STAFF REPORT :::

The victim of a Friday afternoon shooting in the 400 block of N. 8^th Street has been identified as 29-year-old Charles Alsobrooks.

Alsobrooks died as a result of injuries sustained from multiple gunshot wounds.

Griffin Police Department investigators have identified 23-year-old David Blalock Jr. as a suspect in that shooting.

Blalock Jr., for whom an arrest warrant for murder has been obtained, is described as a black male who is 5-feet 10-inches tall weighing 200 pounds.

David Blalock Sr., age 41, is also being sought for felony hindering apprehension of a criminal and tampering with evidence. He is described as a black male who is 5-feet 7-inches tall weighing 185 pounds.

Both suspects remain at-large and authorities say they should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information related to David Blalock Jr. or David Blalock Sr. is asked to contact the Griffin Police Department through the Spalding County Emergency Communications non-emergency line at 770.229.9911.

STAFF REPORT :::

David Blalock Sr., who was being sought by the Griffin Police Department in relation to the Friday afternoon murder of 29-year-old Charles Alsobrooks, is in custody.

According to a GPD press release, Blalock Sr., age 41, was wanted on charges of felony hindering apprehension of a criminal and tampering with evidence. Investigators say he turned himself in to the GPD at 10:07 a.m. Saturday.

He is being held in the Spalding County Jail.

David Blalock Jr., age 23, has been identified as a suspect in Alsobrooks shooting death.

He is described as a black male who is 5-feet 10-inches tall weighing 200 pounds.

Blalock Jr. remains at-large and authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information related to Blalock Jr.is asked to contact the Griffin Police Department through the Spalding County Emergency Communications non-emergency line at 770.229.9911.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

David Blalock Jr., the suspect in the Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, shooting death of 29-year-old Charles Alsobrooks, is in police custody.

Authorities say Blalock Jr. turned himself in to the Griffin Police Department at 5:28 p.m. today.

Alsobrooks sustained multiple gunshot wounds when attacked in the 400 block of North 8^th St. He died at WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital.

The Griffin Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Blalock Jr., age 23, within hours of the incident.

David Blalock Sr. has also been arrested in connection to this case. Blalock Sr. on Saturday, Sept. 28, turned himself in to the GPD. Investigators had obtained warrants for his arrest on felony hindering apprehension of a criminal and tampering with evidence.

Both Blalock Jr. and Blalock Sr. were booked into the Spalding County Jail.

Blalock Jr. is being held on charges of murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A document fabricated and released by Griffin Police Department Chief Mike Yates that falsely identified Will Holloway Sanders as the father of former Griffin police officer Matthew Boynton has raised questions of potential violations of multiple provisions of the GPD Standard Operating Procedure as well as Georgia criminal codes.

Records obtained by The GRIP through a series of Open Records requests established Yates created the original document that was subsequently filed in the Matthew Boynton false statement criminal case file. It was later released to some media representatives, while production of that same record was denied to The GRIP.

Although production of the document itself was declined, city of Griffin officials acknowledged the authenticity of a copy The GRIP Publisher Sheila Mathews obtained from another media source. Subsequent Open Records requests seeking additional documentation regarding its creation established its origin and identified that it had been saved to Yates’ computer desktop at the Griffin Police Department. The document was then reviewed in light of GPD policies and Georgia law.

GPD policies – which are written by Yates – dictate exacting specifications for record management, use of officer discretion, case file content, information quality control, information gathering and use, use of departmental computers and adherence to the GPD Code of Ethics and Oath of Office.

The Official Code of Georgia, a compilation of all the state’s laws, also contains provisions that pertain to the creation and use of documents by public officials and other issues that could relate to the document Yates created.

At the heart of the matter is the basis of the document’s creation and use by a public law enforcement official.

Did Yates create the record in his official capacity as chief of police?

Was it related to a criminal investigation?

What was its underlying purpose?

And finally, was the document truthful?

According to Teresa Watson, Smith’s executive secretary and one of two designated city of Griffin Open Records officers, Sanders, who has been an outspoken critic of Chief Yates, has never been the subject of a criminal investigation by the GPD.

In her response to a May 15, 2019, Open Records request submitted by CNN/HLN Producer Kyle Peltz, Watson said, “As noted previously, there is not, nor has there ever been, an official investigation of Will Holloway Sanders. Rather the records that are provided in that regard are peripheral to the case involving Officer Matthew Lee Boynton, but provided nonetheless.”

However, Yates’ fabricated document, which included photographs obtained from a November 2018 11Alive website article alleging prior retaliation against Sanders by Yates, was not created until more than four months after the Boynton criminal case had been closed.

With no investigative basis and representing no criminal act, was the fabricated document truthful?

According to Sanders, no.

“No, none of it was true. It was all made up,” Sanders said. “No, I’m not Matthew Boynton’s father.”
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Read the first article in this series here:

GPD Chief fabricated, released record identifying Will Sanders as Matthew Boynton’s father
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The GRIP then reached out to Yates by email, as he mandates, with questions related to specific GPD Standard Operating Procedures and criminal laws, but he did not respond. That email was prefaced with the historical context in which the document was fabricated, along with details outlining Yates’ written acknowledgement to Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker stating he did not believe Sanders’ private Facebook messages – which were altered in the creation of the document – were pertinent to the Boynton criminal case.

That email can be read in its original format in a new tab by clicking on the link below, or readers may scroll down to read the email’s context and questions on this website.
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Questions emailed to GPD Chief Mike Yates

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Chief Yates,
At 9:23 p.m. Friday, July 6 2018, you sent the following text message to Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker –
“Do I have your permission to release the entire Will Sanders Facebook information relative to Mathew Boynton and his relationship to Mathew Boyntons Mother subject to theOpen Records Act? I ask since Boyntons case has not been concluded but I doubt Wills stull has an baring on it. Wanted to ask first (sic all).”
At 9:41 p.m. – 18 minutes later – you posted the following comment on the City of Griffin Police Department Facebook page –
“Mr. Sanders,
The police department and myself have been the subject of numerous unfounded and defamatory accusations by you and others which are without merit nor supporting evidence. I have received permission to release your personal Facebook material related to the Mathew Boynton case from the District Attorney prior to the adjudication of the Boynton criminal matter. Given this fact, as of this coming Monday morning ALL of this material, much of which is related to your relationship with Mathew Boynton’s mother will be made available under the Georgia Open Records Act. Any persons interested in the entire scope of your actions, activities, motives and history will be available upon request. This material will be released in the interest of transparency and context and I am sure that you agree that this is what is important.”
Your statement to Ben Coker establishes you “doubted” Will Holloway Sanders’ private Facebook messages had any bearing on the Matthew Boynton false statement criminal case, and it was upon that position you personally requested permission to release such records pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act prior to the adjudication of that criminal case.
You subsequently fabricated and released a document that falsely identifies Sanders as Boynton’s father.
As the city of Griffin has formally confirmed, Will Holloway Sanders has never been the subject of a criminal investigation by your agency. Ergo, I present the following information with relevant questions highlighted in bold for ease of reference.

Griffin Police Department Standard Operating Procedure

Chapter 1 Agency Role and Authority
1.1.4 CODE OF ETHICS
All sworn officers shall adhere to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. A printed copy shall be dated and signed by each police officer prior to his assignment to any enforcement duties. A copy is placed in the officer’s personnel file in the Chief of Police’s office and another copy given to employee, a copy of the Code of Ethics will remain in the SOP Manual.

Would the fabrication and release of a false document that is unrelated to any criminal case be a violation of the Griffin Police Department Code of Ethics?

CODE OF ETHICS –
AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or violence and never accepting gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of law enforcement. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession…law enforcement.

Would the fabrication and release of this false document that is unrelated to any criminal case be deemed deceptive?
Was the fabrication and release of this false document that is unrelated to any criminal case based on your personal animosity towards Will Holloway Sanders?
If not, upon what professional basis were you acting?

1.2.2 USE OF DISCRETION BY POLICE OFFICERS
In the performance of his duty to serve society, an officer is often called upon to make difficult decisions. He must exercise discretion in situations where his rights and liabilities and those of the Department hinge upon his conduct and judgment. An officer’s decisions are not easily made and occasionally involve a choice which may cause him hardship or discomfort. An officer must be faithful to his oath of office, the principles of professional police service, and the objectives of the Department, and in the discharge of his duty he must not allow personal motives to govern his decisions and conduct.
While the diverse nature of police work give police discretionary powers, officers should employ the doctrine of “fundamental fairness” (is the action fair to all concerned?). Uniformity in application of laws is necessary to gain public support. Application of tolerance in law enforcement is not an effort to destroy or distort the intent of the law; it is designed to strengthen the spirit of the law by making enforcement reasonable. Discretion is limited to departmental policy. Officers shall not make discretionary decisions which exceed prescribed departmental policies.

Did your personal motives govern your decisions and conduct in the fabrication and release of this false document that is unrelated to any criminal case?
Was the fabrication and release of this document “fundamentally fair?”

Chapter 14 Disciplinary Procedures
14.1.6C
Stealing, altering, forging or tampering with any police record, report or citation is prohibited. The removal of any record card, report, letter, document, or other official file from the department, except by process of law or as directed by the Chief of Police or a superior, is prohibited. Additionally, the obtaining or supplicating or attempted obtaining or duplication of any information from department files, sources or reports other than that which in is properly entitled in accordance with one’s duties or assignments is prohibited.

Did the altering of Will Holloway Sanders’ private Facebook messages, which was evidence in a criminal case obtained by a search warrant, for use in this fabricated document violate GPD Standard Operating Procedure 14.1.6C?
Was the forging – or fabrication – of this document a violation of SOP 14.1.6C?

Chapter 26 Criminal Intelligence
26.1.3 Case File Content
Materials stored in the Criminal Investigations Division case files will be restricted to documents of criminal intelligence. Examples of excluded materials are religious, political or sexual information which does not relate to criminal conduct. Associations with individuals which may not be of a criminal nature shall also be excluded.

The fabricated document identifying Will Holloway Sanders as the father of Matthew Boynton was at some time filed in the Boynton false statement criminal case file. However, that document was not created until more than four months after the closure of that criminal case. How did that document represent “criminal intelligence?”
As this document is personal in nature and does not relate to criminal conduct, should it have been excluded from that case file content?
Was its inclusion a violation of SOP 26.1.3?

26.1.6 Information Quality Control
Information to be stored in the case files should undergo a review for compliance with established file input guidelines and Departmental policy prior to being filed.
The quality control requirement will be the responsibility of a carefully selected and specifically designated individual hereafter referred to as the CID intelligence officer.
The CID intelligence officer is responsible for seeing that all information entered into the case file conforms with the Department’s file criteria and has been properly evaluated and classified. Review of file input will assure the Department of the quality of the case files in meeting established guidelines.

Was the placement of this document in the closed Boynton false statement criminal case file approved by the GPD CID intelligence officer?
Does this document conform to all GPD file criteria?
Was it properly evaluated and classified?
Does the presence of this fabricated document in a criminal case file closed months earlier assure the quality of GPD case files and meet established guidelines?
If the answer to any of those questions is no, would that represents violation(s) of SOP 26.1.6?

26.2.4 General Procedures:
ll. B. Limitations to Information Gathering
The Department prohibits the gathering of information, for intelligence purposes, that does not meet established criteria. Specifically, information shall not be gathered or retained purely for the purpose of curiosity or personal interest. Information shall not be gathered merely on the basis of any individual’s religion and/or political affiliations or the fact that the person(s) supports unpopular causes, or merely on the basis of a person’s ethnicity or race.

Upon what GPD established criteria was personal information regarding Will Holloway Sanders gathered, retained and used?
As the personal information in the fabricated document was unrelated to any criminal case, does it constitute a violation of SOP 26.2.4?

Chapter 42 Computers and Related Technology
42.1.4 A. Use of Departmental Personal and Mobile Computers
2. Employees will only use the department’s computers and related technology in the direct performance of their assigned duties unless authorized by their supervisors.

How does the fabrication and release of this document more than four months after the closure of the Boynton criminal case relate to the direct performance of your assigned duties?
Were you authorized to fabricate and release this document by your supervisor, Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith?
If it does not relate to the direct performance of your duties, and if you acted without Smith’s authorization, would your actions constitute a violation of this SOP?

42.1.9 F. Prohibited Activities While Using Computers, Telephones, and Software
1. Employees will not:
g. Disseminate sensitive documents, photographs, electronic data or other information without authorization or legal authority.

Would a fabricated document falsely identifying a private citizen as the father of a former police officer – a document that is unrelated to any criminal matter – not constitute a “sensitive document?”
Were you authorized to release this document by your supervisor, Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith?
If this is a sensitive document and you were not acting under Smith’s authorization, would your actions constitute a violation of this SOP?

OCGA (Official Code of Georgia Annotated) 16-10-1 Violation of oath by public officer
Any public officer who willfully and intentionally violates the terms of his oath as prescribed by law shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

Would the fabrication and release of a false record unrelated to any criminal case constitute a violation of oath by a public officer?
Would violations of multiple provisions of the SOP and state criminal codes constitute a violation of oath by a public officer?

OCGA 16-10-20 False statements and writings, concealment of facts, and fraudulent documents in matters within jurisdiction of state or political subdivisions
A person who knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact; makes a false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation; or makes or uses any false writing or document, knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department to or agency of state government or of the government of any county, city, or other political subdivision of this state shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or both.

Would the fabrication of a document falsely identifying Will Holloway Sanders as the father of former Griffin police officer Matthew Boynton constitute a violation of OCGA 16-10-20 False statements and writings, concealment of facts, and fraudulent documents in matters within jurisdictions of state or political subdivisions?

OCGA 16-10-20.1 Filing false documents
(a) As used in this Code section, the term “document” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form and shall include, but shall not be limited to, liens, encumbrances, documents or title, instruments relating to a security interest in or title to real or personal property, or other records, statements, or representations of fact, law, right, or opinion.
(b) Notwithstanding Code Sections 16-10-20 and 16-10-71, it shall be unlawful for any person to:
(1) Knowingly file, enter, or record any document in a public record or court of this state or of the United States knowing or having reason to know that such document is false or contains a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or
(2) Knowingly alter, conceal, cover up, or create a document and file, enter, or record it in a public record or court of this state or of the United States knowing or having reason to know that such document has been altered or contains a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation.

The GRIP: Would the filing of this false fabricated document in the closed Boynton false statement criminal case file constitute a violation of OCGA 16-10-20.1 Filing false documents?
Yates: Did not respond.

OCGA 16-11-40 Criminal defamation
(a) A person commits the offense of criminal defamation when, without a privilege to do so and with intent to defame another, living or dead, he communicates false matter which tends to blacken the memory of one who is dead or which exposes one who is alive to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, and which tends to provoke a breach of the peace.

The GRIP: Would the fabrication and dissemination of this false document regarding a private citizen, Will Holloway Sanders, constitute a violation of OCGA 16-11-40 Criminal defamation?
Yates: Did not respond.
The GRIP: Did you fabricate and disseminate this false document under the authorization of your supervisor, Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith?
Yates: Did not respond.

Publisher’s note: Although Yates has demanded The GRIP submit all questions in writing, he has not responded to any questions regarding the fabrication, retention and release of this document.
These same questions were later submitted to Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith. Although he also did not respond to these questions, he did agree to a later interview with The GRIP, which will be the subject of the next article in this series that will be published online on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019.

Mugshot courtesy of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

SHEILA A MATHEWS :::

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Don Hawbaker was on Monday evening arrested in Fayette County on a charge of driving under the influence.

Hawbaker was arrested by the Peachtree City Police Department and booked into the Fayette County Jail at approximately 6:30 p.m.

His bond was set at $3,520.

Hawbaker, who represents District 5, began his first term on the Spalding County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 1, 2015. His current term will expire Dec. 31, 2022.

The GRIP will follow this story and report additional information as it becomes available.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Despite changes in the midway attractions, Kiwanis Club of Griffin Fair Manager Ralph Jones said the Spalding County Fair goes on.

Jones said the Kiwanis Club of Griffin, which sponsors the annual Spalding County Fair, was unaware Belle City Amusements would not be providing the midway entertainment.

“Belle City has been coming here for 54 years. We have a contract with them, and we’ve never questioned it. Well, basically, they found a better place to go where they could make more money – Memphis – so they hired another carnival to come here,” Jones explained. “Actually, they showed up a couple of weeks ago and did a walk around the fairgrounds like always. They pointed out where they were going to put their office just like always. No one said anything different.”

He said there were some strange occurrences, but because of the longstanding excellent relationship with Belle City, no one became overly suspicious.

“I guess we should have realized something was wrong when we had another carnival company come to the door a couple of weeks ago and say, ‘We heard you need a carnival,’ but we didn’t put it together. We should have known – that was strange – but we didn’t really know until they started showing up here, and where you’re used to looking down the yard here and seeing a lot of things that say Belle City, nothing said Belle City. We didn’t know until the other carnival showed up.”

Asked if the contract with Belle City Amusements permitted subcontracting, Jones said, “Our contract is pretty primitive. I think basically it pretty much just says that Belle City will provide a midway, and they did that, so you can’t say they really didn’t do what the contract said. I think the thing that’s really bothered most of the Kiwanians is that we’ve been doing business with the same people for 54 years, and you don’t worry about it. We’ll certainly be a little more careful next year, but we have to use what we’ve got this year.”

While different, Jones said the fair midway still has much to offer.

“This carnival is good, but it doesn’t have all the rides we’re used to having, the big rides. We probably have about the same number of rides, but not the big ones the teenagers like. We have the bigger rides, but not as many,” he said. “There are rides here. If you walk down the midway, the kids are happy. I think some of the parents take it and run with it on social media more than the kids do. I think basically the kids are having a good time. You’re going to stand in a little longer line and there aren’t as many rides for the older kids, but they’re having a good time.”

Along with rides, the midway offers games for all ages, including the ever-popular bingo.
Perhaps the most popular fair treat of all – the famous Kiwanian Korn Dawg – is bustling, and other local fair food vendors include the 4H food booth and New Salem Baptist Church.

Families will also enjoy First Bite Fishing where they’ll wet a line for catfish, pig races, musical and dance performances, art and craft exhibits and a chainsaw artist.

One ride mishap did occur Monday evening, but repairs have been made, Jones said.

“It’s a little merry go round type ride with little cars that are attached to a bar. They’re attached by bolts and they go around in a circle. One of the bolts came off, so that car just stopped and the car behind it ran into it and pushed it to the side,” he said. “No one was hurt, and no one thought anything about it to even report it to the police of firefighters who were out there. It’s bad when anything malfunctions, but it’s good that no one was hurt.”

He said the ride was checked and repaired.

“They went down this morning and changed out all the bolts,” Jones said. “As far as I know, everything is ready to go.”

Jones, who has volunteered countless hours planning, organizing and working at the Spalding County Fair for 46 years, encourages the community to continue to support not only the Fair, but the tremendous programs funded by the Kiwanis Club of Griffin.

“All of our projects are geared around kids – Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Key Club. We send kids to the doctor and buy them eyeglasses. We’ve got scholarships and support 4H,” he said. “Everything that we do goes back into the community.”

The Spalding County Fair runs through Saturday, Oct. 12.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The GRIP has learned that Griffin Police Department Chief Mike Yates did have a response to Publisher Sheila Mathews’ Sept. 11 email that included a list of questions regarding whether his actions in fabricating and disseminating a false document had violated GPD policies or state criminal laws.

Although he did not respond directly or answer any of the questions he mandates be submitted in writing, Yates, who received the email Sept. 11, forwarded it 30 minutes later to City Manager Kenny Smith and Chief of Staff/City Staff Attorney Jessica O’Connor, noting his opinion of the inquiry.

“I am not going to entertain answering this foolishness. Just an FYI,” Yates told Smith and O’Connor.

Smith sat down with The GRIP Tuesday, Oct. 1, but did not provide information pertinent to Yates’ actions.

Asked when he became aware of the fabricated document’s existence, Smith said, “I have no idea.”

In response to the question of whether Yates was acting in the performance of his job when the document was fabricated, Smith said, “I don’t know.”

Smith also did not know if the false document in question had any criminal predicate or relation to any crime.

“I don’t know. I’m sorry I’m not being very helpful. I just haven’t delved into all this. You’re catching me cold on all these questions. I haven’t been intimately involved in all this, so I just don’t know,” Smith said.

The issue with which Smith said he was unfamiliar is Chief Yates’ creation and dissemination of a document falsely identifying Will Sanders, an outspoken critic of the chief of police, as the father of former police officer Matthew Boynton.

The city of Griffin released this document to CNN/HLN and The New Yorker magazine, but it was denied to The GRIP.

Although Smith said he was caught cold by The GRIP’s questions, he had received those questions related to this issue Sept. 11, when they were forwarded by Yates.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Read about the legal questions raised by the document created by GPD Chief Yates here:
Document fabricated by GPD Chief Mike Yates raises legal questions
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Mathews also forwarded that original email to Smith on Sep. 23, a week prior to that interview.

While he had known about the fabricated document for weeks, he said there had been no investigation into the matter.

Asked why, Smith said, “I’m not going to take time to…Matthew Boynton’s paternity has nothing to do with me, so I don’t have time to worry about Matthew Boynton, who his mama, daddy, aunt’s, mother’s, brother’s, sister’s child is. I don’t care.”

Mathews responded, “Well, I understand that, but the investigation would not be to determine his paternity, but to determine why the Griffin Police Chief fabricated a document falsely…”

Smith interrupted to say, “I don’t have any information on that,” before interrupting Mathews’ next question to ask, “I really don’t know why we’re spending so much time and effort on all this. Can you answer that question for me…on all this Will Sanders, Boynton – I mean, it’s been going on for years and years.”

Before Mathews could answer, Smith said, “If Will Sanders feels he’s been defamed because of some document, he needs to hire him an attorney and do whatever he needs to do…but I’m spending an inordinate amount of time now discussing Matthew Boynton and Will Sanders and I don’t understand why.”

“Because a document that was fabricated by a police chief was disseminated to CNN and to The New Yorker,” Mathews responded.

“Okay, so what do we need to do about it?” Smith asked.

“Well, that was my question. That is my question,” Mathews said.

Smith then repeated his previous assertion.

“If Will (Sanders) feels like he’s been defamed by that document, then he needs to get him an attorney and do what he’s got to do,” he said.

Mathews responded by saying, “On the civil level, whatever he (Sanders) chooses to do on the civil level, that’s obviously his decision, but as it relates to the email that I sent you last week, there are numerous provisions of the Standard Operating Procedure of the PD, as well as state laws that I believe are…at least raise questions about that document, you know? It’s a document that was created by a government official and it was used in his official capacity as a police chief. It is a false document. It portrays – relates – false information. Would that not constitute a false statement?”

“You’re welcome to go to a Magistrate judge and see if they’ll issue a warrant for that,” Smith said. “I don’t know.”

Asked if he believes anything related to this issue bears a criminal investigation or review, Smith said, “I have not investigated any of that.”

When asked, “Do you believe an investigation is warranted?” Smith replied, “I don’t think so.”

In conclusion, The GRIP asked Smith if he could explain why he does not believe Yates’ actions should be investigated, to which Smith said, “No, ma’am.”

The GRIP wishes to thank The Pike County Times Editor Becky Watts for her assistance in gathering investigative records for this article. Please visit Watts’ work at http://www.pikecountytimes.com.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The recent publication of an article reporting Griffin Police Department Chief Mike Yates, in his official capacity, fabricated and released a false document targeting a private citizen resulted in the removal of The GRIP from all GPD press lists.

Those lists from which Mathews was removed are used to disseminate information ranging from press releases and other general notifications to the GPD daily activity log.

The GRIP Publisher Sheila Mathews discovered she had been removed from those press contact lists, on which she’d been included for more than ten years, when she did not receive a press release issued Sept. 10, the same day the investigative article was published online at the-grip.net.
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The GRIP’s original articles related to Yates’ fabricated document can be read here:
GPD Chief fabricated, released record identifying Will Sanders as Matthew Boynton’s father

Document fabricated by GPD Chief Mike Yates raises legal questions

GPD Chief says questions about his actions are “foolishness”
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Prior to Sept. 10, the most recent press release disseminated by the GPD was emailed to the media Sept. 4, by Public Information Officer Lt. Daniel Jett, after Mathews requested information related to a shooting.

Mathews originally emailed Yates at 4:13 p.m. Sept. 4, asking with whom she could speak to obtain information related to a shooting.

Yates responded at 4:42 stating, “You may e-mail (sic) your questions to me or Lt. Jett and we will determine who is best to answer them, if appropriate.”

A list of questions was submitted ten minutes later, with a request that the information be provided that day.

In response, Yates said, “We will be providing the information you requested this evening. If you require answers or information within a specified time period you should probably not wait until 4:50 in the afternoon to make the request. Additionally, for my own understanding, I do not understand your “Deadline” as, from what I can tell you don’t print anymore and go several days, and apparently weeks without updating your page. Most real media outlets have a deadline cycle we can predict and know when to send them information but in your case we are at a loss. You certainly don’t have to explain this but an understanding might help us better suit your needs. As I said, we will be providing the information you requested soon in spite of the late hour of your request (sic all).”
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Those emails may be read in their entirety here:
Yates’ first response to Dollar General shooting inquiry

Yates’ second response to DG shooting inquiry
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Between Sept. 4 and 10, when Mathews discovered she had been removed from the press lists, The GRIP published no other articles related to the GPD.

Upon learning she was no longer on the GPD press lists, Mathews emailed Chief Yates asking the basis of her removal, but received no response.

With Yates having fully obstructed The GRIP from receiving any information directly from the GPD, Mathews was left with no alternative but to submit formal Open Records requests to the city of Griffin for provision of those records.

After nearly one week of Open Records requests seeking information members of the media had previously received routinely, Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith reached out to Mathews.

“As always, we are glad to provide you with any and all open information requested. Is there any other method that we might provide you daily activity logs or routine information like this that may be more simple and efficient than multiple open records requests?” Smith asked by email.

In response, Mathews detailed a small portion of the history that culminated with Yates’ seemingly-retaliatory act. This email was sent to Smith as well as all seven sitting members of the Griffin Board of Commissioners.

“Unfortunately, the simple and efficient release of routine information from the Griffin Police Department is a thing of the past. When I met with you in May 2018, I outlined in clear and specific detail the great lengths to which GPD Chief Mike Yates had been and was continuing to go to in his efforts to deny me equal access to information, despite a policy in effect at that time stating the Griffin Police Department would “cooperate fully and impartially” with the media. While you acknowledged a problem by referring to it as a ‘pissing contest,’ no changes resulted. Instead, the situation soon further deteriorated significantly with Chief Yates targeting me by seeking to have me arrested for a felony (which will be the subject of a future article in this series),” Mathews wrote, later adding, “Yates’ many retaliatory actions for the past three years have had a chilling effect on my ability to report news – including positive feature articles – pertaining to the Griffin Police Department. Following my recent report of Chief Yates’ fabrication and release of a false document identifying Will Holloway Sanders as the father of former Griffin police officer Matthew Boynton, Yates’ unprofessional and punitive conduct escalated based on his viewpoint discrimination against my reporting.”

Mathews concluded her email to Smith by stating, “So, to return to your original question, it’s all smoke and mirror, sir. Unless you are finally willing to address Chief Yates’ gross misconduct, I can’t think of anything else that may help.”
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Mathews’ email to Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith can be read in its entirety here:
Response to Kenny Smith Open Reocrds email

The GRIP’s original article related to Mathews’ May 2018 meeting with Kenny Smith may be read here:
Media shut out by GPD Chief Yates now subject of IA investigation
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, in the course of ongoing Open Records communications with Smith’s Executive Secretary Teresa Watson, Mathews had learned she had been returned to the GPD press lists.

In a later interview with Smith, Mathews asked if Yates has any accountability for his actions.

Smith said he does, explaining that when he learned of Yates’ actions, he called the chief of police and “made him” return Mathews to the press contact lists.

While Smith was thanked for his assistance in the matter, Mathews expressed skepticism based on numerous revisions Yates made to the GPD Standard Operating Procedure Media Relations/Public Information policy that endows the chief of police with the authority to take the same retaliatory actions against her or any other reporter he so chooses at any time.

When Smith was asked what Mathews should do if she is again removed from the GPD press lists, it was determined Smith should be notified and that he would once again have The GRIP publisher returned to those lists.

Prior to the publication of this article, The GRIP reached out to Chief Yates in writing, as he mandates, asking such questions as what was the specific basis of Mathews’ removal from the GPD press lists; who made that decision; which specific GPD policy did Mathews violate; which specific article had violated that policy; why was Mathews never notified of her removal from those press lists; on what basis was she returned to the lists; is there an appeals procedure for members of the media removed from the press lists; and has the press has been made aware of any appeals guidelines.

Yates did not respond to any of Mathews’ questions.

Sheriff Darrell Dix presents a check for $10,000 to Mike Leathers for the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes. Photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Darrell Dix presents a $3,500 check to, from left, Capt. Frank Clark, Officer D’Marquivius King, of the Griffin Police Department and Deputy Erica Vinson for the Griffin-Spalding County Explorer Post 3507. Photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Darrell Dix presents a $12,700 check to Capt. Frank Clark for the Spalding County Jr. Deputy Program. Photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 4  hosted the second annual Sheriff Darrell Dix Golf Tournament at Sun City Peachtree, with proceeds benefitting the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes, Spalding County Jr. Deputy Program, the Griffin Police Department/Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 3507 and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Santa Sheriff Program.

This year’s tournament included 36 teams with a total of 144 players. The National Anthem was performed by Rebecca Howell, a contestant on last year’s season of “The Voice,” and Pastor Tim Conort, of Union Baptist Church led a prayer before the shotgun start.

“Last year’s tournament netted $22,956.55 and our goal this year was to top that mark. With the help of our tournament sponsors, players, and SCSO employees, the 2019 tournament netted $26,200.00,” Dix said. “Even in the blazing heat, we had a lively group of players that wholeheartedly support our youth outreach, and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. We can’t thank them, our sponsors, tournament contributors, Sun City Peachtree Golf Club, and the whole Spalding County community enough for their continued support. When you read the list of these supporters and businesses and you see them out and about, or visit one of their businesses, please let them know how much they are appreciated. Their efforts better the lives of our local youth through the Jr. Deputy and Explorer Programs, and youth across the state through the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes.”

Tournament sponsors included Aramark, Edge’s Transport, Epic Amusement, Georgia Coach Lines, Johnson Enterprises, Legacy Commissary, Mowing With A Meaning, Ranew’s Outdoor Equipment, Farmers Insurance/Mashburn Agency, Huckaby’s, Noresco, B & P Bonding, Comprehensive Program Services, Digital Ally Inc., Hospital Discount Drugs, Speedway Ford, Virgil L. Brown & Associates, A & B Auto Salvage Inc., Allen Harris Rentals, Geaux Tigers, GTW Enterprises LLC, IC Solutions, Internal Medicine, Ja-Cor International Inc., Knapheide Truck Equipment Company, Norcom Inc., Perdue’s Paint & Body Shop Inc., PetroSouth Inc., Rebecca Bishop-Health Coach, South Central Timber Harvesting, Tammy M. Griner, Attorney At Law PC, Tatum Tree Care, Jordan Mitchell, A-1 Automotive Repair, Amy Dunham/Edward Jones Investments, Anytime Bail Bonding, ATN Inc., Betsill Siding & Roofing, Big Jim’s Wing Shack, Buffalo’s, Cabin Creek Golf Inc., Chapman Slices Inc., Complete Auto Repair Service I, Conner Westbury Funeral Home, Cramer & Peavy Attorneys At Law, Curry’s Collision Center, Dana Safety Supply, Deputy Coroner Betty Honey, Law Office of Donald F. Hawbaker, E Pawn, Eternal Hope Healthcare, Fosters Fire Extinguishers, Freeman Foods Inc., Full Service Inc., Gossett Services, Griffin Daybreak Rotary Club, Griffin Home Care Inc., Hammond Services Inc., JAG Probation, James R. Dutton PC, Janice Stewart, Joseph E. Griggers, Judge Josh W. Thacker, Liberty Technology, Maddox & Harding LLC, Magusiak, Morgan & Brown LLP, Maxi-Lube Inc., Mike’s Service Center & Wrecker Service, Moody-Daniel Funeral Home, National Brake & Muffler, Patrick Shepherd Solicitor General, Pet Cremations of Georgia, Phillips Heating & Air, Rapid Bonding Company, RDY Express LLC Trucking, Rooks, Waltz, Jackson & Esary Inc., Shepherd Law Offices LLC, Southside Safe Lock & Door LLC, Spalding County Baliffs, T & T Uniforms South, The Bass Station, The Oink Joint BBQ, The Sellers Law Firm LLC, The Southern Credit Union, Town & Country Flower Shop, United Bank, Vaughn Tree Service, William & Jackie Wilson, Wynn’s Pharmacy, John Scott, A Reid Turner Attorney At Law, Food Depot S. Hill, Beck, Owen & Murray Attorneys At Law, Loudoun Communications Inc., Southside Steel Inc., Griffith’s Drive-In, Tim’s Chicken Shack, O’Reilley Auto Parts, O’Charley’s, Serendipity, Jenny’s Nails, Minit Car Wash, Margo’s Restaurant, Academy Sports, Red Dog Outfitters, The Pirate Deck, Southern Pit Bar-B-Que, Dry Falls, Sock Shoppe/Kids Shoppe, Louise’s Cafeteria, LongHorn Steakhouse, Sweet Southern Salvage Antiques & Boutique, The Cotton Mill, High Cotton Low Tide, Griffin Dog House, Tractor Supply, Bumper to Bumper, Pasleigh’s Corner Boutique, Franklin & Rosemary, Loyal-Nichole’s Boutique, Home Depot, State Farm/Sheron Wood, NAPA, Claxton Hobbs Pharmacy, Barnstormer’s, Anna’s Attic, DeAndre Smith, The Chicken House, Sun City Peachtree Golf Club, Lowe’s, Rita’s Jewelry Pawn & Gifts and Ed’s Public Safety.

STAFF REPORT :::

An altercation that escalated to gunfire resulted in the arrests of several people on a variety of charges.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the incident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. Oct. 18.

Deputies responded to a report of shots fired at the end of Windsor Drive. Upon arrival, deputies determined that several women were involved in an altercation. After the altercation, one of the women allegedly called family members. Officials say when the family members arrived, shots were exchanged between the family members and others present at the Windsor Drive scene.

Authorities say a woman leaving the scene spotted deputies who were responding and turned around. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but say the woman struck a patrol vehicle, resulting in moderate damage to both vehicles.

Deputies reported that after the collision, the woman’s vehicle continued down the roadway, into a storm ditch and came to a rest on the passenger side.

The Georgia State Patrol has charged Tonya Sanford, the driver, with DUI, reckless driving, driving on a revoked license and improper lane usage.

SCSO investigators have also charged Sanford with party to the crime of aggravated assault.

Brent Groover, a passenger in Sanford’s vehicle, was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Investigators say a firearm was recovered from near the scene of the wreck.

Crystal Hall was charged with battery related to the Windsor Road incident.

Nicholas Dix, who is at-large, is being sought on charges of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Charges of aggravated assault are also pending against Austin Sutton.

Groover, Hall and Sanford are all being held in the Spalding County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

The investigation is ongoing with additional charges possible.

Booking photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Convicted child sex predator Antorio Parker has been sentenced to serve the rest of his life in prison.

According to the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Parker was on Tuesday sentenced by Senior Superior Court Judge Christopher Edwards to serve life plus 40 years in prison for crimes committed against his step-daughter.

Parker’s trial began Sept. 9, 2019, with Assistant District Attorney Kate Lenhard, Assistant District Attorney Donna GoPaul and Assistant District Attorney Ashton Fallin representing the state.

Parker was tried on numerous charges related to multiple sexual acts he perpetrated against his minor step-daughter.

Authorities say she was victimized over the course of a year.

Parker was on Sept. 16 convicted of four counts of child molestation, one count of aggravated sexual battery, incest and statutory rape.

His victim was 11- to 12-years-old during the course of these violent attacks.

“She said it happened multiple times – so many times she couldn’t give a number,” said Senior Assistant District Attorney Marie Broder. “We also charged him for acts against a younger child, but he was acquitted on those charges.”

Lenhard expressed gratitude for the young victim and jury, saying both played a significant role in ensuring Parker will not be able to harm other children.

“Because of the courage of a young girl, a predator will no longer be able to prey on other children,” Lenhard said. “I am extremely grateful for the service of our Spalding County jurors in this case. Justice was served.”

Broder echoed Lenhard’s sentiments, while also acknowledging how difficult this case was.

“We’re always appreciative to jurors who answer the call to serve. Cases like this are always difficult on jurors and we’re aware of that and sensitive to how traumatic it is to listen to these horrible things that happen to children,” Broder said. “We’re so thankful they serve. It’s a constitutional requirement and part of being an American.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Spalding County Commissioner Don Hawbaker – who described the disobedience of traffic laws in Sun City Peachtree as “unbelievable” – has requested to have every street in gated community approved for the use of speed detection devices.

Hawbaker’s request was made during the Oct. 21, Board of Commissioners meeting as officials were discussing a request for approval submitted by Sheriff Darrell Dix that is necessary for continuing use of certain technology.

County Manager William Wilson explained that a list of roadways must be submitted every three years to the Georgia Department of Public Safety outlining the speed limit and other criteria of roads where law enforcement officers may utilize speed detection devices.

During that discussion, Hawbaker asked what is necessary to have streets added to the list.

“The Sheriff’s Department generally recommends any roads to be placed on the list. The Sheriff is here if you’ve got any questions,” Wilson said. “Is there one in particular?”
“Yeah, like, every street within the Sun City community,” Hawbaker replied. “We could balance our budget on the speeding tickets that could be issued to the speeders who exceed the standard 25 miles per hour limit in Sun City alone. I mean the other day, yeah, I admit I was going 30 miles an hour, but I got passed by somebody who was going probably 50 or 60 miles an hour on a two-lane road. And I want those streets on the list and periodic control and observation and limit to…somebody’s gonna get killed out there and I’m just tired of, you know, for 12 years, it’s existed this way. And you know, I love the people that live out there and don’t want to unnecessarily annoy, aggravate or intrude on their lives, but I want them to obey the law, and it’s not being obeyed right now.”

Dix explained the general process for adding streets for Department of Transportation approval, and said merely wanting one included is insufficient.

“Just because there’s a paved road does not mean that it meets the requirements to be on the DoT approved list,” Dix said before adding, “There are guidelines that have to be followed for it…There’s a set of DoT standards that we must meet for them to be on the list.”

“All I request is that that happen, and you know, if there’s anything I can do to assist, I will do so,” said Hawbaker, whose district includes Sun City Peachtree.

Wilson said Del Webb Boulevard – the primary road through the community – may be eligible, but perhaps not the streets within the individual pods.

“That alone – Del Webb Boulevard alone would assist in everything from you know eliminating risks and endangerment to life to really generating speeding ticket funds for the county. Del Webb Boulevard alone is out of hand, and the only thing we can do out there at this point is have Code Enforcement sit there – which the do from time to time – and hand out tickets for people who blow through stop signs, and that happens all the time,” Hawbaker said. “To me, it’s just unbelievable how people think they can, you know, just ignore traffic laws out there, but you know, stop signs are about the only thing we can address at this point, but I’ve been wanting to address the speeding violations that occur out there continuously. Well, anyway, I’ve made my point.”

In a later interview, Dix explained a bit of the process involved in obtaining state approval for the use of speed detection devices.

“Every three years, we have to renew our permit to run radar and speed detection in Spalding County. All law enforcement agencies have to do that, not just us. As part of that, you have to submit a list of streets with very specific guidelines set by the state regarding the overall length of the roadway, visibility, degree of grade of the roadway – it can’t be too steep or too shallow – so, we have to make sure the roads that we’re going to run radar and laser on have to meet those criteria,” Dix said. “Quite often if we have somebody who fights a speeding ticket, their attorney or them, they can do an Open Record request, and get out permit, the officer’s training the list of approved roadways and other information that does play a role in court.”

The GRIP also asked Dix to respond to the premise of balancing the county’s budget with revenue from speeding tickets.

“Writing tickets is not about generating revenue. Writing traffic tickets is about public safety. It’s about making the roadways safer. It’s about cutting down on traffic accidents. It’s about making the roadways safer for people to travel on. It’s not about generating revenue,” he said. “The more tickets we write, out budget doesn’t increase. We don’t get anything out of it except making the roadways safer.”

Publisher’s note: The GRIP reported this story remotely from the live feed of the Oct. 21, 2019, Spalding County Board of Commissioner’s meeting.

Booking photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A Spalding County woman, 28-year-old Sara Brown, has been charged with cruelty to animals and obstruction of a law enforcement officer after allegedly admitting she shot two dogs.

The owner of the dogs, Carrie Kent, on Oct. 19, reported to Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nicholas Gatlin that her dogs were being kept from her.

“Upon arrival, I spoke with Carrie Kent who stated that a woman at 2946 High Falls Road has kept her dogs and won’t give them back. Carrie stated that her two dogs have gotten loose in the past and wind up in her yard,” Gatlin reported.

Gatlin then contacted Brown at that location on High Falls Road.

“I went out to 2496 High Falls Road and met with Sara Brown, who stated she had already killed the two dogs and buried them on her father’s property outside of Spalding County, which occurred approximately Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, or Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019,” Gatlin said. “She (Brown) stated she has had previous incidents of Animal Control being involved due to the dogs coming and attacking her animals. Sara stated that in total, she has lost a goat and a horse due to the two dogs attacking.”

According to Gatlin, Brown said she was told that if the dogs were attacking her animals, she had a right to defend them.

“Sara stated at this point, she started to carry her handgun with her in case they returned to attack her animals,” Gatlin said.

Kent accused Brown of lying about the dogs deaths, so Spalding County Animal Control Officer Richard Carr told Brown she needed to retrieve the dogs’ bodies and return them to her property to prove they are deceased. Arrangements were made for Kent to be notified when Brown retrieved the bodies so they could meet at Brown’s residence.

Meanwhile, approximately two hours after Kent initially reported her dogs were being kept from her, she again called 911 to report the pair had returned to her home with bullet wounds in their heads.

“Upon arrival I seen the black dog, which had a hole bleeding on top of his head, which did look like a bullet hole. I also checked on her whitesh yellow dog, which was also bleeding from his head (sic all),” Gatlin stated. “I advised Carrie to take the dogs to the vet immediatly, and that I would be in route to speak to Sara (Brown) again to find out the truth (sic all).”

Gatlin alleges Brown said she was nervous when they spoke previously, and provided a different version of events.

“She stated on Tuesday the dogs came out to the residence attacking her animals, so she shot them. She stated they came back on Thursday, again trying to attack her animals, so she shot them again,” Gatlin said. “She stated the yellow dog ran off, but the black dog hit the ground. She stated when she approached the area, the black dog was gone.”

Brown was charged with animal cruelty in the shooting of the animals, and obstruction for alleged hindrance of the investigation.

Booking photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Amanda Moore, age 34, has been arrested and charged with simple battery under the Georgia Family Violence Act related to an assault on an elderly woman.

Moore, who was a deputy with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, sustained a gunshot wound to the head in another domestic violence-related incident June 12.

Moore’s 16-year-old daughter was arrested and charged in that attack.

Authorities now say Moore on Wednesday struck an elderly female relative multiple times in the face.

“Charlotte Daniel stated she was cooking chicken, and Amanda Moore became angry because she bought the chicken,” Sgt. Michael Storey reported. “Charlotte Daniel stated she was cooking the chicken for Amanda Moore because Amanda Moore is disabled and unable to cook for herself. Charlotte Daniel stated Amanda Moore didn’t want her to cook it and started hitting her.”

Both Moore and Daniel said they had video of the incident, but Daniel reported that Moore had taken her cell phone and deleted her recording.

“I watched the videos. Amanda Moore’s video shows Amanda Moore approach and strike Charlotte Daniel several times, but did not show Charlotte Daniel strike Amanda Moore,” Storey said.

Moore was taken into custody and transported to the Spalding County Jail.

Booking photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday evening responded to a domestic call with shots fired and a possible barricaded gunman at 512 Terry Drive. An hours-long standoff ensued.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the report was made by a woman who alleged her boyfriend, 50-year-old Stephen Kirby, became intoxicated and violent. She said that when she attempted to leave the residence, he brandished a 9 mm firearm and fired a shot.

She also reported that other weapons were present in the residence and that Kirby had “extensive tactical training.”

“The initial responding deputies attempted to make contact with Kirby but were unsuccessful. We notified our SWAT team, they responded, and the mobile command post was brought to the scene. Criminal Investigators responded and obtained a search warrant for the house,” Dix said. “After more than 2 hours of attempting to make contact with Kirby through PA, phone calls, text messages, and social media, there was no response. At 10:00pm I gave the order for our SWAT team to begin methodically deploying gas rounds into the residence to force Kirby out. At 10:16 p.m. Kirby exited the residence and surrendered to our SWAT team without incident. He was transported to Spalding Regional for examination then to the Spalding County Jail where he is currently being held on charges of aggravated assault and is awaiting a bond hearing.”

Dix said the victim has been offered assistance.

“We spoke to the victim last night and she is shaken but is doing ok. We offered her assistance through our Victim/Witness Program if needed. Our initial responding deputies, Criminal Investigators, and SWAT team, did an outstanding job in controlling, containing, and resolving the situation. This incident had the potential to end tragically but there were a lot of people that were praying for a peaceful outcome and those prayers were answered.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Cpl. Chris Webb, of the Griffin Police Department, has been formally reprimanded for his conduct during a September incident at Griffin High that resulted in the arrest of 34-year-old LaShonda Thomas and her 15-year-old son.

Both mother and son face charges of disorderly conduct in the incident that stemmed from an allegation the juvenile was in violation of the GHS dress code.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Read the original article reporting the arrest of LaShonda Thomas and her son here:
Mother and 15-year-old GHS student face charges of disorderly conduct
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However, LaShonda Thomas immediately refuted Webb’s account of the incident.

The same day as her arrest, she filed a formal complaint against Webb, stating, “(I) arrived at GHS to pick up my child. When I walk in Chris Webb didn’t even give me or my son a chance to talk. He was yelling, being very aggressive, pushing up and talking to my child who is only 15 like a thug on the streets. I was outside when I address my son to be quiet and to come on. I felt very harassed by him. I would like action to be taking towards him (sic all).”

GPD disciplinary records indicate Thomas’s complaint was sustained.

In a written reprimand, Sgt. Joe Hudson wrote in part, “Cpl. Webb on 09/13/2019 at approximately 0730 you had an encounter with a student and his mother. During the encounter, which was recorded on your city issued body camera you became agitated and unprofessional. It is imperative that we always maintain a professional demeanor and not allow emotion (to) cloud our judgment.”

The GRIP’s Open Records request also sought production of Webb’s body worn camera recording, but it was withheld.

City of Griffin Assistant Open Records Officer Teresa Watson stated, “…the case involving LaShanda (sic) Thomas is still pending in the State Court of Spalding County. The case involving her son is still pending also, but in Juvenile Court. Therefore, we are unable to release the requested BWC (body worn camera) video for Cpl. Webb of the incident at this time.”

While the Georgia Open Records Act permits such recordings to be withheld prior to adjudication, it is not required, and the Griffin Police Department has released these videos prior to the conclusion of some criminal cases.

In response, The GRIP reached out to GPD Chief Mike Yates, in writing as he has long demanded, requesting the video be released.

The GRIP Publisher Sheila Mathews referenced an article published on The Pike County Times website this week that quoted Yates as saying, “Most of the time when we get an Open Records Request from the press for these videos, they are really not subject to the Open Records Act because most of the time, those have not been adjudicated. What we do is try to weigh the value of it and a lot of times, if we can send it, we go ahead and send it.”

Mathews also quoted the Pike County Times Editor Becky Watts’ report that stated, “He (Yates) said that an example of this is the McDowell video when there was a big public interest so they sent it out to show that what was being said was not what happened. ‘There are times when I can’t,’ he (Yates) said. ‘But most of the time, we send it whether it’s subject to Open Records or not…We don’t have anything to hide.’”
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Read Becky Clark Watt’s full article on The Pike County Times here:
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/griffinpolicedepartmentpartIII.html#.XbM1hvVKjIU
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“Just as in the McDowell case you referenced in that quote, the arrest of LaShonda Thomas also generated tremendous public interest, as can be attested by the press release your agency posted on the City of Griffin Police Department Facebook page, which garnered (as of today) 228 reactions, 457 comments and 147 shares, numbers that far exceed the average on the page,” Mathews wrote in her request to Yates. “I believe it is in the public interest to release Cpl. Webb’s body camera footage. There was no hesitation to release a body worn camera recording that indicated one officer’s actions were justifiable and well within the proper scope of policy and procedure. If you meant what you said – that you have nothing to hide – Cpl. Webb’s video should likewise be released.”

Mathews also called for transparency with regard to law enforcement interactions with the public, as well as equitable treatment for citizens and law enforcement officers.

“There was no hesitation to release a public statement alleging certain actions on the part of Ms. Thomas and her son. The actions of a law enforcement officer should be just as transparent, particularly when one is found to have violated the agency’s Standard Operating Procedure during this incident,” she said.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Read The GRIP Publisher Sheila Mathews full request to GPD Chief Mike Yates here:
Request for release of Webb BWC recording
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Yates did not respond to The GRIP’s request.

The GRIP will continue to follow this story and will report additional information as it becomes available.

Booking photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Spalding County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday obtained the first human trafficking conviction in the Griffin Judicial Circuit.

District Attorney Ben Coker and Spalding County Assistant District Attorney Morgan Kendrick prosecuted the case against Armed Cortez Clemmons, who was convicted of aggravated child molestation, two counts of child molestation, sodomy, trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, enticing a child for indecent purposes, pimping for persons under 18 and computer pornography.

Superior Court Judge Scott Ballard sentenced Clemmons to life plus 30 years in prison.

The victim took the stand and testified at trial. The defendant was convicted of placing advertisements for the victim, who was 14-years-old at the time and transporting her to different locations to engage in sexual acts with multiple men.

When asked if he can estimate how often this type of crime occurs in the Griffin Judicial Circuit, Coker said, “I don’t have any way of assessing that at this point. I know it occurs in our circuit, but I just don’t have any statistics at this point. I think part of that is because so many people are unwilling to come forward on this type of case because they’re so afraid of not being believed, and there’s the shame and embarrassment associated with it, as well.”

Oftentimes, trafficking victims are viewed as willing participants. Asked if she has seen a shift from that perspective, Senior Assistant District Attorney Marie Broder said, “I think there’s been a push in Georgia to stop human trafficking. Even the governor’s wife plays a role in that now and I appreciate that. This case was investigated by the GBI and I know they’re working very hard to fight human trafficking, so yes, I 100 percent see that tide turning. This 14-year-old little girl can’t make decisions like that. She was totally manipulated by this man. I know it was a matter of multiple weeks.”

She then addressed the victim in this case, who, as a child, was unable to give consent.

“The age of consent in Georgia is 16. This man, I mean, he was 25-years-old, so he was a man. She was a child. I am just so proud of her. This was such a hard case,” Broder said. “I think it’s important for the public to understand that this is something that impacts our community and cities all across Georgia, and the only way to stop it is to send a message like this jury did. They only deliberated for about 30 minutes.”

Kendrick said she is grateful for the jury in this complex case.

“The investigation began in 2016. We didn’t want to overload the jury with too much, but we wanted to make sure they had what they needed. We’re so thankful, too. I’m thankful we were able to present the case in a way so the jury saw what we saw because there was a lot to this case,” Kendrick said. “The feedback from the jury is the reason it took such a short period of time to deliberate is that they had what they needed – they were able to connect the dots – and reach the verdicts on the indictment. The one juror that I talked to basically said thank you for getting this guy off the streets, so that was her feedback.”

Kendrick said this case indicates that human trafficking – a crime some view as one that occurs elsewhere – is happening in this community.

“This is something that’s here. It’s in Griffin. Maybe you’ve heard about it on the news or in the movies or on tv, but it’s here. It’s impacting our children. That’s why this was so important to me,” she stressed. “This is about our children, and it has to stop. The people who are doing this need to be held accountable. People need to know that we will do what it takes to keep our children safe in this community.”

Kendrick encourages parents to maintain close relationships with their children and to be aware of what is going on in their lives.

“I guess really the best advice is to try to be there for your kids. Stay involved and be mindful of who they’re with. A lot of times, parents may know who their child is hanging out with, but not know them, especially if there’s a big age difference,” she said.

The GBI investigation in this case began when the victim’s father noticed a high rate of activity on his daughter’s cell phone.

“In this case, when the father got ahold of her cell phone, he looked at some of these messages and thought, ‘Wow. What is going on here?’” Kendrick said. “If something raises a red flag, look into it. That’s okay. You’re not always being a bad parent if you’re not being their friend. Sometimes you do have to inspect and look into what situations your child may be in. I’m really thankful for the steps the father of the child in this case took. It showed such attentiveness.”

She also expressed gratitude for all who were involved in this challenging case.

“I hope today’s verdict sends a strong message to our community that this behavior will not be tolerated in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. Children deserve to be protected, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure all children are safe from predators. I’m incredibly thankful for the hard work and dedication of our team, especially our victim advocate Denise Miller, investigator John Wright, legal assistant Jessica Smith, and GBI Special Agent Trisha Cannon,” she said. “I would also like to thank District Attorney Coker for his steadfast courage in prosecuting these cases and protecting the children of our Circuit.”

Coker reiterated his office’s determination to defend the defenseless.

“It was a very good verdict in a very hard case. I think the jury verdict and the fact they came back so quickly with the verdict, it really solidified her story. I hope that the fact that not only the GBI and my office believe in here, but 13 jurors did, too, will help her. She was clearly exploited by this individual,” Coker said. “We speak for those that can’t speak. We have to believe in our victims. This kind of behavior is not going to be tolerated. There’s a big legislative push…and for this to be the first trial in our circuit, I think the verdict and the sentence sends a message. At least I hope it does.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Georgia State Patrol-Griffin Post is investigating the death of a ten-year-old boy who was killed Wednesday afternoon when he was struck by a pickup truck on Winona Avenue.

According to Sgt. 1^st Class K.J. Searcy, Damarius Jones Jr. died as a result of injuries he sustained when he was struck by a 2007 GMC Sierra that was being backed out of a driveway.

“The preliminary investigation shows a truck was backing out of a driveway – backing out northbound – and a bicyclist was travelling eastbound, and the truck struck him,” Searcy said.

Jones was transported to the emergency department of WellStar Spalding Regional Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The collision was witnessed by several people who provided statements to authorities.
Randall Moody, the driver of the GMC, is cooperating with the investigation.

Officials have confirmed the young boy was wearing ear buds while riding his bicycle, but it is not known if Moody’s hearing was obstructed by ear buds.

“We’re involved in the investigative process now,” Searcy said.

The GSP Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) is also investigating this incident. Searcy said the SCRT investigative results will be available in approximately six months.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted Operation Relentless, resulting in 20 arrests.

Personnel of the SCSO C.A.G.E. Unit, Fugitive Apprehension Unit and Special Operations Unit worked with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision for this operation, netting arrests of some individuals allegedly connected to local gangs, some of whom had been at-large for weeks, months or even years, officials say.

“The Department of Community Supervision played a vital role in the operation by assisting in the apprehension of these suspects. If the deputies encountered a suspect on felony probation, DCS officers were available to conduct searches, and alcohol and/or drug screens,” said Sheriff Darrell Dix.

At the conclusion of the operation the following 20 subjects were arrested and processed into the Spalding County Jail.

Those arrested include:

Triston Obarr, age 20, who was charged with felony theft by taking and an outstanding warrant by the Zebulon Police Department;

David Stinchcomb, age 29, who was charged with felony violation of probation;

Whitney Gilliam, age 22, who was charged with possession of drug related objects;

Heather Chanlyvong, age 24, who was charged with possession of drug related objects;

Tony Turner, age 24, who was charged with possession of drug related objects;

Aleyah Ramcharan-Lowery, age 25, who was charged with possession of drug related objects;

Joni Finch, age 37, who was charged with misdemeanor violation of probation;

James Evans, age 37, who was charged with misdemeanor violation of probation;

Larry Ballard, age 48, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine;

Jason Wilks, age 27, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime and simple assault;

Robert Felix, age 39, who was charged with who is charged with possession of methamphetamine;

Christopher Parks, age 30, who was charged with pedestrian in the roadway and two counts of obstruction of a law enforcement officer;

Nilon Thompson, age 34, who was charged with two counts of felony violation of probation;

Presley Charlotin, age 23, who was charged with two counts of obstruction of a law enforcement officer;

Edward Farmer, age 38, who was charged with felony violation of probation;

Pharez Daniel, age 33, who was charged with aggravated assault, battery under the Georgia Family Violence Act, criminal trespass, burglary, theft by taking, criminal trespass with damage, interference with a 911 call, simple battery and cruelty to children;

Sherry Alloway, age 32, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects;

Larry Fuller, age 33, who was charged with violation of probation;

Summer Pruett, age 32, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects; and

Louis Few, age 39, who was charged with felony violation of probation.

Booking photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office

STAFF REPORT :::

A Spalding County man is facing a potential sentence of more than 25 years prison and a $1 million fine in connection with charges including trafficking meth.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations and C.A.G.E. units on Wednesday arrested Jackson Jones, of 1185 School Road, after he was allegedly found to be in possession of a kilogram of methamphetamine and $1,650 in currency.

Jones arrest was made during a traffic stop at 19/41 and Mailer Road.

“Jones has an extensive criminal history and has plagued this community for years with his continual disregard of the law and people’s lives. Based on the amount of methamphetamine that Jones had in his possession, he is facing a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison and a one million dollar fine,” said Sheriff Darrell Dix. “Jones is currently being held in the Spalding County Jail and has charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, failure to maintain lane and driving a vehicle with an expired tag. He is being held without bond. The methamphetamine that Jones was found to be in possession of has an estimated street value of approximately $30,000. Over the years Jones has crossed paths with the law on multiple occasions and evidentially hasn’t learned his lesson. We hope that he will have a lot of time on his hands now to think about that.”