SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A sixth woman has filed a federal lawsuit against David Gibson, formerly the captain of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division, Spalding County Sheriff Wendell Beam and Spalding County. Gibson and Beam are being sued in their individual and official capacities.

This sixth lawsuit marks the first filed by a civilian, identified in court records as Susan Amanda Bohannon. The first five were filed by current or former Sheriff’s Office employees, Misty Parker-Piper, Kimberly Barnett, Jessica Kelley, Melanie Bowen and Karen Law.

In her lawsuit, Bohannon alleges Gibson used his position at the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office and authority of his office to engage in “a pattern and practice of sexually harassing” his female subordinates and citizens to include threatening them when they rejected his sexual advances, and included multiple examples of her complaints against the former law enforcement officer.

“Gibson subjected Plaintiff to repeated unwanted sexual advances, comments and touchings. When Plaintiff rejected these advances, Gibson retaliated by, among other things, threatening her freedom and physical safety. Prior to several of the unlawful encounters,” the lawsuit alleges.

According to the legal filing, the lawsuit is being brought based on equal protection claims under the Fourth and Fourteenth amendments to the United States Constitution, and Bohannon is seeking both declaratory and injunctive relief, damages and attorneys’ fees and costs.

Bohannan’s lawsuit goes on to cite specific incidents in which she alleges sexual misconduct from 2008 until Gibson’s 2015 arrest.

“First, Gibson stopped the car in which Bohannon was a passenger. After Gibson placed handcuffs on Bohannon, he stated that he could take them off if she met him at a nearby paint and body shop at 9 p.m. Trying to avoid an unlawful detention, Bohannon agreed and then did not appear. At 10 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies showed up at the residence she was visiting,” the lawsuit claims.

It also details two incidents the plaintiff alleges occurred at a local bar where Gibson worked as a bouncer. In one, Bohannon claims Gibson made sexual contact with her “despite her repeated efforts to avoid such contact.” In the second, she alleges Gibson instructed her to enter his car.

“When she resisted, he threatened her. As she approached the squad car, he was masturbating. When he insisted that she touch his genitalia, she tried to avoid contact by alerting him that people would see them. At that point, Gibson physically threatened her and reminded her of her children’s legal troubles in an effort to threaten their freedom,” the lawsuit reads.

Other specific allegations include Gibson entering Bohannon’s home without her consent and without a warrant, and watching her engage in sexual intercourse; improper traffic stops; multiple threats to “fu*k her up;” detaining her as she walked down the street, pulling her behind bushes and demanding sexual contact; and the threat he could “lock her back up” if she refused his demands.

Bohannon alleges Beam violated her Constitutional rights by “failing to take reasonable preventative or corrective measures with respect to the unlawful conduct” despite having prior knowledge of complaints made against Gibson.

The lawsuit does not specify a monetary amount of damages being sought, but rather requests a declaratory judgment that Gibson and Beam violated Bohannon’s rights under the Equal Protection Clause and the Fourth Amendment; an injunction prohibiting the defendants from engaging in such unlawful conduct in the future; and compensatory damages for plaintiff’s “emotional distress, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and special damages;” and punitive damages against Gibson and Beam in their individual capacities in an amount sufficient to punish them for their conduct towards the plaintiff and to deter them from similar conduct in the future.

STAFF REPORT :::

According to Spalding County Sheriff Wendell Beam, two individuals have been arrested on narcotics charges following a traffic stop.

Jose Antonio Escobar-Bravo, age 37, of 4233 Tilly Mill Road. Atlanta, and Veronica Hernandez Garcia, age 33, of 210 Winter Park Drive, Doraville, were arrested June 22, by members of the SCSO Special Operations Unit.

The arrests resulted from a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Escobar-Bravo.

Consequent to the traffic stop, narcotics agents seized two kilograms (4.5 pounds) of methamphetamine with a street value estimated at $30,000 and $514 in United States currency.

Escobar-Bravo and Garcia have both been charged with possession of methamphetamine and trafficking methamphetamine. Escobar-Bravo was also charged with improper lane change.

Both subjects are being held in the Spalding County Jail.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and the Griffin Police Department’s C.A.G.E. Unit recently executed a search warrant at 1330 Ellis Road, that resulted in the seizure of drugs and weapons.

The drugs seized included 10 ounces of marijuana, a large quantity of Xanax pills and powder cocaine.

Three handguns and two semiautomatic rifles were also seized.

Two individuals were arrested in the operation.

Jasmine Shantila Stinson, age 25, and William Tyler Stinson Jr., age 26, both of 1330 Ellis Road, faces charges of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime; possession of marijuana; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of a Schedule IV narcotic; possession of a Schedule IV narcotic drug (alprazolam) with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine; and possession of drug-related objects.

Jasmine Shantila Stinson and William Tyler Stinson are being held without bond in the Spalding County Jail.

STAFF  REPORT ::
Griffin City Manager Kenny Smith, in keeping with the recommendation of Police Chief Mike Yates, has terminated Bryan Jones and Stacy Beckom, both formerly master patrol officers with the Griffin Police Department.

A press released issued by the city stated, “The city of Griffin takes pride in its reputation for providing a professional standard of public service to the community. Recently, a severe lapse of judgment by two members of the Griffin Police Department discredited and undermined the efforts of those employees, past and present, responsible for building and maintaining that reputation. As a result of their actions, these two individuals have been terminated. Although it is the policy of the city to refrain from commenting publicly on personnel matters, the social significance of this matter, and the need to safeguard public confidence in the city and its Police Department during this critical time, clearly warrant an exception.”

The release continued: I wish to emphasize that this decision was not lightly made. As City Manager and a career public servant, I fully support our Police Department and the men and women, both sworn and unsworn, who comprise it, and I can say with great confidence that the same is true of the City Commissioners. It is a difficult time for law enforcement officers in Griffin and throughout the country, the great majority of whom are dedicated public servants who selflessly place their own personal safety at risk for the benefit of others, yet face public vilification and disparagement for the abuses committed by a select few. These officers are hardly immune from the heightened emotions currently being experienced on all sides of the debate. As such, it was important that this matter be thoroughly investigated and that the employees in question be given a full and fair opportunity to explain their actions before a decision regarding their employment was made. After careful consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances, termination was deemed necessary and appropriate, not only because of the severity of the misconduct, but also because of the importance of assuring our community that the city of Griffin and the Griffin Police Department do not and will not condone or tolerate this type of unprofessional, offensive, and inflammatory behavior.
Every employee of the city of Griffin is an ambassador for the city. As public servants, it is of paramount importance for all employees of the city – especially the men and women of the Police Department – to use their best judgment at all times. Not all lapses in judgment warrant severe disciplinary action, but as City Manager, there are certain actions that I simply cannot and will not tolerate. Actions that convey a lack of regard for the lives, safety and well-being of others – particularly by those who are duty-bound to protect others – are a prime example. No member of this community should ever have any reason to doubt their security and safety in their dealings with any city employee – most especially members of the Griffin Police Department.  The actions of these former employees do not reflect the views, policies, and character of the City of Griffin or the Griffin Police Department.  It is absolutely critical that our community share my confidence in this, and the continued employment of these two individuals simply would not facilitate this goal.

I am committed to maintaining the high level of professionalism among our city workforce, and am proud to be associated with such a dedicated and passionate group of employees and elected officials who share this commitment.  I am also proud to serve a community that I firmly believe is focused on unity, harmony and respect.  We will not let these recent events define us.  Rather, we will learn from them and redouble our efforts to demonstrate our commitment to protecting and serving the Griffin community in its entirety.

STAFF REPORT :::

According to Sheriff Wendell Beam, the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the parental abduction of a four-year-old white female.

Miley Marie Cambron was taken without permission from a location on County Line Road in Spalding County at approximately 1 a.m. Sunday. Authorities say her father, Matthew Cambron, a 30-year-old white male with blonde/brown hair, 5 fee eight inches tall and weighing 140 pounds, is being sought in this incident.

Matthew and Miley were last seen on County Line Road walking in a westerly direction towards 19/41.

Miley was last seen wearing a white laced shirt with black and white Capri pants and no shoes.

The photograph shown was taken July 31, 2016, showing her wearing the same clothes.

Matthew does not have custody of the child due to a drug history, and he is facing felony charges.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Matthew or Miley are asked to contact the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-467-4282, or 911.

Matthew has made suicidal threats in the past and has had numerous addresses from Monroe, Henry, Dekalb, Spalding and Lamar counties.

Matthew could possibly be driving or riding in a black in color KIA 4 door passenger vehicle. No other description or tag information is available at this time.

STAFF REPORT :::

According to Spalding County Sheriff Wendell Beam, Miley Cambron, the four-year-old Spalding County girl reported missing after she was allegedly abducted by her father, Matthew Cambron, has been located safe and unharmed.

Matthew Cambron was also apprehended and is currently being held in the Spalding County Jail.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has expressed appreciation to all who assisted in this investigation by calling in tips and sharing information on social media.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 31-year-old Steven Keith Spires, who was being sought on charges of interference with custody, child molestation, aggravated child molestation, statutory rape, sexual battery, sodomy and incest. Spires 12-year-old daughter, for whom an Amber Alert was issued July 29, has been safely recovered. She is now in the custody of the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services. Spires is being held in the Spalding County Jail pending his first appearance hearing. Photo courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has safely located a 12-year-old little girl being sought in an interference with custody case.

The young girl is the daughter of 31-year-old Steven Keith Spires, formerly of 88 Ponderosa Road, Griffin. In addition to the current charge related to allegedly being in violation of a custody order, Spires was also wanted on charges of child molestation, aggravated child molestation, statutory rape, sexual battery, sodomy and incest.

Officials of the SCSO say information was received in early Sunday morning hours indicating Spires was located at a McDonough motel.

Deputies of the SCSO met with officers of the McDonough Police Department before proceeding to the motel where a brief stand off ensued. Spires was ultimately arrested without incident and his daughter was safely recovered.

Authorities say the girl was on July 29 abducted out of Hall County. An Amber Alert was issued as she was considered to be in extreme danger.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office had been working with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office to locate Spires and the missing girl.

Officials say she is now in the custody of the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services.

Spires is being held in the Spalding County Jail pending his first appearance hearing.

STAFF REPORT :::

According to Spalding County Sheriff Wendell Beam, members of the Special Operations Unit on Aug. 17 executed a search warrant at 392 Valley Hill Road in northwestern Spalding County, resulting in the arrests of three individuals on narcotics charges.

Arrested were Zackary Dane Rabuck, age 33, of 392 Valley Hill Road; Chelsea Wood, age 24, of 392 Valley Hill Road; and Jason Robert Whitney, age 35, of 7605 Old South Lane, Jonesboro.

Rabuck is facing charges of manufacturing marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of Alprazolam (Xanax), two counts of possession of Oxycodone and Amphetamine and possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute.

Rabuck is being held in the Spalding County Jail on a $70,636 bond.

Wood and Whitney were charged with party to the crime of manufacturing marijuana. Both have been released on separate $16,703 bonds.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A fight involving a rather large crowd occurred Tuesday evening on Kentucky Avenue, resulting in the response of multiple units from the Griffin Police Department.

Witnesses reported seeing as many as ten police units speeding northbound on North Hill Street.

According to GPD Lt. Curtis Keys, this response followed another officer being assaulted in the fight.

“There was a fight tonight on Kentucky Avenue with about ten or 15 people involved. (MPO) Chip Johns was out there by himself trying to break them up and he ended up getting hit. He called out for help and we responded. When Chip called for help, we stepped it up,” Keys said, adding that arrests are pending. “The people who were actually fighting ran off.”

Keys said officers have obtained many suspects’ street names, and efforts are now underway to further identify the fight participants.

“We’ve got all their names. That’s what we’re dealing with now – trying to get their real names so we can get warrants for them,” he said.

Keys said the fight involved adults, but began over an issue involving juveniles.

Johns was not injured in the incident.

Sgt. Gene Mathews, left, and Lt. Tony Thomason, right, look on as Chief Mike Yates speaks to the dozens of law enforcement officers who participated in the Special Investigation Unit Operation Shuttin’ Em Down round up. Photo credit: Sheila Mathews

STAFF REPORT :::

An operation conducted by the Griffin Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit has resulted in the arrests of 35 people, with additional arrests expected.

The undercover narcotics investigation dubbed Operation Shuttin’ Em Down began in May 2016. It was in response to citizen complaints about street level drug distribution in their communities. Officials say the complaints came about due to the drug activity negatively effecting citizens quality of life due to “constant disturbances and fear of violence they faced on a daily basis.”

SIU agents conducted investigations that included undercover narcotics purchases from more than 60 defendants throughout the city of Griffin resulting in more than 200 criminal arrests warrants being issued for various violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act and other criminal statutes.

The months-long operation culminated Aug. 26, when SIU agents were assisted by representatives from each division of the Griffin Police Department, the Warrant and Detention divisions of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, probation and parole officers from the Georgia Department of Corrections and Southern Crescent Technical College Campus Police began serving warrants on the offenders charged during this investigation.

Lt. Tony Thomason, head of the Special Investigations Unit, stated “We rely on the citizens of Griffin to contact us with information about problems effecting their neighborhoods, and we appreciate those that do. This operation was the direct result of those contacts. We would not have been successful without the cooperation and involvement of the citizens that are concerned about our community. We will continue to make every effort possible to partner with our communities and make the city of Griffin safer for everyone. This investigation is ongoing, with further warrants and arrests expected as other offenders are identified.”

If you have any questions or concerns please call the Griffin Police Department’s Drug Tip Line at 678-692-0452. You can leave your name and number to be contacted by an agent, or you can leave information and choose to remain anonymous.

Arrested in Friday’s initial round up were:

Ditarian Robinson, age 35, who is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and sale of cocaine.

Glenn Reid, age 38, who is charged with two counts of possession of cocaine, two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, two counts of sale of cocaine and two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school.

Solomon Parks, age 31, who is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and sale of cocaine.

Christopher Gauldin, age 23, who is charged with three counts of possession of cocaine, three counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, three counts sale of cocaine, and three counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school.

James Daryl Cobb, age 47, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and sale of methamphetamine.

Jacquelyn Davis, age 37, who is charged with party to the crime possession of methamphetamine, party to the crime possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and party to the crime sale of methamphetamine.

Walter Clemons, age 40, who is charged with party to the crime possession of cocaine, party to the crime possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and party to the crime sale of cocaine.

Roxanne Redding, age 59, who is charged with possession of a Schedule III narcotic with intent to distribute, three counts of possession of a Schedule II narcotic with intent to distribute, three counts of possession of a Schedule II narcotic with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a park, two counts of possession of a Schedule IV narcotic with intent to distribute and two counts of possession of a Schedule IV narcotic with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a park.

Abraham Lincoln Scott, age 71, who is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, sale of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a recreational facility.

Brittany Martin, age 25, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and sale of methamphetamine.

David Tanner, age 60, who is charged with party to the crime sale of cocaine and party to the crime sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school.

Dustin Stubbs, age 29, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and sale of methamphetamine.

James Smith, age 47, who is charged with tag light requirement, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related object.

Chad Pless, age 39, who is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and sale of cocaine.

Steve Barkley, age 53, who is charged with party to the crime possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, party to the crime possession of cocaine and party to the crime sale of cocaine.

Michael Hammonds, age 57, who is charged with possession of Schedule II narcotic, possession of Schedule II narcotic with intent to distribute and sale of Schedule II narcotic.

Michael Jackson, age 50, who is charged with possession of Schedule IV narcotic with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule IV narcotic and sale of Schedule IV narcotic.

Cedric Slaughter, age 57, who is charged with party to the crime possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, party to the crime possession of cocaine and party to the crime sale of cocaine.

Willie Clemons, age 65, who is charged with party to the crime possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, party to the crime possession of cocaine and party to the crime sale of cocaine.

Darrell Berry, age 58, who is charged with party to the crime possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, party to the crime possession of cocaine and party to the crime sale of cocaine.

Terry Wright, age 63, who is charged with possession of Schedule II narcotic, possession of Schedule II narcotic with intent to distribute, sale of Schedule II narcotic, possession of Schedule II narcotic with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a park, possession of Schedule II narcotic with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a park, possession of Schedule II narcotic with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, sale of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a park, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school.

Clarice Berry, age 43, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and sale of methamphetamine.

Victor Everhart, age 48, who is charged with party to the crime possession of cocaine, party to the crime possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and party to the crime sale of cocaine.

Justin Robinson, age 35 who is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and sale of cocaine.

Antonio Mitchell , age 23, who is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and sale of cocaine.

Dinece Williams, who is charged with false name date of birth and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.

Tabitha Henderson, who is charged with violation of probation.

Tramorris Hastings, who is charged with violation of probation.

Additional arrests are pending.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Griffin Police Department has released its Internal Affairs (IA) investigative file on Bryan Jones and Stacy Beckom, who were both master patrol officers before being terminated for their participation in a Facebook discussion that included derogatory statements and threats against Griffin resident Joe Ward.

Lt. Darrell Dix, who works in the GPD Office of the Chief, reported he became aware of the Facebook thread at approximately 11:30 p.m. July 8, when it was reported to him that both current and former GPD officers were threatening Ward. A few screen shots of some statements were posted on Griffin Urban Talk, a Griffin public forum on Facebook.

“After reading the post I attempted to contact the current officers and stop them from engaging in the conversation any further, and I began posting disclaimer information on the (Facebook) page about the contents of the post and the person(s) who had made the posts including former officers Chad Moxon and Brandon Tarrant,” Dix stated in the IA file. “I notified Chief Yates and Capt. Daniel of the situation via email. I spent the next five hours answering questions and stating correct information in order to quell the issue.”

At approximately 7:45 a.m. Saturday, July 9, Yates contacted Dix. Yates stated he had been contacted by City of Griffin commissioners and others to ensure he was aware of the situation.

A series of meetings were held at the Police Department, including one with Ward, Dix and a few others that accompanied Ward. At that time, Sgt. Jeff Smith completed an incident report on the threats against Ward.

An administrative investigation began that day, and on Monday, July 11, Dix met with Sgt. Kelly McKinney regarding a criminal investigation.

By Monday morning, McKinney had already been in contact with Facebook and was working to obtain search warrants and court orders for the content of Moxon’s Facebook account.
“She (McKinney) disclosed that Moxon and Wall’s (another participant) accounts had been taken down by those individuals, not by Facebook, and she was attempting to have the contents preserved by Facebook,” Dix reported.

Dix began to review the initial screen shots of the Facebook thread provided to the GPD and determined it originated on Moxon’s page. Two additional former GPD officers – Tarrant and Adam Wall – participated along with Bryan Jones. Other current employees who participated were Taylor Rich and Mathew Boynton. Two other current GPD officers – Master Patrol Officer Chip Johns and Patrolman Trevor Trawick – did not respond or comment.

After this review, Dix began contacting officers and arranging interviews.

Jones was interviewed immediately – on Saturday, July 9.

According to Dix, Jones was distressed as he was made aware that he was the focus of an internal investigation, advised of his rights under Garrity and signed a Garrity waiver.

“I began my interview by explaining to Jones why he was in my office and showing him a copy of the screen shots. Jones admitted that he did post the statement of ‘I promise’ in response to Moxon’s post about promising to grant him an OR bond if he (Moxon) was arrested for assaulting Ward,” Dix stated. “I then explained to Jones the gravity of his statement. It was explained to Jones that by stating he would grant Moxon an OR bond, he was giving the appearance that he was condoning the action threatened by Moxon, and that by agreeing to grant Moxon an OR bond was taken as an action he would participate in during the normal discharge of his duties as an employee of the Griffin Police Department.”

Dix reported Jones stated he agreed with the appearance of his statement and added that “he did not mean the statement to be taken seriously.”

“He stated it was “meant to be funny” and was a part of the conversation. He (Jones) added that shortly after he responded to Moxon’s comment, he knew it was wrong and immediately removed it. He stated that he had known Ward since they were both in school and that he did not mean or his statement to be taken seriously,” Dix reported. “He (Jones) apologized profusely and became very emotional. Jones stated that he was in the process of moving out of his house into an apartment and was concerned about recent events involving law enforcement officers nationwide. He agreed at this point in time he should have been more aware of the damage that this type of statement could cause.”

Jones was then served with paperwork that placed him on paid administrative leave, and he was relieved of his equipment including weapons, body armor, credentials, gate key and badge.

“Jones apologized again and requested permission to talk to Ward in order to resolve the issue. I refused to give him permission. Jones ended by stating that he would accept the consequences of his actions,” Dix said.

Jones was then escorted to his residence by Sgt. Jeff Smith and Lt. Curtis Keys, who took returned his vehicle to the P.D. parking lot.

MPO Chip Johns, Patrolman Taylor Rich and Patrolman Trevor Trawick were on Monday, July 11, interviewed by Dix.

Each of these officers was advised they were the subject of an internal investigation, advised of their rights under Garrity and signed waivers.

It was determined that neither Trawick nor Johns participated in Moxon’s Facebook thread, and that Rich’s participation did not involve any questionable postings. These three officers were subsequently allowed to return to their assigned duties.

During his interview, Johns did inform Dix there was more to the post than what Ward had captured in screen shots and posted online.

“According to Johns, there was more posts and one that he remembered contained comments by MPO Stacy Beckom,” Dix wrote in the IA report.

Dix then reported on an incident that occurred that same afternoon.

“On the afternoon of Monday, July 11, I was contacted by Chief Mike Yates and requested to come to his office. Chief Yates had been contacted by source that wished to remain anonymous. According to the source, there were additional comments not captured in the screen shots posted by Ward. The source stated that it had screen shots of additional comments made by at least one more Griffin police officer and other former Griffin police officers,” Dix wrote. “That same afternoon, I met the source at a confidential location where it turned over to me a jump drive that allegedly contained screen shots of the additional posts. Upon returning to the Griffin Police Department, I learned that there were additional posts and they were reflected by the contents of the jump drive.”

Dix goes on to explain that comments made by Beckom were among others provided by the confidential source.

Beckom was on Tuesday, July 12, interviewed by Dix.

After being advised he was the subject of an internal investigation, being advised of his rights and signing a waiver, Beckom was shown a copy of the screen shots in question.

Beckom denied knowledge of the Facebook thread until he was tagged by Moxon.

“According to Beckom, when he began posting, he did not read any of the previous posts and had no idea of their content. Beckom stated that from what he saw, he believed that what it was relating to was if people started rioting, they would all be ready and loaded to defend themselves and their families. He told me he had no idea they were talking about Joe Ward,” Dix reported. “When asked about seeing the pictures of Joe Ward in his corrections uniform and seeing the name ‘Joe,’ Beckom stated that he didn’t realize it even then.”

Beckom was then asked to explain how he was able to make comments specifically related to previous statements made by others if he had not read the thread prior to participating.

Dix said Beckom stated “that it was from previous posts that were earlier,” and that he had no further explanation.

Beckom then stated that while the posts were occurring, he received text messages from Sheila Mathews and Mark Ward warning him to get out of the posts.

“In his responses, he states that he did not read the posts in their entirety, had backed out and deleted what he had posted,” Dix stated.

Both Jones and Beckom have filed formal appeals of this disciplinary action.

PART II

The July social media incident that involved both then-current and former officers of the Griffin Police Department resulted in a firestorm among local residents who expressed outrage in response to the derogatory and threatening statements made on Facebook against Griffinite Joe Ward.

Lt. Darrell Dix, of the GPD Office of the Chief, immediately began to address concerns as he also clarified the situation.

“When I became aware of the Facebook posts, it was immediately apparent that former officers Chad Moxon, Brandon Tarrant, and later Adam Wall and Eric Buchannan were still being associated as employed by the Griffin P.D.,” Dix said. “Getting correct information out became a priority in order to avoid any issues. Command staff was notified and responded to the situation throughout the night of July 8, and until early afternoon on July 9.”

In response to their comments, Cpl. Robert Bryan Jones and MPO Stacy Beckom were placed on administrative leave with pay, and Dix interviewed under Garrity all other current officers who were either tagged or participated in the Facebook thread.

Officers who were found to have either not participated or to have not made inappropriate comments – including MPO Chip Johns, Patrolman Taylor Rich, Patrolman Matthew Boynton, Patrolman Travis Trawick and Patrolman Misty Gresham – were vetted, cleared and allowed to remain on duty, Dix said.

Upon completing the Internal Affairs investigation, Dix determined that Jones and Beckom had violated multiple Griffin Police Department Standard Operating Procedures.

According to Dix, Jones was in violation of: personal conduct which reflects discredit upon the city; abuse of authority or status as an employee or official of the city for personal gain or to harm or intimidate others; and twice violated the code stating employees of the Department are to work diligently to maintain a professional image. Any behavior that would reflect negatively on the Department or would violate the public trust is prohibited.

Dix also found Jones in violation of the following city of Griffin personnel policies: knowingly engaging in offensive conduct or using offensive, vulgar or abusive language toward the public, supervisory personnel or fellow employees; and any other conduct which adversely or negatively affects the city.

Beckom was found to be in violation of the following Griffin Police Department Standard Operating Procedures: personal conduct that reflects discredit upon the city; and twice violated the portion stating employees of the Department are to work diligently to maintain a professional image. Any behavior that would reflect negatively on the Department or would violate the public trust is prohibited.

Furthermore, Dix reported Beckom violated the following city of Griffin personnel policies: knowingly engaging in offensive conduct or using offensive, vulgar or abusive language toward the public, supervisory personnel or fellow employees; and any other conduct which adversely or negatively affects the city.

Publisher’s note: Cpl. Robert Bryan Jones was terminated based on his participation in Chad Moxon’s Facebook thread.

Sgt. Brian Christopher Jones was completely uninvolved in the incident and continues to honorably serve the city of Griffin as a supervisor in the Uniform Patrol Division.

The GRIP will continue to follow this story, including the ongoing criminal investigation, and report any additional information as it becomes available.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Two local schools – Moreland Road Elementary and Carver Road Middle schools – were on Wednesday locked down when a wanted suspect fled from authorities.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division sought to apprehend an individual wanted for violation of probation related to gang-related and weapons charges when the suspect fled.

Authorities conducted a search utilizing a SCSO K9 and STAR, its helicopter, but the suspect evaded arrest.

As a precautionary measure, area schools were placed on lock down as the search was being conducted.

Judy Parker, the executive director of the Griffin-Spalding County School System Communications and Partnerships Department, said students of those schools were not negatively impacted by the incident.

“We have a crisis plan and drills in place for a variety of emergency situations,” she said. “(Schools were) locked down about an hour then got the all clear, but schools stayed locked for another hour. There was no impact on instruction.”

::: STAFF REPORT

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit has completed an operation that resulted in the arrest of six people on a variety of charges including many related to narcotics, weapons and gang-related activity.

According to a press release from Sheriff Wendell Beam, the following arrests were made:

Tommy Adam Dorrough, age 28, of 135 Spalding St., who was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful use of a telecommunications facility. He was released July 24, on a $22,812 surety bond.

Kimberly Jean Dorrough, age 28, of 712 A Searcy Ave., who was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of hydrocodone, possession of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, violation of felony probation and unlawful use of a telecommunications facility. She was denied bond and is being held in the Spalding County Jail.

Jimmy Lee Lowry Jr., age 41, of 712 A. Searcy Ave., who is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of hydrocodone, possession of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and unlawful use of a telecommunications device. He was denied bond and remains in the Spalding County Jail.

Jimmie Eric Dorrough, age 28, of 230 Little St., who is charged with party to a crime possession of methamphetamine, party to a crime possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, criminal street gang activity and unlawful use of a telecommunications facility. He was denied bond and remains in the Spalding County Jail.

Heather Leeann Dillon, age 22, of 81 Springdale Drive, and Sara Eireene Ward, age 29, of 59 Dutchman Road Lot 4, have each been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Bond for each was set at $2,403. Dillon was released on Aug. 24, and Ward remains in the Spalding County Jail.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin Police Department on Sept. 7, executed three search warrants resulting in the arrests of eight subjects on a variety of drug-related and other charges.

According to a press release issued Thursday, the GPD Special Investigation Unit, with assistance from the CAGE Unit, Uniform Patrol Division and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division, arrested the following individuals:

Taffey Dockery, age 49, of 486 Hammond Dr. Apartment A, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Robert Smith, age 53, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, tampering with evidence and abandonment of a dangerous drug

Melanie Mayers, age 51, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug-related objects

Franklin Kelsey, age 56, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Stephanie Smith, age 49, of 462 Trice Road Lot 24, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Michele Graham, age 43, of 642 Melrose Avenue, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Dewayne Cook, age 48, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Ernest Dockery, age 30, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and obstruction of a law enforcement officer

Still being sought is Alfonzo Daniel, age 62, of 443 Barlow St., who is wanted on an outstanding warrant for sale of Schedule II narcotics.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The criminal case against David Gibson, former captain of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division, as well as the civil cases against Gibson, Sheriff Wendell Beam and Spalding County, are at a standstill until at least mid-September.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Batten on Jan. 13 originally ordered the civil cases administratively closed and deactivated all pending motions. The cases were to be reopened after 120 days, or in mid-May, with a new status report to be filed by April 12.

The basis of this action was the criminal cases still pending against Gibson.

In his order, Batten acknowledged the plaintiffs’ interest in moving forward, as well as the interest of the public, particularly Spalding County residents, who the court said would desire a “speedy resolution” of cases such as this.

However, Batten’s order said the court “cannot ignore the potential prejudice to defendants from allowing the criminal and civil cases to proceed at the same time.”

Of specific concern to Batten was the “significant concerns” defendants raised regarding the possible effects Gibson’s Fifth Amendment rights could have on the civil case.

“The Fifth Amendment ‘not only protects the individual against being involuntarily called as a witness against himself in a criminal prosecution, but also privileges him not to answer official questions put to him in any other proceeding, civil or criminal, formal or informal, where the answers might incriminate him in future criminal proceedings,’” the order states, citing Baxter v. Palmigiano, existing case law.

On April 13, a status report was filed in U.S. Federal Court advising Gibson’s criminal case was still pending.

“The parties hereby advise the court that defendant Gibson’s case was not presented to the most recent grand jury. The next grand jury meeting is in September of this year,” the report stated.

Batten then extended the stay pending further court order. He instructed all parties that a status report should be filed with the court no later than Oct. 1 “indicating whether Gibson’s case has been presented to the grand jury and the status of any proceedings against him so that the court may reevaluate the stay at that time.”

The civil suits will therefore remain administratively closed until further action is taken.

This leaves both the civil and criminal cases involving Gibson, Beam and Spalding County at a standstill pending further action in the criminal case against Gibson by Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard.

Gibson was arrested more than eleven months ago following an investigation conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that Ballard had requested.

GBI Special Agent Jared Coleman on Sept. 9, 2015, took warrants on Gibson for two counts of aggravated sexual battery, aggravated assault, sexual battery, two counts of simple assault, influencing a witness, stalking, public indecency and violation of his oath of office.

Gibson was arrested at his home Sept. 10, 2015, and was granted bond and later released from the Clayton County Jail on Sept. 14, 2015.

In the eleven months since Gibson’s arrest, he has not been indicted.

This past June, Ballard explained the delay in the process said he would be making that grand jury presentment the following month – July.

“I had hoped to get to the grand jury in May, but I just couldn’t make it work fast enough. I couldn’t get it ready like I needed it to. Part of that is we’ve got these new procedures that I don’t fully understand yet when an police officer is going to a grand jury, so he’s scheduled to go to the grand jury in July,” Ballard said in a June interview. “We’ve got them recalled. I don’t remember the exact dates, but that’s the plan – to take it to the Grand Jury in July and then it could be ready for trial probably in October.”

However, July passed and Gibson’s case was not presented to the grand jury.

When interviewed July, Ballard once again offered an explanation for the additional delay.

“What happened was I got to looking at it and we’d recalled this grand jury like five times, and I think they’re exhausted. The last time we had them (in May), we took 90 cases before them in two days, and I just decided to step back and take it to a new grand jury, which I think will be Sept. 15,” Ballard said.

When asked, “So, the grand jury was not called back at all for July?” Ballard offered the following explanation.

“Yeah, we had Grand Jury in July. Uh, I’m sorry. Umm, a couple of things have happened since we talked (in June),” Ballard said. “I didn’t bring it in July, and the reason I didn’t bring it in July is we have a new statute about when you’re indicting police officers and there a lot of loopholes to jump through, and I’m trying to familiarize myself with them and I missed one of them, so I was going to need to postpone it to another time. Originally, I thought, okay, I would bring them back in August just to hear the Gibson case, but, um, I decided against that because like I said just a minute ago, we’ve recalled them several times and I just didn’t want to have to recall this same grand jury again. I thought I’ve overworked them, so the plan right now is Sept. 15 with a new grand jury.”

When told that was the reason he had given in June for delaying the Gibson presentment until July, Ballard said, “It is. It is, but I just keep learning things about it as I go. It’s a brand new statute. The bill covers multiple code sections and I was about to miss one of the hoops that you’ve got to jump through. There are a lot of new requirements on us when there’s a police officer that’s being indicted and I just didn’t want to mess it up, so I postponed it…I wanted to be sure I get this right. This is important to all of us and I want to be sure I get it right, so I’m learning the new statute as we go, and that’s the reason I wasn’t able to go in July, and I decided not to bring them back in August after earlier thinking that I would because the grand jury is worn out. We’ve recalled them way more than we usually do a grand jury.”

Ballard then denied the delays – the first coinciding with the May general primary and the second with the July run off, both of which involved Sheriff Wendell Beam – indicated political maneuvering.

“Yeah, I knew they would ask that and think that and the answer is absolutely no. It has utterly nothing to do with the election. That has nothing to do with it,” Ballard said. “I knew that people – and I can understand why people would raise those concerns – but the truth is it has nothing to do with it.”

Ballard now says he anticipates Gibson’s case will be presented to a new grand jury on Sept. 15.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

For Griffin resident and Vietnam War veteran David Baugh, what began as an effort to verify and correct his military service record became an experience that left him shocked…and overjoyed.

“I was not expecting anything like that. It was just beyond my wildest dreams,” Baugh said of learning he was to receive numerous medals from his Army service – nearly 50 years ago.

Baugh was scheduled to leave Vietnam and the Army on Dec. 5, 1968, but as fate would have it, those plans went quite awry.

“On Nov. 1, just a few days before I was supposed to leave, I got deathly sick – I had malaria,” Baugh recounted.

He was medically evacuated to a hospital in Japan, an experience he barely remembers.

“When they got ready to let me out, I was ready to go. I wanted to go home so bad. I kept after them and they finally let me go home, but they wouldn’t let me out of the military because they didn’t have my records,” he said. “On the ninth (of December), they finally let me out on temporary records. That’s all they had on me.”

Like other Vietnam War veterans, Baugh returned to a home that in large part did not support them.

“It was a rough time when I first came home. I put the war behind me because of the attitudes people had. I worked for a man for 20 years and he never knew I was a Vietnam veteran,” he said. “Finally, people became more patriotic and began shaking our hands and thanking us. The first time someone said that to me, it almost brought tears to my eyes. It was in 2005, and the lady in the office said, ‘Thank you for your service.’ No one had ever said that to me before then, and it really touched me. I don’t want people to feel obligated to say anything like that, though.”

With the changing sentiment, Baugh said he decided the time was right for him to review his military service records.

“I didn’t know about it for a long time, but one day I discovered you could have your badges replaced, so I decided I would look into my records and see about doing that,” he said.

Upon that review, Baugh noted his record reflected he earned a Bronze Star. Understandably skeptical as he had never been notified of this award, Baugh contacted the office of Congressman Lynn Westmoreland for assistance.

“They went through my records and sure enough, I was supposed to have the Bronze Star, and Congressman Westmoreland said they would come to Griffin where my family and friends are,” Baugh said. Altogether, Baugh received four awards – Bronze Star for Service, Army Good Conduct Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

This experience is one he said he never anticipated.

“It really made me feel honored for them to do that. I was humbled by it, really. I guess it’s just a complicated thing. I know guys that I guess I just feel like they’re more deserving of recognition than I am. It’s kind of hard to put it into words. I knew guys that didn’t make it home. We lost guys over there. There were some rough times when I didn’t know if I was going to make it back home. There were times that would make you talk to Jesus,” Baugh said, adding that the response Vietnam veterans received upon returning home only served to deepen their pain. “When we came back home, it felt like this country had turned its back on me – on all of us Vietnam veterans. I didn’t turn my back on the country, but it felt like it did on me. It’s just a little bit more complicated than what people try to make it out to be sometimes. I didn’t do anything I’m ashamed of. As far as I’m concerned, I didn’t nothing to be ashamed of. I did nothing to bring shame on myself or this country, and I don’t know anyone who did. We didn’t lose that war. We didn’t lose a single battle. The politicians lost that war. It was just a political thing. Whether we would have ever defeated them is another story. Whether we should have even been there or not is another story. I did what I was told to do. I didn’t go there voluntarily. I went where I was told to go and I did what I was told to do. I did my job with honor.”

Today, Baugh said he is at peace with his service in the Vietnam War.

“I don’t have any feelings towards anyone. I’m just happy and thankful that I’ve made it this far. There were 58,000 men who died over there. It was a real war. I’m thankful to be home and be alive,” he said.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has made two arrests in the case of a 16-year-old female Griffin Christian Academy student who reported being followed by two men in a white pickup truck Friday morning, Sept. 9, and approached at gunpoint at the intersection of Ellis Road and North Expressway, and a second time at the Griffin Crossings intersection of Highway 92.

According to Sheriff Wendell Beam, Isaac Jordan Brown, age 28, of 410 Ingram Road, Barnesville, and Christopher Allen Butler, age 28, of 923 E. Broadway St., Griffin, are in custody and each face charges of stalking and aggravated assault.

Both subject remain in the Spalding County Jail pending their first appearance hearing scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17.

David Gibson has been indicted on 14 counts, including 11 felonies.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A grand jury on Sept. 15 handed down a 14-count indictment against David Gibson, formerly the captain of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division.

Gibson was on Sept. 10, 2015, arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on criminal ten warrants obtained one day prior by Special Agent Jared Coleman.

The true bill issued Sept. 15 by a Spalding County grand jury included the following charges related to the original charges for which he was arrested – one count of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of public indecency, one count of sexual battery, one count of simple battery and one count of violation of oath by public officer.

In addition, Gibson was also charged with seven additional counts of violation of oath by a public officer related to other alleged criminal and other acts.

Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard previously estimated Gibson’s criminal case may be ready for trial as soon as October.

Gibson, Spalding County Sheriff Wendell Beam and Spalding County are also the subjects of six federal civil rights law suits, five filed by current of former SCSO employees and one civilian.

For additional articles on the full history of this issue, please visit www.the-grip.net.

SUBMITTED :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division and Griffin Police Department Special Investigation Unit (SIU) on Wednesday executed separate arrest and search warrants at the residence located at 654 Garrett St., resulting in multiple arrests.

According to a press release issued by the GPD, the SCSO Warrant Division served an arrest warrant at that location for Antonio Pittman. While inside the residence taking Pittman into custody, deputies reported observing drug paraphernalia on a table in the living room. Others who were present in the residence were then detained.

Deputies of the Warrant Division then contacted SIU agents who obtained a search warrant on the residence.

Arrested and transported to the Spalding County Jail were:

Antonio Pittman, who was wanted on outstanding warrants related to the Special Investigations Unit “Shuttem’ Down” sale case operation. Those charges included possession of cocaine party to the crime, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute party to the crime and sale of cocaine party to the crime.

Dyna Blevins, who was arrested for obstruction of a law enforcement officer.

Aubery Custer, who was arrested for obstruction of a law enforcement officer.

Terry Custer, who was arrested for obstruction of a law enforcement officer.

Warrants for these three people were taken out by the Spalding County Warrant Division.

SIU took warrants on James Garrett for obstruction of law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects.

Sgt. Gene Mathews, of the SIU, said “Fighting crime is a team effort. We appreciate the assistance of Spalding county Warrant Division. They knew we had an active investigation and notified us of their situation.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

At a time when increasing numbers of law enforcement agencies – including the Griffin Police Department – are implementing the use of body worn cameras (BWCs), Georgia lawmakers have enacted new legislation making it more costly to obtain the interactions the video recordings these and others devices document.

The legislation – Georgia House Bill 976 (HB 976) – addresses the minimum retention schedule for BWC recordings as well as law enforcement dashboard recording equipment, thus making it part of the Georgia Records Retention Act.

Georgia law associated with obtaining official records from governmental entities is outlined in OCGA 50-18-70, the Open Records Act, which specifies what charges may be levied for the production of records, including audio and video recordings. HB 976 now allows an additional $10 charge for each recording requested in addition to all charges previously applicable under the Open Records Act.

When contacted for assistance by a resident seeking to obtain video recordings from the city of Griffin, The GRIP made contact with the Georgia General Attorney’s Office, which mediates and takes legal action when necessary in support of the Open Records Act.

According to Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Colangelo, prior to The GRIP’s contact, the AG’s Office was unaware of any statutory changes that would impact fees assessed for Georgia records.

After researching the issue, Colangelo disputed the city of Griffin’s assertion that the Open Records Act had been revised.

“No, there has been no change to the Open Record Act,” Colangelo initially stated, later adding, “I have asked around the office about that new statute with the $10 fee, and basically what I was told is because that’s not part of the Open Records Act – it was put into a separate section of the Georgia statute that makes it part of the Records Retention Act – we don’t really have the authority to go around offering opinions on how it should work and it’s not clear to any of us anyway, so honestly, I just don’t know how they can calculate the $10 and break things up. That’s very vague.”

When asked to explain how the state’s record retention schedule is in any way associated with the fees allowed when official government records are requested under the Open Records Act, Colangelo said that is unclear.

“I don’t know. I’m not really sure…A lot of what the General Assembly does is beyond my understanding,” she said. “I don’t know. This one kind of slipped under the radar.”

Asked if this is a disturbing change to state law, Colangelo said that while it is reasonable for charges associated with the production of requested records to be recouped, “It shouldn’t be so much that it discourages requests. Just as a general rule, we like to see easier access for citizens. Anything that reduces access to citizens, we’re always kind of skeptical of.”

Former Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Johnnie Caldwell, who now serves as a state representative, in 2015 co-sponsored HB 976. Caldwell in 2015 also represented Ruby King, the secretary of Spalding County Sheriff Wendell Beam, in a legal petition to obtain a temporary protective order blocking the release of an Internal Affairs investigative report on David Gibson, formerly the captain of the SCSO Uniform Patrol Division. That report remained sealed until The GRIP received it through a separate Open Records request to Spalding County, which had not been included in the temporary protective order petition.

Comment was sought from Johnnie Caldwell, but he did not return multiple phone calls from The GRIP.