Griffin PD Drug Bust

On Thursday, February 17th, at approximately 4:00 pm, Griffin Police Department officers responded to the area of N. 2nd St. and Morris Street regarding reports of a subject armed with a firearm. 

When the officers arrived, they observed a black BMW leaving the area. The Criminal Apprehension and Gang Enforcement Unit (C.A.G.E.) began looking for the vehicle. They located it at N. 3rd Street and Central Avenue and attempted to stop the car for a traffic infraction. However, the driver pulled into a residence on N 5th. Street and immediately exited the vehicle. 

Officers attempted to contact the driver; however, he fled the area on foot. Officers gave chase and apprehended the driver and took him into custody. When the officers returned to the residence where the driver abandoned the vehicle, the residents advised officers that they did not know the driver. 

As a result, a wrecker was requested for the car. Additionally, per protocol, the officers conducted an inventory of the vehicle's contents. While performing this inventory, officers noticed a strong odor of marijuana and an open container of alcoholic beverages. During the inventory, officers located Cocaine, methamphetamine, powder cocaine, one handgun, and cash. The driver, Terrance Demon Elliot, age 37, is charged

D.A. BRODER ON THE TEREL M. KING CASE

 When the Chase Comes to an End

Since my last column, my offices have continued to protect our community by trying cases. One of these cases was unique in that it involved a series of crimes committed during a police pursuit in Thomaston. The Defendant in that case, Terel M. King of Thomaston, was wanted on outstanding felony warrants and had been on the run for over two years from multiple agencies. Before we elaborate on his actions, let me answer some questions.

What is a felony warrant? A warrant is a legal document issued by a Court that authorizes law enforcement to apprehend and arrest a person suspected of committing a crime. A felony warrant is issued when the suspected crimes involved are felonies. Felonies are crimes whose consequence includes a period of imprisonment over a year, while misdemeanors are crimes that are punishable with confinement of less than one year. In the absence of a warrant, an arrest may only be made if a law enforcement officer has "probable cause" to believe that a suspect has committed a crime. Where a warrant has been issued, an officer just needs to confirm that the person being arrested is the same one identified in the warrant. In short, any person who has warrants taken out against them risks being apprehended by any law enforcement officer they encounter. The alternative to flight is to turn yourself in to law enforcement and defend your rights in Court. Mr. King chose flight and made matters much worse for himself in the long run.

On February 12, 2020, the Thomaston Police Department received word that Mr. King was in Thomaston and driving a gold Cadillac Escalade. The Department issued a "BOLO" or "be on the lookout" to all officers for the vehicle. King was spotted by an officer attempting to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, Mr. King began to drive recklessly through a residential area to flee and elude law enforcement. Eventually, another officer collided with King's vehicle on another residential street in Thomaston, after which King fled on foot. King jumped into a bystander's Nissan Pathfinder, but Officer Poore of the Thomaston Police Department used his taser to try to remove King from the stolen vehicle. King quickly accelerated away from the scene, throwing Officer Poore onto the road, and causing him serious injuries. King escaped and was not captured until May 14, 2020, with the help of United States Marshals, Thomaston Police Department, the Upson County Sheriff's Office, and Zebulon Police Department.

The consequences of the above behavior were charges for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Theft by Taking, five counts of Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, two Counts of Reckless Driving, and six traffic violations. In addition to the injuries sustained by Officer Poore, King's conduct could have caused serious bodily injury to other motorists, pedestrians, and other law enforcement officers. I am pleased to report that an Upson County jury convicted King on these counts and the Honorable Ben J. Miller, Jr. sentenced the defendant to 54 years with the first 31 years to be served in prison after the jury announced its verdict.

This case was a reminder that while many of us are going about our daily routines, law enforcement officers run the risk that their next traffic stop could result in serious injury or death. This risk is heightened by those who flagrantly disregard the law and choose to try to escape from the consequences of their actions, instead of facing them in our justice system. I am proud of the hard work of law enforcement and my staff, including Assistant District Attorneys Ashton Fallin and Audrey Holliday in fighting so hard to bring Mr. King to justice and helping to keep us all safe. We’ll keep up that fight! Until next time, stay safe and be kind to one another

MEET THE CANDIDATES

 

Upson County Commissioners Meeting

UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Commission Meeting

February 22, 2022 - 6:00 P.M.

THE MEETING WILL BE STREAMED LIVE ON YOUTUBE

PLEASE COPY THE LINK BELOW https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe2eGmYc-ooba5KStmOeXkw 

AGENDA 

I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Norman Allen 

II. INVOCATION 

III. PLEDGE 

IV. PUBLIC HEARING 

Upson County Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing for a Beer and Wine Pouring Sales license. An application is on file in the Commission Office from Vivian Solomon on the behalf of “Mz. Scorpio’s” located at 1524 Highway 19 North, Thomaston, GA 30286. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Complex building located at 106 E. Lee Street. 

V. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Speakers must state their names and address, and must direct all comments to the Board Chair. Any questions must be put in writing and submitted to the Clerk or the Commissioner over your jurisdiction 

VI. CONSENT AGENDA 

a. Approval of the February 8, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes 

b. Acceptance of the revised Projects and Priorities List 

c. Approval of Resolution 05-2022 Amending the 2022 Budget for Department of Family and Children Service (DFCS) 

d. Approve of a contract with Lovin Contracting Co. Inc. for Litter Control 

e. Approve Resolution 06-2022 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Upson County Approving and Authorizing the Issuance of Revenue Bonds of the Thomaston-Upson County Office Building Authority and the Terms Thereof; Approving Certain Documents in that Connection Including an Installment Sale Contract, a Preliminary Official Statement and a Disclosure Certificate; Adopting a Policy Related to Tax-Exempt Debt; and Related Matters 

VII. PRESENTATION 

f. Presentation on Community Ask Survey on Communication Preferences 

VIII. NEW BUSINESS 

g. Discussion and approval of a roof replacement for Hightower Memorial Library 

h. Discussion and approval of a New Contract for Ball Fields and County Park Turf Management 

i. Discussion and approval of the Boiler Replacement for the Government Complex j. Discussion and approval for Repairs at the Auchumpkee Covered Bridge 

k. Discussion and possible consideration of the purchase of five Sheriff vehicles 

l. Appointment to the Hospital Authority Board 

m. Appointment to the Board of Health (2) 

n. County Manager, Commissioners, and County Attorney Comments 

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Possible Litigation 

X. ADJOURNMEN

Thomaston Mayor & Council Work Session

CITY OF THOMASTON

WORK SESSION MEETING OF MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

CITY-COUNTY MEETING ROOM

THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 9:00 A.M.

WATCH THE MEETING LIVE VIA CITY OF THOMASTON YOUTUBE PAGE LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRlF8V1o6j-67nNYbOysNwg

NOTICE

There will be a meeting of the Thomaston Mayor and City Council work session meeting held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 9:00am, to address the following topics: new zoning ordinance and modifications to the alcohol ordinance. The meeting will be located in the City-County meeting room, on the main floor of the Thomaston-Upson Government Complex.

Tye Fagan Beats Dawgs In Athens

The Ole Miss men's basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak on Saturday, beating the Dawgs 85-68.

Ole Miss guard Tye Fagan had a double-digit scoring day in his return to UGA, dropping in 20 points and leading the Rebels in scoring, he also had four steals.

"It was a special moment," Fagan said. "Early on in the game, I had a lot of adrenaline rushing, a lot of thoughts going through my head. Eventually, in the second half, I was able to get it going."

Fagan transferred to Ole Miss last spring after spending the last three seasons at Georgia.

The Dawgs turned the ball over 13 times and were still able to keep it close in the first half, but couldn't stop Fagan in the second half as the Rebels pulled away.

Hit And Run Driver Found Dead In Jail

The GBI has taken over the investigation of a hit and run in Peachtree City last week that claimed the life of 16 year old Russell Logan, a sophomore at Star's Mill High School.

Robert Lee Stevenson, 60 of Senoia, who was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DUI was found dead Friday in a jail cell according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Barry H. Babb said that Stevenson was found unresponsive by Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Jail personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene with “signs of self-inflicted injury.” Stevenson was being held without bond and had not been involved in any physical altercations in jail, he was held alone in an infirmary cell according to a press release by the sheriff.

“This tragedy in our community continues to widen and has terribly affected these two families. It is my prayer and anyone willing to join me in lifting these families and the faculty and students at Starr’s Mill High School as they continue to process, grieve, and recover from this heartbreak,” Babb said.

Stevenson hit Logan on a sidewalk close to his home, he was pronounced dead at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. 

Zoning Commission Meets Monday

There will be a meeting of the Thomaston Zoning Commission held on Monday, February 21, 2022 at 2:30pm, to address the following items: 

Rewriting of current zoning and sign ordinance, the policies and procedures for conducting public hearings, the standards governing the exercise of zoning power, as well as provide an update of the new zoning Map. 

The meeting will be located in the City-County meeting room, on the main floor of the Thomaston-Upson Government Complex.

Guilty Plea In Child Porn Case

A THOMASTON MAN, 31- YEAR OLD JOHN WESLEY MITCHEM HAS PLEADED GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY. MITCHEM ADMITTED HE SENT MULTIPLE CHILD PORN IMAGES TO AN UNCOVER AGENT.

AGENTS TOOK OUT A SEARCH WARRANT ON HIS HOME IN MARCH 2020 SEIZING ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ON WHICH MORE PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIAL OF CHILDREN WAS DISCOVERED.

MITCHEM PLEADED GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF CHILD PORN ON FEBRUARY 17 AND FACES UP TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON FOLLOWED BY A LIFETIME OF SUPERVISED RELEASE AND A $250,000 FINE, AND MUST REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE AFTER PRISON.

THOMASTON MAN SENTENCED TO 31 YEARS IN PRISON

On Thursday, February 17th, 2022, an Upson County jury convicted Terel M. King, age 33, from Thomaston, Georgia, of Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Theft by Taking, 5 counts of Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, 2 counts of Obstruction of an Officer, 2 counts of Reckless Driving, and 6 additional traffic violations. King was convicted after three days of trial.

The State was represented by Assistant District Attorney Ashton Fallin and Assistant District Attorney Audrey Holliday. The Honorable Ben J. Miller, Jr. presided over the trial and sentenced the defendant to a 54 years with the first 31 years to be served in prison after the jury announced its verdict. The Thomaston Police Department investigated the case with Cpt. Monica Snipes leading the investigation.

The case stemmed from a vehicle pursuit that occurred on February 12, 2020. King was wanted on outstanding felony warrants and had been on the run for over 2 years from multiple agencies when TPD received information that he was in Thomaston driving a gold Cadillac Escalade. A BOLO was placed on the vehicle, and King was spotted around 4:00 P.M. Officer Bobby Poore attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but King refused to stop and began driving recklessly through a residential area in an attempt to flee and elude law enforcement. His vehicle was eventually stopped by an officer who collided with King’s vehicle on Barnesville Street near Avenue J. King then fled on foot and stole a bystander’s Nissan Pathfinder. Officer Poore twice tased King and was attempting to remove him from the Pathfinder when King abruptly accelerated away from the scene. Officer Poore was thrown into the middle of Barnesville Hwy and sustained serious back injuries. He was forced to retire early and end his decorated 20+ year law enforcement career. King was able to get away and wasn’t captured until May 14, 2020 with the help of the United States Marshals, Thomaston Police Department, Upson County Sheriff’s Office, and Zebulon Police Department.

District Attorney Marie Broder said of the case: “This conviction should send a message to those willing to do harm to officers while they are in performance of their official duties that their criminal acts will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It was clear from video evidence that Mr. King did not care what he had to do or who he had to injure in order to avoid being captured. Every law enforcement officer and person on the road was in danger because of Mr. King’s actions that day. Our officers risk their lives every single day to protect the citizens of this Circuit, and my office will seek justice for them when they are harmed. I am proud of my office for their hard work on this case as well as all of the agencies that helped capture Mr. King after many years on the run. I want to thank the jurors for their service and for making our community a safer place to live.”

REVIEW CITY OF THOMASTON PROPOSED NEW ZONING ORDINANCE

The City of Thomaston encourages all city residents to visit the city website to see if their property has a proposed zoning classification change. 

Please follow the below steps: 

1. Go to city website: https://www.cityofthomaston.com

2. Scroll down on the homepage to the “News Flash” section

3. Click on “Proposed Zoning Changes 2022” – This is a searchable PDF. You can press the keyboard keys “Ctrl” and “F” at the same time and then type in your personal property address to see the zoning classification change.

Any questions regarding the zoning ordinance may be addressed by phone call to City Hall or attendance at one of the public hearings. Discussion and potential action to adopt said ordinances by Mayor and City Council is scheduled for March 1, 2022. All meetings will be held in the city-county meeting room of the Thomaston-Upson Government Complex.

The public may watch the public hearings and the City Council meetings virtually at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRlF8V1o6j-67nNYbOysNwg

Should you have any questions or need additional information, please call 706-647-4242 ext. 4.

Teacher Arrested For Assault On Student

On Wednesday February 16th, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office was called to Kennedy Road Middle School to a report that a student had been struck by a teacher. 

Criminal Investigators responded and GSCS administrators were notified. Administrators immediately provided classroom video to the Investigators. According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “The video shows that, as the teacher and students were coming into the classroom, a student was sitting behind the teacher’s desk in her chair. The teacher grabbed a wired computer charger from her desk, swung the plug-in end of the charger at the student sitting in the chair, missed him, struck another student in the forehead, and he fell to the floor. As that student is laying on the floor, the teacher is seen swinging the cable 2 more times at the student sitting in her chair as he covers up to keep from being hit. The first student that was hit, then stands up, places his T-shirt over his forehead, and both teacher and student leave the classroom. The student that was hit received a small laceration and had swelling to his forehead where he was hit.” 

“Ms. Barlow voluntarily came to the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office last night and was interviewed by Investigators. GSCS Executive Director of Administrative Services, Anthony Aikens, came to the Sheriff’s Office to assist in the investigation on behalf of the school system and monitored the interview as it was being conducted.” 

“Ms. Barlow was fully cooperative and forthcoming about the incident. This morning we consulted with District Attorney Marie Broder’s Office, and State Court Solicitor Patrick Shepherd to determine the appropriate criminal charges based on the findings of the investigation to this point and video evidence.” 

Cassandra Barlow has been charged with one count of battery and one count of simple assault. Barlow appeared before a Spalding County Magistrate Judge this afternoon and her bond was set. She is still currently in custody. 

Adam Pugh, GSCS Executive Director of Communication and Partnerships stated, “Ms. Barlow was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the sheriff department investigation and the school system’s internal investigation."

URMC COVID Vaccine

 

Weather Alert

There is a Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 5) for severe weather on Thursday through Thursday night for most of north and central Georgia as a cold front pushes through the area.

Main Hazards:

-Heavy rainfall

-Damaging wind gusts

-Brief tornado can't be ruled out

Showers and thunderstorms will increase on Thursday ahead of the cold front with the highest coverage expected from Thursday afternoon into Thursday night.

A few storms could become strong to severe.

Thomaston Native Serves Aboard USS Bush

Airman Branterius King, a native of Thomaston, serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s largest warships, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.

Bush was commissioned in 2009 and is completing a pre-deployment work up cycle.

“Our Sailors’ hard work to return George Herbert Walker Bush to the operational fleet in 2021 was exemplary,” said Capt. Robert Aguilar, GHWB commanding officer. “They represent the best principles of service to the mission and the nation that our namesake, President George H.W. Bush, embodied.”

King joined the Navy one year ago. Today, King serves as an aviation electronics technician.

“I was looking to do something different and wanted to get an education,” said King. "That's why I joined the Navy."

Growing up in Thomaston, King attended Upson-Lee High School and graduated in 2020. Today, King relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Thomaston to succeed in the military.

“It's important to always be open minded so you can continue to learn,” said King. "You should also give 100 percent to whatever you're doing. I learned that from my hometown."

These lessons have helped King while serving in the Navy.

King’s service aboard Bush follows the example of the ship’s namesake, the nation’s 41st President, George H.W. Bush. Bush is the only U.S. president to serve as a U.S. Navy aviator. During World War II he flew the TBF Avenger in Torpedo Squadron (VT) 51 and was stationed aboard USS San Jacinto (CVL 30). He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a daring bombing run over the island of Chichi Jima.

The ship bearing Bush’s name is preparing for deployment amid ongoing strategic competition between the U.S. and its adversaries. In doing so, the ship and its Sailors continue the legacy of service to the nation that U.S. Navy aircraft carriers have provided for 100 years.

Since USS Langley’s (CV 1) commissioning 100 years ago this March 20th, aircraft carriers and their ability to project American power around the globe have been a consistent tool in maintaining and improving U.S. national security interest and the prosperity of the American people.

Sailors aboard USS George H.W. Bush, like King, continue to burnish the legacy of the aircraft carrier fleet and naval aviation by providing the national command authority a flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Serving in the Navy means King is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy's mobility means that we can be anyplace at anytime,” said King.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

King and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I'm proud of graduating technical school in 2021,” said King. "I learned about the basic theories of electronics and how they play a part in aviation. I also learned about calibration."

As King and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Not everyone has this opportunity, so I'm thankful to serve and make my family proud,” added King.

For recent information about USS George H.W. Bush and its sailors, head to the command’s Facebook www.facebook.com/ussgeorgehwbush and Instagram www.instagram.com/ghwbcvn77 pages. You can also visit its official webpage at www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn77

Guilty Pleas Monday & Tuesday

Judge Ben J. Miller, Jr.

February 14-15, 2022

1. William E. Oglesby Ct. 1: Forgery in the 4th degree: 12 months probation; 40 hours community service; $750 fine.

2. Richard J. McDonald Ct. 1: Theft by receiving stolen property: 5 years probation; 80 hours community service; $1,000 fine. Ct. 2: Theft by taking: 5 years probation concurrent to ct. 1; $1,000 fine.

3. Jarvis D. Nolan Ct. 1: Possession of marijuana, more than 1 ounce: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 2: Driving while license suspended: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 3: Possession of a schedule I controlled substance (bath salts): 3 years probation; 80 hours community service; $500 fine. Ct. 4: Driving under the influence- reduced to reckless driving: 12 months probation; $250 fine. Ct. 5: Failure to maintain lane: Nolle prosequi.

4. Elizabeth J. Whitley Ct. 1: Possession of Methamphetamine: 3 years probation; 80 hours community service; $1,000 fine.

5. Justin T. Passmore Ct. 1: Aggravated Assault FV: 10 years to be served in prison, followed by 10 years on probation; 80 hours community service $500 fine. Ct. 2: Aggravated Assault: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 3: Battery FV: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 4: Battery FV: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 5: Trafficking methamphetamine/amphetamine: 10 years to serve, followed by 10 years probation concurrent to ct. 1; $500 fine. Ct. 6: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 7: Possession of drug related objects: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 8: Terroristic threats: Nolle prosequi.

6. Cordarious D. Johnson Ct. 1: Battery: 12 months probation with the first 90 days to be served jail; 80 hours community service; $250 fine. Ct. 2: Simple Battery: Nolle Prosequi.

7. Terrell W. Moore Ct. 1: Simple Battery FV: 12 months probation; 40 hours community service; $250 fine. Ct. 2: Battery FV: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 3: Cruelty to children 3rd degree: 12 months consecutive to ct. 1; $250 fine. Ct. 4: Cruelty to children 3rd degree: 12 months probation concurrent to ct. 1 &3. Ct. 5: Cruelty to children 3rd degree: 12 months probation concurrent to ct. 1,3 & 4.

8. Steven K. Powers Ct. 1: Use of lase device against law enforcement officer: 12 months probation; 80 hours community service; $250 fine. Ct. 2: Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 3: Reckless driving: 12 months probation consecutive to ct. 1; $1,000 fine. Ct. 4: Too fast for conditions: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 5: Driving without headlights: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 6: Disregarding traffic control device: Nolle prosequi. Ct. 7: Disregarding traffic control device: Nolle prosequi.

9. Tyler R. Allen Ct. 1: Failure to register as sex offender: 3 years to serve in prison concurrent with Violation of Probation.