The hearing scheduled to be held Tuesday afternoon in Spalding County Magistrate Court to determine if an arrest warrant would be issued against Tommy Scott, a former security guard at Griffin Skate Inn, was cancelled.
“The attorney consulted with his client and they decided to withdraw the warrant application,” said Chief Magistrate Judge Rita Cavanaugh.
She said she explained to the attorney representing Monica Evans, the warrant applicant, that under child abuse protocol, an individual may not obtain an arrest warrant for child abuse.
Cavanaugh went on to explain the basis of Spalding County’s protocol.
“Every county has a child abuse protocol procedure. Our procedure parallels the statewide protocol from the Child Advocacy Center in Atlanta. There are a few things we’ve added to it, but it has the same requirements plus some,” she said. “Under the child abuse protocol, an individual cannot take a warrant on a crime that involves a child victim. Only law enforcement can do that.”
Evans is the mother of a 14-year-old girl identified by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office as “the primary aggressor” in three incidents at Griffin Skate Inn on July 24, filed the arrest warrant application seeking a charge of simple assault against Scott.
“I got a call from my daughter (name redacted) stating that the security guard had slap her to the ground that works at the Griffin Skate Inn. She stated that she hit the phone out of his hands and then he slap her. Witness stated that the person indeed slap her (sic all),” Evans alleged in the application.
The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has charged the 14-year-old with simple assault/simple battery and criminal trespassing.
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Two people, including a Magistrate County official, have been arrested in Meriwether County on charges related to child pornography.
Meriwether County Magistrate Court Deputy Clerk Carol Washington, age 49, was arrested Aug. 12 on one count of sexual exploitation of children (possession of child pornography) and one count of violating her oath of office.
Also arrested Aug. 12 was Trinity Thomas Davidson, age 38, who was charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of a child (possession of child pornography).
Washington and Davidson charged by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit.
Both investigations were initiated after the CEACC received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The information on Washington regarded the possible upload and possession of child pornography by a popular social media application.
The information on Davidson regarded the possible upload of child pornography to a popular online platform.
The separate investigations resulted in the execution of search warrants at the suspects’ respective residences and their subsequent arrests. The Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office assisted the GBI in the searches of the suspects residences.
Washington and Davidson were booked into the Meriwether County Jail.
This investigation is part of the ongoing effort by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, housed within the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, to identify those involved in the child pornography trade. The ICAC Program, created by the U.S. Department of Justice, was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the Internet, the proliferation of child pornography and the heightened online activity by predators searching for unsupervised contact with underage victims.
Anyone with information about other cases of child exploitation is asked to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404.270.8870.
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Booking photo provided by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office
SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
The Griffin Police Department has arrested Griffin resident Juliana Caroline Patel on numerous child sex abuse charges.
Authorities say Patel’s arrest is related to the Aug. 4 arrest of Griffin Fire-Rescue Firefighter Kevin Burkholder.
According to a report filed by GPD Investigator Adam Trammell, the Griffin Police Department was on Monday, Aug. 10 contacted by Jason Newsome, an investigator in the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, who reported Patel’s involvement in a “possible child molestation.”
Patel, age 35, was arrested later that same day and was transported to the Spalding County Jail.
Patel currently faces four charges of aggravated child molestation and four counts of sexual exploitation of children.
Patel remains in custody in the Spalding County Jail.
“She has been before the judge and the judge no bonded her, so there’s no bond. She had her first appearance (hearing) on the 11th of August,” said Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Dwayne Jones.
Burkholder was taken into custody without incident by the Griffin Police Department and transferred into the custody of the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, said Police Chief Mike Yates.
Burkholder has been charged with one count of incest, once count of aggravated child molestation, one count of felony sodomy, one count of child molestation, four counts of sexual exploitation of children.
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You can read about Kevin Burkholder’s arrest here: https://the-grip.net/2020/08/07/griffin-firefighter-arrested-on-multiple-child-sexual-abuse-charges/
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The city of Griffin on Aug. 6 issued a press release announcing Burkholder’s arrest. At that time, it was announced he had been placed on unpaid administrative leave.
Burkholder remains behind bars in the Meriwether County Jail.
Chief Yates encourages anyone who believes they may have information related to this case to contact Trammell at 770.229.6450 or atrammell@cityofgriffin.com.
“We’ve got a lot to do yet. We ain’t done,” Yates said. “All I can tell you is that it is still developing and anybody that we can identify with supporting probable cause in this case, we’re going to light them up like it’s the fourth of July.”
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One man was killed early Friday morning in a wreck on Highway 16 in the area of West Poplar Street.
Sgt. Robert Thompson, of the Georgia State Patrol-Griffin Post said the wreck involved one vehicle.
“The driver was going east on 16 and for some reason, drove off the road, went down the embankment and struck several trees,” Thompson said.
Spalding County Coroner-elect Michael Pryor, who currently serves as deputy coroner under Coroner Sonny Foster, identified the victim as 41-year-old Michael Leon Brown. Brown was the only occupant in the vehicle.
“He is originally from Griffin and he does still have some family here,” Pryor said.
The wreck was reported at 7:42 a.m. and resulted in a brief road closure.
“He was entrapped, so the Spalding County fire Department had to extricate him from the vehicle,” Pryor said. “It was a black Tahoe that he was driving. The witnesses stated that he had been driving at a high rate of speed on Highway 16. He left the roadway and when he did, he struck some trees. I pronounced him dead on the scene.”
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Two Griffin High School students have been administratively disciplined for engaging in a sexual act in online view of other students.
Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCSS) Superintendent Jim Smith described the Tuesday incident as “behavior in violation of the student code of conduct” in an online classroom environment.
In a letter emailed to parents Tuesday evening, GHS Principal Dr. Buford Kellogg said in addition to notifying the involved students’ parents, the incident was also immediately reported to law enforcement.
Griffin Police Department Chief Mike Yates on Wednesday morning confirmed that criminal charges against the students will not be sought at this time.
“One of the students involved in this, accompanied by their parent, came to the police station (GPD) on their own to report the incident. An investigator met with them and the investigator determined that, based upon what he learned, that it would be impossible to prove criminal intent,” Yates said. “The student alleged that they were unaware that the camera on their computer was active when they engaged in the consensual intimate behavior. Both students involved were over the age of consent. At this time the matter has been referred back to the school system to be handled administratively. If new information arises that would indicate criminal activity, with criminal intent, we cannot exclude the possibility of prosecution.”
GSCSS Executive Director of Communications and Partnerships Adam Pugh stressed the importance of discussing with students the expectation of good conduct during virtual instruction.
“My intention is to send to every student in the system a reiteration of what’s expected of them. I want to make sure that students know, and they should know, right? The system sent every student an agenda with the Code of Conduct. Students of every grade level gets these agendas, and the Code of Conduct for a virtual classroom is the same for an in-person classroom,” Pugh said. “Students need to be aware of anything that can be seen around them in the background. Even if it’s not theirs, they’re still responsible for making sure nothing can be seen behind them on their webcam. It can’t be anything that offends anyone – a sign, a poster visible on the wall, a t-shirt – it can’t be anything illegal like a weapon or a substance. It’s the same expectation and they’re still responsible for the same code of conduct.”
Authorities say disciplinary actions regarding infractions during virtual instruction will not differ from those during in-person classes.
“Discipline will be the same. It will not be tolerated. If it’s something illegal, law enforcement will be notified, and their parents will certainly be notified,” Pugh said. “It isn’t fair to the students to be exposed to something that interferes with an effective learning environment.”
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCSS) is investigating a Monday incident in which a Griffin High School teacher was recorded giving an impassioned speech to some students.
In the video, which is being widely shared on social media, the teacher, GHS Athletic Director Dr. Kennedy Holt, is heard telling the students to, “Be a man,” and have respect for others who were logged in to the virtual class. He was later heard apologizing to those to whom the indignant speech did not apply.
GSCSS Executive Director of Communications and Partnerships Adam Pugh said this incident was brought to officials’ attention the day it occurred.
“We were immediately made aware and turned it over to Human Resources,” he said.
Pugh said the video circulating locally does not show the entirety of the incident that purportedly was precipitated by a student behaving disruptively, playing loud music and interfering with the class.
“We want to have a nice, calm, effective learning environment. That’s what we’re striving for – free from distractions,” Pugh said. “We’ve had the third and fourth (days) without incident.”
Pugh did not have specific details regarding the teacher’s current status.
“It’s still being investigated, but appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
An officer of the Griffin Police Department sustained minor injuries in an early Saturday morning wreck that left his patrol car overturned.
GPD Chief Mike Yates said Officer Jessie Piland was responding to a call for service when the wreck occurred on West Taylor Street.
Yates said Piland sustained “no injuries of significance.”
The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the incident.
The GRIP will report additional information as it becomes available.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
The GRIP has learned that certain information reported Saturday morning regarding an on-duty wreck involving Griffin Police Department Officer Jessie Piland was factually incorrect.
In the article “GPD officer sustains minor injuries in early morning wreck,” The GRIP reported the incident was being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol.
Sgt. Robert Thompson, of the Georgia State Patrol-Griffin Post, later informed Publisher Sheila Mathews that the GSP did not investigate Piland’s wreck.
According to Thompson, the GPD did initially request the GSP investigate the incident, but upon learning the response time would have been approximately one hour, the GPD request for a trooper to respond to the wreck was cancelled.
The information originally citing the GSP investigation was obtained from GPD Chief Mike Yates.
Since speaking with Thompson, The GRIP has emailed Yates three times requesting corrected information regarding which law enforcement agency investigated Piland’s wreck – first at 12:56 p.m., again at 6:03 p.m. and finally at 7:38 p.m.
Chief Yates did not respond to any of those emails.
The GRIP apologizes for this error and will continue to seek the correct information regarding this incident.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
Griffin Police Department Chief Mike Yates on Sunday clarified a miscommunication regarding an on-duty wreck involving Griffin Police Department Officer Jessie Piland, stating he intends to request the Georgia State Patrol investigate the incident.
Yates originally stated Saturday morning that the Georgia State Patrol is investigating the incident.
Sgt. Robert Thompson, of the GSP-Griffin Post, later said the state agency is not investigating the wreck.
Thompson said the GSP did initially put in a call for a trooper to respond, but when it was learned the response time would be approximately one hour, the request was cancelled.
“I just figured they were working on it. I didn’t realize there was a monkey in the wrench,” Yates said. “I just assumed they were working it because they work all our wrecks.”
He said he still intends to request the GSP investigate the incident.
“I’m going to have the SCRT Team (GSP Specialized Collision and Reconstruction Team) come out and download the command module, so they are investigating, or they will be, however you want to put it,” Yates said. “I’ve never had them turn us down, so I don’t imagine they will, but I won’t be able to get in touch with them until tomorrow.”
Yates further explained he did not respond to earlier emails from The GRIP seeking clarity on this point because those emails did not sync to his phone until after 3 a.m. Sunday. He did send two emails at that time prior to calling Publisher Sheila Mathews several hours later.
Piland was responding to a call for assistance when the wreck that left his patrol car overturned occurred on West Taylor Street.
Piland sustained what Yates described as “no injuries of significance.”
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A Pike County boy was seriously injured when he was struck by a vehicle Monday afternoon.
According to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, the boy was attempting to cross Highway 18 near Brazier Road when he was struck.
The victim was transported by air ambulance to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta for treatment.
The incident remains under investigation by the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
The PCSO asks community members to keep all involved parties in their thoughts and prayers.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
Developers are seeking rezoning of the property located at 670 S. Hill St., known locally as Camelia Hill. If the city staff recommendation is approved, 12 homes would be constructed on the 4.296-acre lot. Photo credit: Sheila Mathews
SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
Griffin officials and at least one resident have proposed compromises with developers seeking a rezoning request that would permit the construction of 15 houses on an approximately four-acre lot on South Hill Street.
If approved, the request would see the property at 670 S. Hill St. – known locally as Camellia Hill – rezoned from low density residential (LDR) to medium density residential (MDR).
Under the current zoning, the developers, Lance Toland Sr. and his son, Lance Toland Jr., would be permitted to build eight homes on half-acre lots on the 4.296 property. Under their proposal, they would construct 15 residences on quarter-acre lots with a cul-de-sac for ingress and egress.
Griffin Development Services Department Director Chad Jacobs at the Aug. 17 meeting of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board presented the city staff recommendation that would grant conditional rezoning approval.
Rather than the proposed 15 homes, the developers would be permitted to construct 12 residences – four each at 1,800, 2,050 and 2,200-square-feet.
The additional conditions applicable to the rezoning approval would include certain property development and construction design requirements, stormwater retention and landscaping requirements that must meet city staff approval.
Planning and Zoning Board members voted unanimously to deny the rezoning request, and it will on Tuesday, Aug. 25 be presented to the Griffin Board of Commissioners.
According to City Manager Kenny Smith, despite the Planning and Zoning Board denial, city staff will still recommend commissioners approve the rezoning.
“The Planning and Zoning Board can and does make a recommendation to the commission, but that doesn’t change the staff recommendation,” Smith said.
When asked if he supports the proposed Camellia Hill development, Smith said, “Well, I’m not necessarily supporting the project. I’m looking out for what’s best for the city. It’s not about whether or not I support the development.”
Smith went on to say that what is best for the city of Griffin includes “balancing a property owner’s rights to develop his own property and what’s in the best interest of the city and the neighborhood in which the rezoning is to take place.”
The city of Griffin cannot “unduly deprive” a property owner from developing his property unless it can be shown the development would not be in the “best interest of the city.”
Asked if he views as a compromise the staff recommendation of conditional approval to build 12 homes, Smith said, “Under the circumstances, I do. Yes.”
He described as a “telling factor” the fact that under MDR zoning, the minimum lot size is one-quarter acre.
“A large, large number of the current lot sizes over there are one-fourth to one-third acre, so this development of one-fourth acre is not unusual for that neighborhood at all,” he said. “In fact, there is a cul-de-sac development just adjacent to this property that has dwellings in that cul-de-sac that are on one-fourth to one-third of an acre. So, what we’re trying to balance is allowing a property owner to develop in line with what’s already there. That’s just an example of the things that we have to look at to build our case about what’s reasonable and what’s not reasonable.”
The quality of the homes and other factors such as the cul-de-sac are other factors city officials cite in the effort to compromise with the Tolands.
“Current zoning would allow eight houses with eight separate driveways. The idea of one cul-de-sac street is certainly more attractive than eight separate driveways off that street,” he said. “Again, keep in mind that staff recommendations come with conditions.”
Existing zoning would permit the construction of eight 1,800-square-foot homes without the conditions the city is proposing regarding the type of structure, layout and building materials.
“Another condition was the vegetation buffer – that type of stuff where currently, someone could just go in there and clear cut it,” Smith said. So, we always try to put conditions in there if the developer is willing to work with us. That’s part of the balancing act.”
Smith contends that if permitted to build only eight homes, the property owners would have to construct “a lesser-quality home” to make a profit.
“That’s what the city is trying to avoid. The city doesn’t want lesser quality. The city wants higher quality. The city would rather have 12 higher quality homes rather than eight builder’s grade with eight driveways and clear cut,” Smith said. “We feel like that’s a proper balance. We couldn’t go with 15, but again, we’re trying to balance. What we feel is best is 12 higher quality homes on a cul-de-sac rather than eight individual driveway homes, but that’s just our opinion.”
However, based on public statements made by Lance Toland Jr. and Griffin resident Kenneth Moore, it is uncertain if a compromise is likely.
In addressing the Planning and Zoning Board, Toland Jr. said the planned development would be comprised of homes that would be priced from the mid-$300s to low-$400s.
“The style is a craftsman bungalow which is consistent with the neighborhood and consistent with the square footage of the houses in the neighborhood,” he said, later adding, “It will be maintained by an HOA (home owner’s association).”
Planning and Zoning Board member Joanne Todd asked why the proposal called for 15 homes.
“The project is feasible at that number,” said Toland Jr. “I looked at putting, say, 30 units on there, but I chose to go with a medium density project, and 15 is the sweet spot where everyone lands. We believe it will be an improvement for the neighborhood and spur new quality development for Griffin.”
Board member Rebekah Betsill-Twilley later asked, “If you can’t build 15 houses and you can’t build 12, do you still intend to build eight?” Toland Jr. replied, “Probably not. Those numbers don’t work at eight.”
Kenneth Moore, a lifelong Griffin resident and architect who has served on the Griffin Historic Preservation Commission and as a past board member of the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society, later addressed the board to express his opposition to the rezoning request.
“As much as I love Camellia Hill and would love to see that preserved, he has a right to his property. He purchased it and if he wants to tear it down, as much as I’d hate that, he has a right to do it,” Moore said before addressing several points of contention involving the Unified Development Code.
Moore contended, “The intent of the medium density residential is to serve as a transition between low density residential and high density residential. There’s no high density anywhere in the area, so this would be spot zoning.” He also contended that reaching a compromise with developers did not appear a viable option.
“The developer has intentionally chosen not to mitigate any of the numerous negative impacts to the surrounding properties or neighborhood. I personally contacted Mr. Toland Sr., not Junior, yesterday to discuss this proposal and offered up a solution. As being an architect, I like to solve problems. I saw the great divide between the two; I was looking for a solution that everybody could be in agreement with,” Moore said. “I actually came up with a solution – I’m willing to share it if y’all are ever interested – I came up with a solution which I believe has the support of city staff and key persons of the neighborhood. Upon meeting with Mr. Toland this morning, I was told that any option to provide less than 15 houses on the four-acre lot was not an economically viable solution to him. I was told on multiple occasions that he is in this just for the money, even referring to the Milner development as horse expletive. It is obvious that he has no interest in mitigating any negative aspects that his project creates. He’s only in it for the money and what he can get out of it with no attention for how the community feels.”
The GRIP sought comment from Toland Jr., but he initially declined stating, “We want to keep it under wraps for now.” A third party later contacted Publisher Sheila Mathews, stating Toland Jr. was willing to be interviewed.
When Mathews reached out to Toland Jr., he first said, “Sure. I’m willing to be totally transparent with these myopic people in Griffin.”
Ultimately, however, Toland Jr. opted not to grant an interview.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred at approximately 4 a.m. Monday at the Quality Inn located on North Expressway.
According to Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the SCSO Criminal Investigation Division is currently questioning one man suspected of being involved in the incident.
“We had a shooting up there earlier this morning. We have one person who is deceased. We have a person of interest in custody right now,” Dix said.
The names of the victim and the person of interest are not yet being released, but Dix did say it appears the incident involved two males.
The GRIP will follow this developing story and report additional information as it becomes available.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
Kevin Burkholder and Juliana Patel facing numerous additional charges
Booking photo provided by the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office
Booking photo provided by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office
SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
Kevin Burkholder, a Griffin-Fire Rescue firefighter arrested Aug. 4 on multiple child sex abuse charges, has been terminated.
Burkholder is also now facing numerous additional criminal charges, as is Juliana Patel, a Griffin woman implicated in this case.
Upon learning a warrant had been issued for Burkholder’s arrest, he was transported to the Griffin Police Department by Griffin Fire-Rescue Chief John Hamilton and Capt. Brandon Gates. Burkholder was held at the GPD until custody was transferred to the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office.
City of Griffin officials immediately began the processes outlined in the city charter required to take administrative actions, including an internal investigation conducted by Hamilton and Gates.
“He was on administrative leave from about 4 o’clock (Aug. 4) until the next morning. The very next day (Aug. 5), we were putting him on unpaid administrative leave and then on Friday (Aug. 7), that’s when we made the decision to terminate,” Hamilton explained. “So, Tuesday, they took him into custody, and Wednesday I had discussions with Meriwether County. Multiple times. They came down Thursday looking for some information and to talk with me and Capt. (Brandon) Gates. Information we gathered that day plus information we received from the (Griffin) PD that Friday, we thought it best that we sever that relationship.”
Burkholder did not appeal his termination, which has since been finalized.
“It is policy. It could have taken weeks. It was my decision. It was the information I was privileged to from that Tuesday up through that Thursday evening. I went to (Deputy City Manager) Ms. O’Connor and (City Manager) Mr. Smith and even (GPD) Chief Yates was involved. I told them it was my decision we needed to sever that relationship and they agreed. Over the next few hours, I got that information to Mr. Smith and the paperwork was processed. It would have been sooner, but that had been a rough week. We’d all been through a lot and we just couldn’t get it done that day, but we did get it done the next Monday. We’re still trying to recover,” Hamilton said. “For both parties involved, that was what we thought needed to happen. Based on the charges and his ability to work with us – the public trust part is gone – and he wouldn’t be able to work with us. We take the public trust seriously. We think very highly of it and if we’re ever confronted with an issue, we try to deal with it immediately. Fortunately, they’re few and far between.”
When asked if any of the charges Burkholder faces are alleged to have occurred while he was on duty as a firefighter, Hamilton said, “Not as far as we know. We haven’t been given any information at this time to believe that.”
Hamilton said the charges are an affront to the fire service and what it represents in the community.
“Our character goes a long way. The actions, the things he’s been charged with, go completely against our character in the fire service. We need that trust because people have to be able to trust us to help,” he said.
Burkholder was initially charged with one count each of incest, aggravated child molestation, sodomy and child molestation along with two counts of sexual exploitation of children and four counts of unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance.
He has since been charged with an additional 12 charges of sexual exploitation of children and one additional charge of unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance for a total of 23 charges.
Juliana Caroline Patel, a Griffin woman arrested Aug. 10 in connection to the Burkholder case, was originally charged with four counts of aggravated child molestation and four counts of sexual exploitation of children.
Patel has now been charged with one additional count of aggravated child molestation, one additional count of sexual exploitation of children and two counts of use of a device to film underneath or through clothing for a total of 12 counts.
Burkholder is being held without bond in the Meriwether County Jail and Patel is being held without bond in the Spalding County Jail.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
Three people are in custody, charged in connection with the Monday morning murder of 52-year-old Anthony Reid who was shot at the Quality Inn located at 2014 North Expressway.
The shooting was reported to the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 3:30 a.m. and responding deputies located Reid on the floor of Room 204.
Reid had sustained two gunshot wounds.
WellStar Spalding Regional Emergency Medical Services transported Reid to the Spalding Regional emergency room where he succumbed to his injuries.
Deputies secured the scene pending the arrival of crime scene and other investigators.
“Shortly after EMS departed with Mr. Reid, my Investigators were notified that he had succumbed to his wounds. Spalding County Deputy Coroner Michael Pryor responded to the Hospital and met with my investigators after pronouncing Mr. Reid,” said Sheriff Darrell Dix.
Search warrants were obtained for the room where the crime occurred and additional rooms associated with the alleged shooter, now identified as 28-year-old Joshua Ray Fuller.
The SCSO SWAT Team conducted the entries to locate Fuller. While searching, agents also located a weapon investigators believe was used in the shooting.
Authorities say Fuller was found hiding in a nearby room.
“This investigation covered a large physical area and required multiple interviews with witnesses and others in order to piece together the chain of events that led up to the murder of Anthony Reid. We found that there were others involved in assisting Fuller after the shooting by attempting to aid him in hiding evidence of the crime. Those people were also arrested and charged,” Dix said. “From the look of the crime scene and the evidence we gathered, it appears that when he was surprised and attacked by Fuller, Mr. Reid had no other choice, did all he could do, and fought for his life in order to defend himself before being shot.”
Fuller, of 6654 Lamar Hutcheson Parkway, Riverdale, has been charged with murder, felony murder, malice murder, three counts of aggravated assault, three counts of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Also arrested were Kristen Elaine Fuller, age 26, of 2014 North Expressway Room 231, and Troy Edgar, age 48, of 828 E. McIntosh Road. Fuller and Edgar are both charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive and tampering with evidence.
All three suspects are being held in the Spalding County Jail while awaiting their first appearance hearing before a Magistrate Court judge.
“Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Investigators met with Mr. Reid’s family today at their residence and talked to them about the chain of events, the arrests, and the investigation up to this point,” Dix said. “They are a strong family going through a very tough time right now in dealing with this tragedy. Please keep them in your prayers.”
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
Booking photo provided by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.
SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
The Griffin Police Department has arrested 19-year-old Isaac Burks on charges related to a Saturday night shooting.
Officers of the GPD Uniform Patrol Division at 7:12 p.m. reported hearing approximately ten to 12 gunshots in the vicinity of Lynn Street. After speaking to several people, officers located a vehicle that had been struck by gunfire.
The vehicle, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, was located at 100 Lynn Lane.
Lt. Daniel Jett said the vehicle was struck twice near the roof. No other damage was attributed to the gunfire.
The GPD Criminal Investigation Division assumed responsibility for the investigation and within a few days had conducted a series of interviews related to the incident.
Burks was on Sept. 1 identified as the alleged suspect.
Investigators obtained warrants for Burks’ arrest and to search his residence.
With the assistance of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, a search of Burks’ 115 Marble Court residence was conducted.
Authorities say the search resulted in the seizure of a firearm previously reported stolen.
Burks was taken into custody and transported to the Spalding County Jail where he is being held on charges of reckless conduct, first degree criminal damage to property and theft by receiving a stolen firearm.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
A Griffin man, Steven Mash, is in custody charged with kidnapping his ex-girlfriend.
The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the incident by Sandra Duffey, the alleged victim’s mother, who became concerned when she was unable to contact her daughter, Melisa Boes.
Deputy C.S. Piper responded to 78 Edwards St., after Duffey reported she had received information that Boes may have been kidnapped by Mash.
According to Duffey, Boes had been attempting to “get away” from Mash and was staying with Richard Goolsby and Jaqueline Sneed at the Edwards Street residence at the time of her alleged abduction.
“Goolsby reported that he believes that Boes was taken against her will due to Boes telling Mash that she didn’t want to go with him as he pushed her into a silver Mitsubishi Eclipse that Mash drove to the location,” Piper reported.
While awaiting the arrival of Criminal Investigation Division investigators, Goolsby reported he had security cameras attached to his residence and that the incident was recorded on his DVR.
In that recording, time at date stamped 1:34 a.m. Sept. 11, Mash is seen walking up the driveway towards the residence and walking around the residence as if he is looking for a way inside the residence, Piper stated.
“Mash begins looking into windows and walking around the residence as if he is waiting on something or someone. At 0159 hours, Boles (sic) is seen coming outside from the rear of the residence,” Piper said. “Over the course of the video you can see Mash punch Boes several times, strike her with a chain which was seen wrapped around his neck and grabs Boes by the hair and drags her in the direction of his car.”
The case was turned over to CID investigators upon their arrival.
A possible location for Mash was obtained and was checked by Investigator Massengale and Sgt. Fuller, who located the silver Mitsubishi Eclipse at the residence at 104 Newton Circle.
Piper moved to the Newton Circle residence, where he established a perimeter around the house.
While awaiting the arrival of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, Mash exited the back door and was taken into custody without further incident.
Mash was transported to the Spalding County Jail where he remains in custody on a charge of kidnapping.
At the time of this incident, Mash was on bond for a prior June 2020 incident. As a condition of that bond, Mash had been ordered to stay away from Boes.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
Booking photo provided by the Spalding County Jail.
SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
Brianna Haldeman, age 20, of 125 Magnolia Drive, has been arrested and charged with aggravated child molestation and statutory rape related to alleged ongoing sexual contact with a 14-year-old boy.
Officials say Haldeman also claims she is pregnant as a result of the alleged crimes.
Haldeman’s was arrested after a report was made by a family member to the Griffin Police Department.
Authorities say the family member reported she had located sexually explicit text messages in the 14-year-old boy’s phone.
“(The family member) advised she confronted Brianna Haldeman about the text messages and she (Haldeman) admitted to being involved with (the minor boy),” reported GPD Officer Anadia Ruiz.
The family member also reported she had recorded her conversation with Haldeman.
The relative stated she wanted to report the “relationship” because she knew the minor boy would not speak about it with law enforcement.
“In some of the text messages Brianna Haldeman advised she was pregnant, and she would get rid of the baby if (the minor child) did not want her to have the baby,” Ruiz reported. “(The minor child) advised he wanted her to keep the baby they conceived together.”
Haldeman is being held without bond in the Spalding County Jail.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a bank robbery that occurred Friday afternoon at the First Bank of Pike in Concord.
Investigators say the suspect entered the bank and presented a note to the teller demanding money.
The note inferred the bank robber possessed a weapon and would use it.
The suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The PCSO Criminal Investigation Division is working this case and did collect evidence at the scene.
Anyone with information related to this bank robbery is asked to contact PCSO investigators at 770.567.8431.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
Officers of the Griffin Police Department oversee the removal of a vehicle from Griffin Crossings Apartments, the scene of a Saturday afternoon shooting.
Photo submitted by a reader of The GRIP
SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
One person has been wounded in a shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Griffin Crossings Apartments located at 1597 W. McIntosh Road.
GPD Chief Mike Yates confirmed to The GRIP that one shooting victim has been transported for medical treatment.
Yates also confirmed the suspect in the shooting remains at-large.
The GRIP will continue to follow this developing story and report additional information as it becomes available.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
Officers of the Griffin Police Department oversee the removal of a vehicle from Griffin Crossings Apartments, the scene of a Saturday afternoon shooting.
Photo submitted by a reader of The GRIP
SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
The Griffin Police Department investigation of a Saturday afternoon shooting in the Griffin Crossings Apartment complex remains ongoing.
Authorities responded to the complex entrance at approximately 2:27 p.m. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Personnel of Griffin Fire-Rescue and WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services also responded to the scene.
GPD Chief Mike Yates has confirmed the suspect remains at-large.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call 770.229.9911.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP. The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it. While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support. Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623 All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift. Thank you!
