STAFF REPORT :::

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the SCSO Special Operations Division and the Griffin Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit conducted an arrest warrant at approximately 5:07 p.m. Jan. 5, at 519 Hallyburton St.

Lidarrane Yarbrough, the subject of the arrest warrant, was sought on a misdemeanor charge of violation of probation.

Agents had received information from an anonymous citizen that gang members were present and illegal narcotic sales were taking place at the residence.

Upon arrival, agents encountered five individuals fleeing from the yard and the interior of the residence. Agents were able to detain three of the subjects and positively identify one of the individuals who fled from the scene.

Upon further investigation, agents confirmed that narcotics, primarily marijuana, were present at the residence. Agents applied for and obtained a search warrant for the residence. As a result of the search warrant, agents seized 85.2 gross grams of marijuana packaged in a manner that was indicative of distribution, packaging material, digital scales, a .22 caliber assault style rifle and $3051.00 in United States currency.

Lidarrane Yarbrough, age 28, of 519 Hallyburton St., was charged with misdemeanor violation of probation, felony violation of probation, felony possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act.

Demorial Jefferson, age 18, of 104 Morris St. Apt. 4, was charged with felony possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Quincy Zellner, age 23, of 162 South Ridge Drive, was charged with felony possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act.

Arrest warrants will be obtained for Curtis Johnson, age 25, of 519 Hallyburton St., on charges of felony possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act.

Johnson is currently on bond for several felonies related to narcotic and weapon charges. The Special Operations Division will be seeking a bond revocation through the District Attorney’s Office.

An active investigation is ongoing that will lead to the identification of the fifth subject who fled the scene,and additional charges under the Georgia Gang Act will be sought for all those arrested.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office investigates all allegations of gang activity and will pursue charges of any suspect involved in a gang related crime. This is a priority of Dix and the deputies of the Sheriff’s Office.

The Special Operations Division would like to thank the citizen that provided the information and would also like to remind the public that any information pertaining to narcotic activity can be reported anonymously to 770.467.4210.

MARIA MCCOY – COLUMNIST :::

The funny thing about “the last time” is that you rarely ever get the opportunity to know, understand and appreciate that it’s the last time.

One minute, you’re buying Iron Man dolls off of a Christmas list and by the same time the following year, you are looking at a list filled with electronics and clothing.

That’s how it always is. One year, I remember it very distinctly now – my son said he didn’t want to dress up for Halloween. I believe he was twelve. He never dressed up again after that and I never knew that his eleventh year would be his last Halloween costume.

I had my son when I was sixteen-years-old – a senior in high school. This year, my son is a senior, and in two weeks, he will be eighteen-years-old.

He and I grew up together. Everything I know about life as a mother, I learned from my own mother and my son. Every mistake I made (and there were a lot), was made knowing that he would be the one to experience all of my firsts. The first time I had to change a diaper. The first time I had to feed a baby. The first time I used cartoons as a babysitter so I could get cleaning done. And now, with his eighteenth birthday around the corner, I realize that I also had to experience all of his “lasts” without knowing that’s what it was.

The last time he dressed for Halloween, the last time he asked for super heroes for Christmas, the last time he sat in my lap and hugged me. The last time I got to tuck him into bed. The last time he asked me to walk him into school because he was nervous. And all of these things are things that every day people take for granted, even myself.

As parents, we get the opportunity to experience life through the eyes of our children, but because life is hectic and because we overburden ourselves with the things that do not matter, we often miss out on the things that do.

For my son’s senior project we had to choose five pictures of his life growing up. How could I choose just five? How could I narrow his entire life down to five pictures? How can I take my entire world and put it into five pictures? I can’t.

He is everything I never knew I always wanted. My whole entire life. My childhood, my college years, my motherhood. My past and my future. It all revolves around these kids.

I could never accurately describe the joy and anguish that comes from being a parent, especially when they move into adulthood. And looking at the pictures, it occurred to me that some of those pictures were the “lasts” that I didn’t realize I missed.

It made me sad to think that I had let his life pass me by. Some of my pictures prompted memories I had nearly forgotten.

As the class of 2017 gets ready to graduate, ask yourself if you are living in a world of “lasts” without even realizing it. The lasts are just as important as all of the firsts.

Take so many pictures that you have nowhere to put them all. Photograph every moment, even the little ones. Memorialize every Halloween, every Christmas, every concert or award ceremony, every game.

Do not let the unimportant things in life overshadow all of the really important ones.

Life is the single most fleeting thing there ever was. We cannot prolong it but we can make the most of it while we have the opportunity to.

STAFF REPORT :::

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, a 13-year-old male Rehoboth Road Middle School student was on Monday, Jan. 9, charged with possessing a weapon on school property.

The teen was observed by other students carrying a knife. The students notified a school administrator who conducted the initial investigation. The administrator notified School Resource Officer (SRO) Deputy Eraste Trahan.

The student was taken into custody by Trahan and charged with possessing a weapon on school property.

The knife was described a folding style with a three-inch blade. No students were harmed or confronted, and the juvenile was released to the custody of his parents.

STAFF REPORT :::

One Griffin man sustained potentially life threatening injuries and others were less seriously wounded in a Tuesday morning wreck on Taylor Street.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, at approximately 8:39 a.m., deputies observed a suspect identified as Alex Alsobrooks, with outstanding arrest warrants operating a black Infiniti sedan.

Officials of the SCSO said deputies witnessed a traffic violation and attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the parking lot of 430 W. Taylor St.

Authorities say Alsobrooks fled the scene and deputies pursued the driver and vehicle. After witnessing the operator driving in an erratic manner and increasing speeds, deputies elected to discontinue the pursuit and turned off their emergency equipment and lost sight of the vehicle.

As the deputies approached the intersection of 4th and Taylor streets, they observed that a vehicle crash had occurred between the black Infiniti and a red minivan.

Deputies reactivated their emergency equipment and upon arrival at the scene began to render aid. Medical personnel from Spalding Regional Hospital EMS, and additional support from the Griffin Police Department and Griffin Fire-Rescue (GFR), arrived on the scene and provided assistance.

GFR assisted EMS in removing the driver from the Infiniti.

The Georgia State Patrol was notified and arrived on the scene to investigate the traffic crash.

Two Fayette County Deputies observed the crash and gave statements to investigating officers.

During the initial investigation, suspected marijuana was found in a book bag located in the black Infiniti, and Alsobrooks was confirmed to have an outstanding felony violation of probation warrant.

Alsobrooks was transported by Emory Life Flight to an Atlanta area hospital.

Additional subjects were treated at the scene, with GSP obtaining their information and patient status.

Arrest warrants will be sought accusing Alsobrooks of felony charges including fleeing and attempting to elude; possession of marijuana; and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Additional misdemeanor charges against Alsobrooks include failure to stop at a stop sign; speeding; driving too fast for conditions; defective equipment – tires; reckless driving; driving on a suspended license; and disobeying a traffic control device.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Three Griffin residents – including two local business owners – have been arrested following a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) investigation that officials say initially involved 48 criminal charges. The large-scale Thursday morning operation included dozens of agents from the Griffin Police Department and multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

According to Sgt. Gene Mathews, of the GPD Special Investigation Unit – the case agent – the investigation began in September 2016.

“The Special Investigation Unit and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) started a joint investigation on EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and then it rolled into gambling and involved other criminal activities,” said Lt. Mike Natale, of the GPD Office of the Chief. “Once the EBT investigation rolled into the additional criminal activities, that’s when the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), United States Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Georgia Lottery Commission became involved.”

Natale said the GPD and USDA, with assistance from the GBI, OIG and Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday morning executed nine search warrants.

Search warrants were executed simultaneously at two business – Ma & Pa Grocery, located at 1137 Meriwether St., and Griffin Food Mart, located at 888 Meriwether St.

Mathews said additional search warrants were also executed at two residences located at 1147 Meriwether St., and 1597 W. McIntosh Road Apartment 319.

Arrested were Khalid Mirza, the owner of Ma & Pa Grocery, who is facing charges of violating the RICO Act; two counts of financial transaction card fraud, three counts of fraud in obtaining public assistance and three counts of keeping a gambling place.

Uzma Mirza, Khalid Mirza’s wife – known in the community as “Dolly” – was arrested on charges including violating the RICO Act, seven counts of financial transaction card fraud; eight counts of fraud in obtaining public assistance; and three counts of transaction in drug-related objects.

Rajendra Prasad Oza, the owner of Griffin Food Mart, is facing 20 charges including violating the RICO Act; eight counts of financial transaction card fraud; one count of fraud in obtaining public assistance; and 10 counts of fraud in obtaining public assistance.

Mathews said additional arrests are pending.

STAFF REPORT :::

A Griffin man on Saturday was arrested following an alleged home invasion that authorities say resulted in a kidnapping and numerous additional felonious acts.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, deputies on Jan. 14 responded to a report of a home invasion on Lakeside Drive.

Upon arrival, they were notified that a female had been assaulted by her live-in boyfriend.

It was discovered that she was allegedly taken against her will to a residence on Sibley Street in Griffin.

Fearing for the victim’s safety, the deputy requested assistance from Griffin Police officers to start toward the Sibley Street location as he proceeded in that direction.

Once Griffin officers arrived on the scene, they made contact with the suspect. It was immediately determined that enough evidence existed to detain him at the scene, which officers did without incident.

Authorities say the female victim was found at the Sibley Street address, and initial treatment was provided by emergency medical personnel from WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital.

The victim was subsequently transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.

Spalding County Sheriff’s Office investigators and the Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.

The suspect was identified as Royce Robinson Jr. He is currently being housed without bond in the Spalding County Detention facility and charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault, home invasion, and false imprisonment (Family Violence), all felonies.

Sheriff Darrell Dix stated, “I appreciate the dedication and fast thinking of the responding deputies. Their response, along with those of the Griffin Police Department and WellStar Spalding Regional, proved once again the spirit of cooperation that exists within our public safety community.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Long anticipated by hundreds of students, registration for the 2017 Junior Deputy trip to Washingon D.C. will soon take place.

A press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix states that registration for local sixth grade students will be held Jan. 21 and Jan. 28, at the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office located at 401 Justice Boulevard.

Deputies will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each of the two days.

A $150 deposit is due at the time of registration. The total cost of the trip is $550.00.

The trip is scheduled to depart on April 30 and return May 5.

Kay Perdue or LT. Frank Clark are coordinating the event and can be reached at 678.544.8144.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to locate the female driver of a wrecked vehicle who has not been seen or heard from since prior to the early Wednesday incident.

According to Capt. Dwayne Jones, deputies responded to the area of Vineyard and Cowan roads in the early morning hours, locating one wrecked vehicle – a 2005 Neon belonging to Angel Currier.

“Deputies at about 1:43 this morning responded to Vineyard and Cowan roads, and they did locate a car that comes back to Angel Currier. It was unoccupied, and had run into a ditch – it looks like a single-car MVA (motor vehicle accident). From what I can tell, and I haven’t been told differently, is that there was no type of trauma, like she had been thrown out or anything like that,” Jones said. “They did their due diligence. They checked the area, and they sent a deputy to her home address that was based off the registration that is on Fayetteville Road, and had negative contact. They had the dispatch center attempt to call her and had negative contact. I’m sure they searched the immediate vicinity. There was nothing to indicate there was any blood trail. If there was, they would have been able to follow it.”

After The GRIP contacted the SCSO, officials reached out and requested Currier’s family make contact with an investigator, which they soon did.

“We’re concerned obviously, too. We’ve got someone involved in a motor vehicle accident and we respond and can’t find her. We’re certainly concerned about her welfare,” Jones said.

Jones said the incident report, filed by Deputy Garrett Deason, described the scene.

“It looks like the report is stating it ran the stop sign and came to a stop in the ditch,” Jones said, adding there there was no indication any other vehicles were involved. “The way it (the report) talks, the vehicle appears to have been traveling northbound on Cowan when it went through the stop sign at Cowan and Vineyard and came to a stop in the ditch.”

He said the Criminal Investigation Division is now involved and is attempting to verify Currier’s well being.

“We are trying to do what we can. Your text is the first I’ve known about this. Our investigative division is involved. We’re trying to do everything we can, but we just got first notice when you texted,” Jones said. “We’d received no information about her being missing from her family.”

When asked if the circumstances appear suspicious, Jones said, “Yes, but the thing is, she’s a grown adult and she hasn’t necessarily broken any laws.”

The vehicle was impounded and when its contents were inventoried, miscellaneous clothing items were listed, but no hand bag, cell phone or keys were noted.

Jones reiterated that while the circumstances are somewhat unusual, there is no evidence of wrongdoing.

“It’s not unusual for people to have miscellaneous clothing items in their car,” he said. “And once again, there’s a good possibility that she was driving the car. It was registered to her; typically the owner of the car does drive the car, but at this point, I can’t tell you definitively who was driving the car because we don’t know. Now, if we can try to find out where she was previously – hopefully we can – but we’re kind of starting from ground zero here trying to find out if she was at a friend’s house? A relative’s house? Did they see her leave? Was she leaving by herself? Was she alone? We’d like for her to at least contact us and say she hey, I’m safe. I’m fine. I’m okay, but we are looking into it. We aren’t sitting idly by, because we do get concerned, too.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Two women were arrested Wednesday night and additional arrest warrants will been taken for a third individual following the execution of a search warrant on Beaver Road.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the SCSO Special Operations Unit and Criminal Investigation Division, and the Griffin Police Department CAGE Unit executed a search warrant at 8 Beaver Road.

The search warrant resulted from an investigation conducted by Special Operations and the SCSO Warrant Division.

Reba Estes, age 31, and Serena Archer, age 43, both of 8 Beaver Road, were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects.

Warrants will be obtained for James Cecil Rice Jr., also known as Bud Rice, age 33, also of 8 Beaver Road, on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug related objects and driving on a suspended license.

Rice is known to be driving a black motorcycle and frequents the Upson County area. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rice is asked to contact the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division at 770.467.4282.

Anyone with information pertaining to narcotic activity can contact the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division at 770.467.4210. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Sheriff’s Office will investigate any complaint of criminal activity.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and the Griffin Police Department CAGE Unit on Saturday, Jan. 21, executed a search warrant that resulted in two arrests and the seizure of a litany of narcotics and firearms.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the warrant was executed at Vineyard Place Apartments, 657 Carver Road Apartment 85.

As a result of the search warrant, seized were 45.5 gross grams of powder cocaine, less than one ounce of marijuana, Xanax, two shotguns, one .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol, digital scales and packaging material.

Two individuals were arrested at the scene.

Dylan Blount, age 22, of 657 Carver Road Apartment 85, was arrested on charges of trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule IV narcotic and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Tyler Lough, age 20, of 657 Carver Road Apartment 85, was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a Schedule IV narcotic.

SCSO officials say the investigation revealed that these two individuals were allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit narcotics in surrounding counties.

Many others have been identified and future arrests are expected.

Both Blount and Lough are being held at the Spalding County Jail awaiting their first appearance hearing.

Dix would like to remind everyone that they can contact the Special Operations Division at 770.467.4210 to report any type of narcotic activity. Callers can remain anonymous.

STAFF REPORT :::

A Sunday traffic stop resulted in the arrests of two men on a variety of drug related and other charges.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, an SCSO deputy initiated a traffic stop that led to the seizure of methamphetamine and the arrest of two men.

Christopher Cannon, age 38, of 124 Walnut Grove Road, is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and violation of probation out of Clayton County.

Raymond McCall, age 37, of 40 Cherokee Avenue, is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

McCall is also now serving active probation in Spalding County, as well as currently being out on bond on narcotic related charges.

Cannon and McCall are being held in the Spalding County Jail awaiting their first appearance hearings.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin Police Department on Friday, Jan. 20, responded to the Waffle House located at 1408 Highway 16, following the report of an armed robbery.

According to the incident report filed by GPD Uniform Patrol Division Officer Jairreis Williams, Waffle House employee Candace Harrison alleged the robbery was committed by a black male with a slim build, who was estimated to be approximately 6 feet to 6 feet three inches tall. Harrison reported the perpetrator was wearing a blue hoodie with dark sunglasses and a white bandanna over his face.

“Candace stated that when the black male entered the restaurant, he had a black in color gun, possibly a 9mm semiautomatic pointed at her, gesturing her to open the register,” Williams reported. “Candace stated he placed his finger over his mouth gesturing her not to say anything to her co-worker.”

Harrison stated she then opened the register and placed the money in a bag.

“After she emptied the register, the black male told Candace to lift the register tray so he could ensure all that was all the money. Candace stated after he saw the register was empty, he turned and ran out the door,” Williams stated.

Harrison said the suspect then ran out the door, after which she informed her co-worker a robbery had occurred and she reported the incident to 911.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin Police Department has charged two individuals in connection with a Saturday night incident that occurred in the parking lot of El Charro Mexican Restaurant.

According to a press release issued by the GPD, officers responded to that location at approximately 9:04 p.m. Saturday in reference to a vehicle striking three people.

Upon arrival, it was determined that a white PT Cruiser that was driven by a white female backed into two subjects in reverse and then ran into a third subject while traveling forward to leave to parking lot.

In addition to the driver, the PT Cruiser had two more occupants.

Witnesses stated the three subjects made some derogatory remarks towards a female in the parking lot, and her male companion then allegedly confronted them in an attempt to fight whoever made the remarks.

GPD officials say a knife was seen on the male companion, which resulted in one of the PT Cruiser occupants brandishing a gun.

The three subjects got into the PT Cruiser and then backed up in an attempt to leave the area, and subsequent struck two subjects while traveling in reverse and the male companion while moving forward.

All three victims were transported to Spalding Regional Hospital.

The three subjects occupying the PT Cruiser were later located at 104 Mace St. by personnel of the GPD CAGE Unit and the Uniform Patrol Division. All three were transported to the Spalding County Jail.

As a result of further investigation, Tristan Monfort was charged with reckless conduct and Jaslyn Lee, the driver of the PT Cruiser, was charged with failure to report an accident with injuries.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon responded to a report of a wreck on State Route 16 (Newnan Road) east of Maloy Road.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, deputies responded at 1:52 p.m., and upon arrival, discovered that a city of Griffin dump truck and a BMW SUV had been involved in a crash.

Officials say personnel of the Spalding County Fire Department and WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene and rendered aid to both drivers.

The driver of the BMW SUV did not survive the crash.

Spalding County Coroner Sonny Foster has identified her as 47-year-old Daphne Loudermilk, of Newnan.

The driver of the city of Griffin vehicle was transported to Spalding Regional Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The Griffin Post of the Georgia State Patrol is investigating the crash.

Dix reports this is the third traffic fatality in Spalding County in 2017, and he would like to remind everyone to slow down, drive carefully and reduce any distractions such as cellular phones and texting.

SHEILA  A. MATHEWS :::

As one of his official acts, Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix swore in his Sheriff’s Office and Detention Facility personnel. This also presented an opportunity for Dix to speak to his personnel and lay out his expectations.

Dix wanted to make it clear from the beginning that he both wants and needs input from his employees.

“I want you to feel like you can come to me and say, ‘We need to talk about this for just a minute. This is the way we do this and this is why we do it,’ and I’m going to depend on each and every one of y’all to do this. This is not a one man show. I’m depending on y’all,” Dix said. “It is going to take all of us to get this going in the right direction.”

The newly-elected sheriff said he has plans in place to maintain a high level of professionalism, and explained what he expects of each employee.

“We have things we’re going to be looking towards in the future. First of all, state certification and then national accreditation. It’s going to take a lot of hard work on behalf of everybody. There are standards that are going to have to be met, and one of the things that I think about with standards is I do not believe in lowering the bar at all. Period,” Dix said. “I think that if you give people the opportunity to do what they’re supposed to do in a good work environment, they will rise to the occasion, and will work and do what they’re supposed to do. That’s what I believe and what I want y’all to see in me as a Sheriff. As your Sheriff.”
Dix also stressed that he believes all SCSO personnel are valuable, and the importance he places on both teamwork and acknowledging a job well done.

“I can’t stress enough that we’re all in this together. This is going to be unlike anything that you’ve ever seen. I want accountability. If things go bad, I want to know they’re going bad. When things are going good, I want to know they’re going good. Don’t be surprised if I walk up to you and pat you on the back and say you’re doing a good job,” he said. “I believe in recognizing people. I believe in good. Bad only happens when things go bad. The majority of time, things go good, people need to be recognized for that. People need to understand that it’s not all about brow beating people. Every time you see me or any time you see a one of the command staff walking down the hall, it doesn’t need to be that feeling in the pit of your stomach like when you saw the principal walking down the hall when you were in school. You need to know that we’re your friends and we’re here for you, just like I hope y’all are going to be here for all of us.”

While Dix made clear he will demand professionalism, he said he respects the role they all share.

“It doesn’t make any difference what position you hold. We are all the same. We are the Thin Blue Line that separates the night and the day time, and we’re going to work together to do that,” he said. “I know we’re understaffed. I know we’re short-handed, and I expect you to rise to that occasion and do what you’re supposed to do. I expect that. We’re going to work together and we can do that. We can accomplish it.”
Dix also made clear he will be available to his employees, and that any situations that arise will be handled professionally.

“”If you have any questions, all you have to do is ask me. Before you post something on Facebook, come to me and ask me. Or if you hear a rumor or before you start spreading a rumor, come to me and ask me. Ask one of your division heads. Ask one of your supervisors,” he said. “We’ll get to the bottom of it. We’ll figure out what’s going on, because a lot of times, what you’re hear is not exactly the story that was meant to get out or should have gotten out. You’re hearing somebody’s slant on a story.”

Along with telling his employees what he will expect from them, Dix also made a commitment to them.

“I’m going to tell you the truth. You can always bank on it. It may hurt. It may hurt a lot, but I’m going to be truthful with you,” he said. “If something happens, I’m going to tell you the truth whether good, bad or ugly, and I expect you to do the same for me.”

(This article first appeared in the print edition of The GRIP.)

STAFF REPORT :::

A Thursday operation of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of three additional agencies, resulted in the arrests of four people on array of charges with counts including narcotics possession and distribution, child endangerment and elder abuse.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the SCSO Special Operations, Warrant and Uniform Patrol divisions, assisted by members of the Griffin Police Department C.A.G.E. Unit and Special Investigation Unit, Henry County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team and the Georgia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, executed two search warrants regarding an alleged marijuana distribution organization that was operating in Spalding County.

The search warrants were executed simultaneously at 328 Futral Road and 133 Callie Road.

During the course of this investigation it was learned that Stanley Underwood and others working in cooperation with him were distributing multiple pounds of marijuana weekly from his mother’s residence located at 328 Futral Road, while he actually maintained a physical residence at 133 Callie Road.

The Futral Road residence is within 1,000 feet of Futral Road Elementary School and Spalding High School.

During the searches, agents located nearly two pounds of marijuana, scales, packaging materials, a firearm and nearly $10,000.00 in cash.

Stanley Underwood was arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug related objects, two counts of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and elder abuse.

Cedric Guider ,of 1447 Wesley Drive, was arrested and charged with party to the crime of felony possession of marijuana, party to the crime of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, party to the crime of possession of drug related objects and party to the crime of possession of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school.

Barbara Underwood, of 133 Callie Road, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug related objects and cruelty to children.

Brandon Guider, of 611 Inman Road, Fayetteville, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

Stanley Underwood, Barbara Underwood and Cedric Guider are being held at the Spalding County Jail awaiting their first appearance hearing. Brandon Guider was released on bond of a misdemeanor charge.

Dix said this operation once again demonstrates the continued cooperation of local, state and surrounding counties efforts in investigating illegal activity.

“The fact that these crimes were committed in such close proximity to two of our schools, and that Underwood and others were using his elderly mother’s residence as a front for the distribution of narcotics typifies the mentality that criminals demonstrate,” Dix said. “This is even more evident in that fact that Underwood’s own children were placed in a situation where they were exposed to the dangers of his activities. With the new air of cooperation and communication between local and surrounding law enforcement agencies we are going to continue to put increasing pressure on drug dealers, gang members and other criminals. You are not welcome here and we are taking our community back.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Two middle school students are facing charges following a Friday afternoon fight.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the incident involved two students and occurred at approximately 4:06 p.m. at Cowan Road Middle School.

The school resource officer (SRO) responded to the area and observed two male students fighting. Teachers were attempting to break up the two students.

SRO Mayer and an assistant principal were able to separate the two fighting students.

One student sustained visible injuries and was evaluated at the scene by WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

One teacher also sustained visible injuries, but declined medical assistance.

No other students or staff members were injured in the incident.

The two juvenile students were transported to the Spalding County Law Enforcement Complex and released to their parents.

Both involved students have been charged with two counts each of simple battery and disruption of a public school.

SUBMITTED :::

Sheriff Darrell Dix reports that deputies from the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office are assisting officers from the Griffin Police Department search for a missing person.

The helicopter and K-9s from the Georgia Piedmont Region K-9 Search and Rescue team are assisting ground personnel as they search the areas of Hammond Drive and West Poplar Street.

A flier is attached from the Griffin Police Department.

Anyone who has been in contact with Mr. Alfred Combs or has information pertaining to his whereabouts is urged to contact the Griffin Police Department at 770.229.6450 or 911.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

In her opening argument, Michael Bowman’s defense attorney said her client is not guilty of any of the charges he faces in the May 31, 2014, shooting death of Officer Kevin Jordan, of the Griffin Police Department.

According to Amber Pittman, a trial attorney of the Georgia Capital Defender Office, Bowman, a decorated soldier who earned the Combat Action Badge and served

two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan as a soldier in the Georgia National Guard, has no memory of the shooting that took the life of Kevin Jordan.

“834 days – that’s how many days Michael (Bowman) spent defending our country. We are here because Michael is a soldier whose brain has been broken by war,” Pittman said, later adding, “He acted as he was trained to do.”

Prior to elaborating on Bowman’s experiences while deployed, Pittman said, “…the brain of a soldier is broken by war.”

She said Bowman did not know he was doing anything wrong when he fired 16 shots at the North Expressway Waffle House where Kevin Jordan was working, instead calling his actions a “conditioned response.”

Bowman could not understand and process information correctly due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hearing loss he sustained during his first tour in Iraq that began in 2005 when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device (IED), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that resulted from his deployments.

She said upon the conclusion of his first deployment, Bowman told the Army of his conditions.

“He told the Army he had hearing loss and ringing in his ears, that he had lost interest in doing pleasurable things and that he was afraid he may do something to hurt someone,” Pittman said.

She alleges the Army took no action to help Bowman.

Pittman also spoke of a second occurrence during his second tour in Iraq in which she said Bowman and his buddies were drinking when their base was overrun. She acknowledged they were not supposed to be drinking, but said it was a result of the stress the soldiers faced.

“There was constant danger, constant dread, constant fear,” she said.

Upon the conclusion of his second tour, Bowman again reported his condition to the Army, and again no action was taken, Pittman said.

His third deployment was his first in Afghanistan, which Pittman described as a vastly different experience.

“You’re going to hear that everyone was suspect,” she said.

As part of the personal security detail of Lt. Col. Louie Payne, she said Bowman went on over 300 missions in Afghanistan, with one leaving him “particularly damaged,” Pittman said.

While en route to assist others who were under fire, the vehicle Bowman was in became stuck in a riverbed. Pittman said they soon found themselves also under fire, with mortar and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) incoming for hours.

Upon returning to the United States, Bowman once again reported his conditions to the Army, Pittman said. Again, no treatment was provided, she said.

“He returned a different man,” she said. “Most of us live our lives with the feeling we’re safe. People with PTSD have that safety ripped away.”

Pittman said his condition cost Bowman not only his stateside employment, but his marriage, as well, and that he then became involved with Chantell Mixon, who is also charged with murder in Jordan’s shooting death.

The defense described Mixon as “not a nice person,” who was “loud and obnoxious,” and claimed she was the crux of the problem at the Waffle House.

“He’s (Bowman) trying to help the officer get her (Mixon) out of the Waffle House. Something snapped. He pulled out his gun and he shot. At that moment, Michael’s conditioned responses took over,” she said, adding, “He misperceived the situation. He saw a threat in Kevin Jordan.”

Pittman strongly stressed that neither defense counsel nor Bowman are attempting to place blame on Kevin Jordan.

“This is a tragedy that never should have happened,” she said before elaborating. “Michael’s broken brain caused him to pull the trigger. Michael’s broken brain made pulling the trigger the only option at that moment.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Two local high school students were this week arrested following a search that uncovered narcotics on school grounds.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, members of the SCSO Special conducted a K9 search of Spalding High School located at 433 Wilson Road.

This preplanned search was coordinated by a joint effort between the SCSO and the Griffin Spalding County School System, and was performed with the assistance of the Griffin Police Department and school system staff.

The building and grounds of Spalding High School was searched by K9s and officers from the GPD’s C.A.G.E. unit and SCSO agents.

As a result of the search, two students were arrested and charged with possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. No further information is available regarding the arrests.

“I would like to thank Principal Lindy Pruitt and her staff for assisting us with the search of the school. We realize that this type of operation is time consuming and impacts both students and staff. This joint effort with the School System is intended to provide a safe learning environment for students and staff. By working together during the planning process we minimized the interruptions and were able to return the students and teachers to the classroom in a timely manner.”