DA MARIE BRODER REPORTS

 Dispatches from the Other Side

Most of my articles deal with the experience of the attorneys and those who have to testify at trial. My goal has always been to offer transparency to the public by pulling back the curtains on what happens in the trenches before, during, and after a trial. But I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to discuss the most important group of people in any trial - the jury.

Imagine, if you will, that you pick up your mail and find that you have been selected for jury duty. Your selection was the result of the Clerk’s Office, which is required by law to ensure that the jury represents a fair cross-section of the community. Once you receive your letter, you inevitably ask one question—How can I get out of this? Naturally, you have a job, family to take care of, or just better things to do than put your life on hold to go sort out someone else’s problem.

But jury duty is more than just a burden to those called. It is a constitutional right that is guaranteed to people facing the prospect of incarceration. And our founders, in their wisdom, knew that this system was better than allowing unaccountable judges, kings, or law enforcement to decide people’s fate. Many people fought and died to protect this right, but that does not make it any less irritating when you are chosen to serve.

With all of that said, attorneys and judges should always keep in mind the difficult burden placed on a juror. As a juror, during the selection process, you are forced to answer questions under oath from attorneys about your personal life and your experiences in a public forum. You cannot be excused because it is inconvenient. If you are selected as a juror, you are often required to hear about unpleasant things that most of us only hear about on the news or radio. And your decision has real consequences.

I have never served on a jury. So my knowledge of the jurors’ experience comes from them speaking to me after a verdict is rendered. Jurors are free to leave after the trial is over without talking to any attorney, but it is helpful to us to know what was important to the jury in making their decision and I always appreciate their input.

One thing that often strikes me after speaking to jurors a misunderstanding about their role. Jurors swear an oath to only consider the evidence presented to them and decide if that evidence is enough to prove each element of the crimes charged beyond a reasonable doubt. Jurors have no say in the ultimate sentence a defendant receives. Sentencing is decided only by the Judge according to the parameters set out by the legislature. And jurors are not supposed to base their

decision about guilt on how much jail time a defendant may or may not receive. Yet they often do. And I hear from jurors that this concern informed their deliberations, which is a burden they are not supposed to take on.

I also hear from jurors that other factors outside of the evidence infected their deliberations as well. When these outside factors enter deliberations, I find that jury usually enters a “compromise” verdict. They find the defendant guilty of some, but not all of the charges. And jurors report to me afterwards that they have conflicted feelings about the result. Some feel that they have let the victim down by not convicting on all charges. Others feel that the defendant committed certain crimes that were charged, but worry about the lifelong consequences for that defendant.

All I can say is that these conflicted feelings means that the system is working. My office tries each case firmly believing there is sufficient evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, but we are never foolish enough to think that a jury cannot disagree. All we ask as a prosecutor is that you make your decision based on the evidence presented to you—and leave those other distractions at the courthouse door. I might disagree with a jury’s decision, but I never disagree with the system or the process.

Trials are always transformative for victims and defendants. I try to not lose sight of the fact that trials are transformative for jurors as well.

Thank you to all past and future jurors for your service. Our republic depends on you

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

 PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER JR., GJC

OCTOBER 30, 2023

 

1. 23R0328 CHRISTOPHER PARKER CT. 1: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: 3 YEARS TO SERVE TO RUN CONCURRENT TO CASE #22R0223. CT. 2: INTERFERENCE OF GOVERNEMENT PROPERTY: NOLLE PROSEQUI

 

2. 23R0075C CHRISTOPHER LEDFORD CT. 10: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: 10 YEARS, SERVE 2 YEARS IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT TO VOP CASE #22R0010; $1,000 FINE; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; BANISHMENT FROM THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT.

 

3. 22R0461 ANTHONY HUNNICUTT CT. 1: TRAFFICKING IN METHAMPHETAMINE: 20 YEARS, SERVE 10 YEARS IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; $200,000 FINE. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: POSSESSION OF A FIREARM DURING A COMMISSION OF A FELONY: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

4. 23R0201 ANTHONY HUNNICUTT CT. 1: ROBBERY- REDUCED TO THEFT BY TAKING: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE IN THE COUNTY JAIL TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH CASE #22R0461.

 

5. 23R0083 MICHELLE COOK CT. 1: POSSESSION OF A SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: POSSESSION OF A SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE: FIRST OFFENDER: 10 YEARS PROBATION; $1,000 FINE.  CT. 3: POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: FIRST OFFENDER: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT TO COUNT 2; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $250 FINE. CT. 5: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: FIRST OFFENDER: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONCURRENT TO COUNTS 2 & 4; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $250 FINE. CT. 6: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 7: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 8: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 9: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 10: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 11: OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 12: DRUGS NO IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

6. 21R0233 JOSEPH PERKINS CT. 1: THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERY- REDUCED- CRIMINAL TRESPASS: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE IN THE COUNTY JAIL. CT. 2: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: TAIL LIGHT VIOLATION: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

Griffin Police Searching for Murder Suspect in the Death of a 15 Year Old

Saturday evening October 28th, 2023, Griffin Police were called to 1100 W College St Extension in reference to a person shot call. Once on scene, Police found a 15-year-old male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene after lifesaving efforts were attempted. The victim’s name is not being released at this time. 

Griffin Police Criminal Investigations Division is actively working this case and requesting anyone with information contact the police department at 770.229.6452 or Inv. Carnegie at tcarnegie@cityofgriffin.com.

Upson Deputies Assisted in the Arrest of Murder Suspect

On Friday morning October 27 Upson Deputies assisted  in the arrest of Anthony Jones,26, of Warner Robbins  at 164 Smith Road in Upson County.   The arrest was made by the US Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force on a murder warrant. The murder occurred in Warner Robbins on October 13,2023. Jones was Transported to Houston county by deputies from the Houston County sheriffs office. 

 

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff

MESSAGE FROM UPSON TAX COMMISSIONER ANDY CHASTAIN

 PSA from Tax Office: Reminder that property tax bills are due by Nov. 15^th. We encourage taxpayers to drop by as early as possible to avoid the last minute lines.

Also tax bills may be mailed or paid online. Taxes may be paid online by going to the Upson County website under Office of Tax Commissioner, Quick Links, Pay Property Tax. Those paying at the tax office are asked to bring their bills when making payment

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

 PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER JR., GJC

OCTOBER 26, 2023

 

1. 22R0138 JUSTIN BERTRAM CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: 8 YEARS, SERVE 1 YEAR IN CONFINEMENT, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION. CT. 2: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: BATTERY, FAMILY VIOLENCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: CRUELTY TO CHILDREN 3 RD : NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

2. 22R0468A CAYMEN WELLMAKER CT. 1: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: REDUCED- POINTING OR AIMING A GUN AT ANOTHER: 12 MONTHS TO SERVE IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL. CT. 2: TERRORISTIC THREATS: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONSECUTIVE TO COUNT 1; $500 FINE. CT. 3: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICERS: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $500 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 4: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICERS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT .6: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

3. 23R0074 NATHANIEL RICEMAN CT. 1: CHILD MOLESTATION: 20 YEARS, SERVE 18 YEARS IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, FOLLOWED BY THE REMIANDER ON PROBATION; $1,000 FINE. CT. 2: CHILD MOLESTATION: 20 YEARS PROBATION TO RUN CONSECUTIVE TO COUNT 1; $1,000 FINE. CT. 3: INVASION OF PRIVACY: 5 YEARS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM TO RUN CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1. CT. 4: INVASION OF PRIVACY: 5 YEARS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM TO RUN CONCURRENT TO COUNT 1. CT. 5: INVASION OF PRIVACY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 6: INVASION OF PRIVACY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 7: SEXUAL BATTERY AGAINST A CHILD UNDER 16: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

4. 23R0116 TINA CRENSHAW CT. 1: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: FIRST OFFENDER: 12 MONTHS PROBATION TO RUN CONSECUTIVE TO #23R0188. CT. 2: CRIMINAL TRESPASS, FAMILY VIOLENCE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

5. 23R0188 TINA CRENSHAW CT. 1: CRUELTY TO CHILDREN: FIRST OFFENDER: 10 YEARS, SERVE 6 MONTHS IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; COMPLETE TEEN CHALLENGE PROGRAM; $500 FINE.

 

6. 23R0218 COLTON MURPHY CT. 1: DUI: REDUCED- RECKLESS DRIVING: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; $1,195 FINE; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 2: DUI: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

7. 23R0239 MICHA LANDERS CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE: CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE: 3 YEARS PROBATION; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE.

 

8. 23R0327 DEMARCUS JONES CT. 1: CRIMINAL TRESPASS: SERVE 120 DAYS IN THE 

UPSON COUNTY JAIL.

 

9. 21R0145D MYKEL KING CT. 1: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN THE 2 ND DEGREE: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: POINTING OR AIMING GUN OR PISTOL AT ANOTHER: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,500 FINE. CT. 4: DISCHARGING OF GUN NEAR PUBLIC HIGHWAY/ STREET: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

10. 23R0238 JAMES PERRIGEN CT. 1: DUI: REDUCED- RECKLESS DRIVING: 12 MONTHS PROBATION; 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE. CT. 2: OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICERS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: TAIL LIGHTS: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: FAILURE TO STOP FOR STOP SIGN: $250 FINE. CT. 5: FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

11. 22R0288 ANGELICA POLLARD CT. 1: USE OF LICENSE PLATE TO CONCEAL  IDENTITY: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 2: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 3: DRIVING ON SUSPENDED, CANCEALED, OR REVOKED REGISTRATION: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 4: GIVING FALSE NAME INFORMATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 5: FORGERY 1 ST DEGREE: 3 YEARS, SERVE 7 DAYS IN THE UPSON COUNTY JAIL, FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE MCINTOSH TRAILS INPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAM; $500 FINE. CT. 6: DISTRACTED DRIVING: NOLLE PROSEQUI. CT. 7: FAILURE TO CARRY LICENSE: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

12. 22R0372A CHASITY JOHNSON CT. 1: BURGLARY 1 ST DEGREE: REDUCED: THEFT BY TAKING: 5 YEARS, SERVE 90 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL, FOLLOWED BY THE REAMINDER ON PROBATION; 80 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE; $1,000 FINE.

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER JR., GJC

OCTOBER 25, 2023

 

1. 20R0316D REGINALD CARTER CT.1: VIOLATION OF RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATION ACT: 15 YEARS, 3 YEARS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM; FOLLOWED BY THE REMAINDER ON PROBATION; BANISHMENT FROM THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT; $2,000 FINE. CT. 2: VIOLATION OF RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATION ACT: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

 

2. 23R0325 MARCUS CUMMINGS CT. 1: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: 3 YEARS TO SERVE IN THE STATE PENAL SYSTEM, TO RUN CONCURRENTLY WITH VOP #22R0184 & 22R0316A. 

 

3. 23R0326 CHRISTOPHER HEATH CT. 1: DISORDERLY CONDUCT: SERVE 90 DAYS IN 

THE  COUNTY JAIL.

ZEBULON APPROVES SPORTS COMPLEX

 ACCORDING  TO  CITY  ADMINISTRATOR  LARRY MITCHUM,  THE  ZEBULON  CITY  COUNCIL  APPROVED  A  REZONING  FOR  A  58  ACRE SPORTS COMPLEX  SOUTH  OF  ZEBULON  AT  TUESDAY'S  MEETING.  IT  WAS  A  UNANIMOUS  VOTE  FOR  A  PROJECT  WITH  6  BALL  FIELDS,  A  GYM,  AN  AMPHITHETER  AND  PICKLEBALL  COURTS WITH  INVESTORS  THAT  INCLUDE  DOUBLE  P.  GRADING  IN  WILLIAMSON  AND  MAJOR  LEAGUE   PITCHER  HUNTER  STRICKLAND.

NEXT  UP   DEVELOPMENT  PLANS  MUST  BE  SUBMITTED  TO  CITY  HALL    FOR  WHAT    ADMINISTRATOR  MITCHUM  CALLED  AN  EXCITING    ADDITION    FOR  THE  CITY OF  ZEBULON  AND  PIKE  COUNTY.  

TPD MAKES ANOTHER ARREST IN CHECK FRAUD RICO CASE

 On 10/23/23 at approximately 1059 hours, TPD Uniform Patrol Division (UPD) Sgt. Conner Dix observed Thomaston resident Keith Alsobrooks Jr (age 31) driving a white Mitsubishi Outlander in the area of E Walker St and College St. Sgt. Dix recognized Alsobrooks Jr from prior dealings with him and knew that Alsobrooks Jr had active RICO warrants related to the check forgery ring that was exposed and indicted by Sgt. Matt Allen a few weeks prior. Sgt. Dix initiated a traffic stop, arrested Alsobrooks Jr without incident, and transported him to the Upson County Jail

Murder In Thomaston

Early Saturday morning, October 21, 2023 at approximately 7:30am, Thomaston Police Officers responded to 109 W. County Rd. in reference to a missing person. The missing person was identified by family members as Margret Dubignon, also known as “Mellow Yellow”. According to family members they had not seen or spoken with Ms. Margret since Thursday. A welfare check on Ms. Margret was conducted Friday night with family members and there was negative contact with her at the apartment. While making the missing person report it was also reported that Freddrick Durham, Ms. Margret’s boyfriend who lived with her, was not at the apartment and Ms. Margrets’s vehicle was missing. 

While officers were placing Ms. Margret on GCIC as a missing person and investigating the vehicle information they were dispatched back to the apartments around 9am in reference to family members locating a body believed to be Ms. Margret that had been concealed in a large suitcase in the closet of her apartment. TPD officers with assistance from Upson County Sheriff Deputies responded back to the apartment and secured the scene. By this time a large crowd had gathered. Investigations was notified and members of the TPD Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene along with the Upson County Coroner and EMS personnel. It was confirmed that there was a deceased person in the suitcase and the body was identified as Ms. Margret Dubignon. 

Shortly after investigators arrived on the scene it was believed that Mr. Durham had taken Ms. Marget’s vehicle and was identified as a possible homicide suspect. The vehicle was placed on GCIC as stolen and a BOLO was broadcast for the vehicle and Mr. Durham. Using the Flock camera system, we were able to track the vehicle to an undisclosed area of Atlanta. Contact was made with APD and GSP and they were advised of the general area of the vehicle. With their assistance, within approximately two hours APD units located the vehicle and took Mr. Durham into custody.

 

The crime scene was processed with the assistance of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit. During this time Mr. Durham was transported back to the Police Department for questioning. As result of the investigation, Mr. Durham has been charged with felony murder, concealing a death, tampering with evidence, and theft by taking a motor vehicle. Additional charges pending further investigation. 

I would like to thank all of the following agencies and individuals for their assistance and support with this homicide investigation. We would not have had such a successful outcome without everyone’s cooperation.

To all our TPD officers and investigators that worked tirelessly today committed to making an arrest in this case.

 

The Upson County Sheriff’s Office for there initial response and assistance with the scene. TPD can always depend on them. 

 

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office and their assistance with processing the crime scene.

 

The Atlanta Police Department and Chief Schierbaum for their incredible response and taking the suspect into custody so quickly. 

 

Support assistance provided by GSP in Atlanta with APD.

 

Assistance at the scene by Upson County Coroner Stubbs and EMS personnel. 

 

Support and assistance from GBI Director Chris Hosey, our friend and Thomaston resident. 

 

TPD Chaplains Pastor Greg Smith and Pastor Coleman Dumas for their assistance supporting family members of the victim at the scene.

 

And a very special thanks to all the family members of the victim. This was a horrific crime and an extremely painful event, yet the family, in spite of their emotions, were incredibly composed, supportive and cooperative throughout todays investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Upson County Jailer Charged With Sexual Assault

Gage Pollard, 33, of Thomaston has been arrested and charged with Sexual Assault against a person in custody and Violation of Oath of Office. 

Pollard touched a female inmate on the buttocks and kissed her while working his shift as a jail officer at the Upson County Jail. This incident occurred between September and October 2023. Pollard admitted his conduct during the investigation. He is being held without bond and housed in the Lamar County Jail.

Pollard had been employed since September 2022. His employment has been terminated.

 

Pollard’s conduct is inappropriate, criminal and embarrassing. This conduct is not representative of the honorable and hard working employees of the Upson County Jail. Jail officers must be trusted and behavior such as this and will not be tolerated.

 

Dan Kilgore, Sheriff

CONGRESSMAN FERGUSON PRESS RELEASE

  

Ferguson Statement on Speaker Vote   WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Drew Ferguson (GA-03) today released the following statement regarding the Speaker of the House vote:   “As the Republican Conference designee, I supported Congressman Jordan on the first ballot. Following the first vote, I had genuine concerns about the threatening tactics and pressure campaigns Jordan and his allies were using to leverage members for their votes.   I discussed this directly with Jim, and planned to support him on the second ballot. When the pressure campaigns and attacks on fellow members ramped up, it became clear to me that the House Republican Conference does not need a bully as the Speaker.   I cast my vote for Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a principled conservative and unifying leader.   Shortly after casting that vote, my family and I started receiving death-threats. That is simply unacceptable, unforgivable, and will never be tolerated.”

Upson County Superior Court Guilty Pleas

PLEAS – JUDGE BEN J. MILLER JR., GJC

OCTOBER 18, 2023

1. 22R0287 RIDGE PEARSON CT. 1: THEFT BY TAKING: 6 MONTHS PROBATION; 120 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE. CT. 2: THEFT BY DECEPTION: NOLLE PROSEQUI.

THOMASTON APARTMENTS POSTPONED

 FOLLOWING  TWO  HOURS  OF  PUBLIC  HEARINGS  ON  TWO  PROPOSED  APARTMENT  DEVELOPMENTS   THE  THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  VOTED  TO  TABLE  BOTH  MEASURES  UNTIL  NEXT  YEAR,  TUESDAY.  COUNCIL WANTS  MORE  PLANS  SUBMITTED--THEN  THE  PUBLIC  HEARINGS  PROCESS  WILL  START  OVER.

MONDAY -- THE  THOMASTON  ZONING  COMMISSION  VOTED  3-1  TO  RECOMMEND  THE  APARTMENTS  TO  THE  CITY  COUNCIL--ROBERT  CHATMAN  CAST  THE  NO  VOTE  DURING  THE  PUBLIC  HEARINGS

GRIFFIN MOTORIST KILLED IN UPSON WRECK

 UPSON  COUNTY  CORONER   CRAIG  STUBBS  HAS  IDENTIFIED  THE  FATALITY  IN  A  HEAD-ON  COLLISION  EARLY  SUNDAY   MORNING  ON   19  SOUTH  BETWEEN  HIGHWAY   80  AND  THE  RIVER  BRIDGE.  THE  DRIVER  OF A  HONDA,  20  YEAR  OLD TAMAJAA  BERRY  OF  GRIFFIN  WAS  KILLED  WHEN  A  TAHOE  DRIVEN  BY   A   GUATEMALAN  NATIONAL  APPARENTLY  CROSSED  THE  CENTER  LINE. A  PASSENGER  IN  THE  BERRY  VEHICLE  WAS  AIR FLIGHTED  TO  A  MACON  TRAUMA  CENTER.

UPSON  COUNTY  SHERIFF  DAN  KILGORE  SAID  THE  TAHOE  DRIVER,  33  YEAR  OLD  MYNOR  PEREZ  OF  ALABAMA,  A  NATIVE  OF  GUATEMALA,  IS  IN  THE  UPSON  COUNTY  JAIL  CHARGED  WITH  VEHICULAR  HOMICIDE, DUI,  AND  NO   LICENSE.THE  SHERIFF  TOLD   101  NEWS  THE  ACCIDENT  INVESTIGATION  HAS  BEEN  TURNED  OVER  TO  THE  GA.  STATE  PATROL.

NEW BIZ IN HAMPTON GEORGIA

According to the AJC, Hampton leaders signed a deal this week to bring a massive Target distribution center to the city of roughly 8,300 residents about 30 miles south of Atlanta. Dubbed “Project Archer,” the retailer plans to build a 1.4 million-square-foot fulfillment center on a 173-acre site along Lower Woolsey Road.

The $475 million project, when complete next year, will immediately make Target the city’s largest employer. City leaders said they hope the jobs act as a catalyst for a city missing out on metro Atlanta’s development boom.

“The city of Hampton recognized that it needed to simply evolve or die,” said City Manager Alex Cohilas said. “It’s laid stagnant for decades.”

The Hampton Development Authority signed a memorandum of understanding during a meeting Tuesday to finalize the project’s terms. Target will employ at least 750 workers while meeting minimum salary requirements. The city will provide nearly $19.3 million in property-tax savings to the company over the next decade.

It’s the development authority’s first transaction since it was created in 2021, according to Mayor Ann Tarpley. She and other city leaders said the distribution center is the result of a yearslong effort to grow the city’s commercial base and attract retailers.

Mayor Pro Tem Marty Meeks said the city, located in the shadow of Atlanta Motor Speedway along I-75, has lacked a grocery store since he was a kid in the 1960s. He said Target’s investment could help elevate the city in the eyes of a grocer.

“The ones that made the attempt just didn’t have the clientele and they didn’t last,” Meeks said.

He said the last time a large employer came to Hampton was utility company Southern States at the dawn of World War II. It and the Federal Aviation Administration are the city’s current top employers with a few hundred workers apiece, but Target’s commitment easily surpasses both.

Cohilas said Hampton began annexing thousands of acres of undeveloped land in recent years to try to woo industrial projects. Since 2019, the city has doubled its footprint to roughly 10 square miles. He said that will allow the city to get a say in what’s developed in its orbit.

“We did not want to become voiceless victims of growth and the growth decisions made by others,” he said. “We wanted to control our destiny.”

In 2020, Hampton went through a state infrastructure review called a Development of Regional Impact for nearly 550 acres it amassed along Woolsey Road and Ga. 20. Target is building its distribution center on a portion of that site, which city leaders say has the capability of housing about 5 million square feet of industrial space and 300 apartments.

Warehouse projects have faced pushback from Henry County leaders, who say they pop up across Atlanta’s Southside like mushrooms after a spring shower. The county commission has considered issuing a moratorium on such facilities in recent years, but it’s never pulled the trigger.

Cohilas said Hampton’s situation isn’t comparable, since Target’s site is along a designated industrial corridor in an area that needs investment.

“(The county) has different challenges which led to their decisions,” he said. “Those challenges don’t exist in the city of Hampton.”

Panattoni Development is building the distribution center, and while Target is only required to employ 750, city officials expect the facility to need about 1,200 workers when operating at max capacity. Despite the tax abatement, the city expects the project to generate nearly $55 million in new tax revenue for the city, county and its school district over the next decade.