through an escort website.

Williams is being held in the Upson County Jail, while Jones and Dorsey are in the Clayton County Jail.

UPDATE; UPSON CO MURDER

A body was located by an Upson County Deputy on Thursday evening  January 3, 2019 just before 9:00. The deceased is believed to be Roderick Crawford of Barnesville who was reported missing from Lamar County on December 29th. Two individuals are in custody charged with Murder, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm while in Commission of a Felony. They are identified as Cameron Jones, 20 and Kiera Williams 18. Williams is in the Upson County Jail and Jones is in the Clayton County Jail.

Investigation reveals that Crawford contacted Williams through an internet escort website and met him in Upson County. He was subsequently murdered and left behind an abandoned house located at 1414 Grantling Street in Upson County.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to handle this investigation.

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff

January 4, 2019

THREE DEAD IN MONROE COUNTY

On January 4, 2018 at approximately 7:32 a.m. Monroe County Emergency Services responded to a House Fire on Joe Chambers Rd. Upon arrival, the house was fully engulfed and it was unknown if the house held any occupants. At approximately 9:27 a.m. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call regarding a possible murder that had occurred at the same house as the fire. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office then sent out a BOLO for the suspect and his vehicle. The victim’s truck was located in Flovilla by Butts County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect was located inside the truck with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the head. At this time the victim’s identity has not been confirmed, but, is believed to be Michael Taylor, age 68, of Forsyth, Georgia. Shortly after locating the suspect in Flovilla, Monroe County Deputies located the remains of two bodies in the house fire. The victims inside the house are believed to be Alicia Taylor, age 52, and Colton Charles King, age 23. Alicia Taylor is the wife of the suspect, Michael Taylor. Colton Charles King is the son of Alicia Taylor. All three victims will be sent to the GBI Crime Lab for positive identification. This case is still active.

BODY OF MISSING LAMAR CO. MAN FOUND IN UPSON CO.

ACCORDING TO UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE , A BODY FOUND IN LINCOLN PARK THURSDAY AROUND 9PM, WAS A MISSING LAMAR COUNTY FATHER.

THE SHERIFF SAID THE BODY HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS 46 YEAR OLD RODERICK CRAWFORD AND HE WAS SHOT TO DEATH AND LEFT BEHIND AN ABANDONED HOUSE AT 1414 GRANTLING STREET.

VIA E-MAIL THE SHERIFF SAID TWO PEOPLE, CAMERON JONES, 20 AND KEIRA WILLIAMS, 18 WERE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN CLAYTON COUNTY THURSDAY ON ROBBERY CHARGES, BUT ARE EXPECTED TO BE CHARGED (TODAY) FRIDAY IN CONNECTION WITH CRAWFORD'S MURDER. INVESTIGATION REVEALS CRAWFORD CONTACTED WILLIAMS THROUGH AN INTERNET ESCORT WEBSITE AND MET HIM IN UPSON COUNTY , WHERE HE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY MURDERED.

CRAWFORD HAD BEEN MISSING SINCE LAST FRIDAY WHEN HE TOLD HIS FAMILY HE W AS DRIVING TO CRAFT FLOUR MILL IN MILNER TO CHECK HIS WORK SCHEDULE, AS A TRUCK DRIVER FOR J & M TANK LINES--- BUT HE NEVER RETURNED HOME. HE CALLED HIS WIFE AROUND 7;15PM FRIDAY BUT SHE MISSED HIS CALL.

CRAWFORD'S PHONE PINGED A CELL TOWER IN THOMASTON ON NORTH CHURCH STREET NEAR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT A HALF HOUR AFTER THAT CALL, THEN IT WAS DEACTIVATED A SHORT TIME LATER.

CRAWFORD'S SUV WAS FOUND ABANDONED IN CLAYTON COUNTY ON TUESDAY.

ZOOM NEWS WAS TOLD SUSPECT JONES IS FROM THOMASTON AND THE COUPLE HAD LIVED IN UPSON COUNTY FOR A TIME.

SHERIFF KILGORE HAS REQUESTED THE GBI HANDLE THE INVESTIGATION.