The Jail Report

EXCLUSIVE: Woman Arrested in T-Mobile Tuition Scam in Augusta

2012-01-26T10:24:00.003-05:00

An arrest has been made in the investigation of T-Mobile employees who stole hundreds of thousands from the company after filing fraudulent claims for tuition reimbursement in Augusta.

Shantae Evans, 33, has been charged with five felony counts of theft by deception and is sitting in the Richmond County Jail this morning under $28,500 bond.

Evans, a former T-Mobile employee, was allegedly involved in the tuition scheme and received a cut of the money. According to a report, numerous T-Mobile employees filed fraudulent claims to receive tuition reimbursements for continued education classes that they did not take.

The employees would provide the needed information for the claims to a current employee, who would pass the information on to another employee as well as Evans.

"The Evans suspect would access the company's web site and file the fraudulent claims for each employee, which ranged between $4,000 and $5,000 each," a report says.

Other arrests are possible. A T-Mobile loss prevention investigator told deputies that dozens of employees from the call center on Wheeler Road are believed to be involved in the fraud. The total amount of money claimed is believed to be around $200,000.

Tips to Avoid a DUI Arrest

2011-12-31T15:57:00.002-05:00

As you prepare to celebrate the new year, The Jail Report wants you to be happy. But not THIS happy.

This is 37-year-old Christina Kurdziel of North Augusta, arrested Thursday for drunk driving in Richmond County. She was stopped when an officer saw her failing to maintain her lane and pulled her over, according to jail records.

Tonight, we want you to take lots of pictures of your festivities. Just don't make it necessary to have your picture taken by a jailer.

Remember these tips:

1. Set your limit before you start drinking.

2. Eat something before you start drinking.

3. Drink plenty of water – if you have a beer and then a water and then a beer and then a water... you'll be drinking less beer. But remember, the only way to completely avoid a DUI charge is to abstain from drinking alcohol.

4. Wait until you get to the party. If you're already drunk by the time you get to the party, what kind of shape will you be in when you leave?

5. Eat dinner before you leave home. You need a full meal in your stomach to help keep you alert and slow down the effects of the alcohol.

6. Designate a driver. If you can't find someone who's willing to stay sober, then plan on spending the night wherever you're going. And don't plan to sleep in your car! A sleeping drunk behind the wheel of a car is STILL, in the eyes of the law, a DRUNK behind the wheel of a car.

Think! Every year thousands of people are killed by drunk drivers over the New Year's holiday.
And in this area, it doesn't even have to be a holiday. And the person doing the drinking never, ever leaves the party with the intention of going out and killing someone. But it happens. And it could happen to you. And it could be one of your own family members that gets killed.

Have a safe and happy new year!

EXCLUSIVE: Augusta Attorney Accused of Sexual Incident with Teen

2011-12-29T16:50:00.005-05:00

Authorities are investigating a report by an 18-year-old female that she was provided alcohol and marijuana by Augusta Attorney Joseph R. Neal Jr. before he "had carnal knowledge of her without her consent and against her will."

The Jail Report has obtained the incident report, which is labeled "rape" at the top and has the victim's name blacked out. (Report is pictured above - click on it to see it closer).

The teen told authorities that she was visiting Neal's home on 2240 Kings Way on the evening of Dec. 16 when "she was given 4 to 5 alcohol drinks and marijuana, causing her to become intoxicated," the report says.

The woman then claims Neal sexually assaulted her during her intoxicated state. The woman described Neal as an "acquaintance."

After being questioned about the allegations by The Jail Report, sheriff's Capt. Scott Peebles confirmed the investigation today and provided the report. "The case is being investigated and will be forwarded to the District Attorney for review," Capt. Peebles said in an email that contained the report.

The Jail Report left messages for Neal on two phones today and did not receive an immediate response from the 43-year-old attorney.

The allegations were made just before Neal's wife, Caroline, 23, was arrested for a domestic assault at the same house on Dec. 21. In that case, Mr. Neal told authorities his wife accidentally closed the door on his head after an argument, a report says. Mr. Neal then claims the argument escalated and Mrs. Neal "hit and scratched" him repeatedly in front of Mr. Neal's 13-year-old son. She also allegedly punched her glass French door and kicked in the plate glass window on the front door, causing deep cuts to her own leg.

A deputy observed scratches to Mr. Neal's right forearm and left bicep as well as a red mark on his chest and back.

Mrs. Neal was treated for her cuts at Trinity Hospital and then charged with simple battery - family violence. She was featured in this week's edition of The Jail Report under the name "Caroline Caldwell."

Richardson Family Statement: 'Words Cannot Express'

2011-12-29T12:02:00.001-05:00

RICHARDSON FAMILY STATEMENT: The following statement was just released by the family of slain Officer Scotty Richardson: "Words cannot adequately express the love and support our family has felt since our Scotty was called home to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning of December 21st. The Aiken community has been with us every step.

The acts of kindness have ranged from cleaning our yard, erecting tents so that family and friends would not be subjected to the elements, helping with the children, clothing family members for the funeral, and providing food. We have not wanted for anything.

It is always dangerous when you start publicly thanking people because you do not want to leave anyone out, but we must say “Thank You” to the staff at O’Charley’s and Houndslake Country Club. On Christmas night, these folks prepared a wonderful meal for our family. The reason we mention this is because a lot of us had not left the house since December 21st. We were able to gather in a private setting and enjoy Christmas as a family.

Throughout this ordeal the support from the Aiken Department of Public Safety (ADPS) and other representatives from the City of Aiken has been overwhelming. You should know that Scotty would be proud, but he would also be embarrassed by all of the fuss over him. To his brothers and sisters at ADPS, you are always welcome in our home and we count it an honor to call you family.

Scotty’s funeral service was conducted in a very regal manner. Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, you were caring and compassionate during this entire process. When we arrived at the Convocation Center, the sight of all of the public safety personnel was jaw-dropping, but we were equally astounded when we began our journey to Bethany Cemetery seeing the citizens lining the streets while braving the windy conditions.

We have many friends that have been with us during this trying time and all we can say is “Thank You!” We would have never made it without you. As the days, weeks, and months pass, please keep us in your prayers because only time will heal this deep wound.

In closing, it is our hope that Scotty did not die in vain. Let’s all reach out to the children of our community and make sure that they stay on the right path. Encourage and love them because that is what Scotty would do.

God Bless,
The Richardson Family"

Stephon Carter Under Heavy Security at Hospital

2011-12-29T10:38:00.004-05:00

Accused cop killer Stephon Carter remains hospitalized in Augusta this morning, nine days after being shot in a deadly confrontation with Aiken police.

Carter, pictured here in a self-portrait posted on his MySpace page months ago, is now being represented by Columbia attorney Carl B. Grant.

Contacted by The Jail Report on Wednesday, Grant said Carter and his family are holding up "as well as anyone can be" considering the circumstances. He also said his first job will be to regain the presumption of innocence and get his client a fair trial.

Carter, 19, suffered a gunshot wound to the buttocks, a wound that now appears to be pretty serious considering his lengthy stay in the hospital. Once doctors say he is healthy enough to be released, he will be transported to the Augusta jail to await extradition to South Carolina. He will be charged with the murder of Aiken Police Officer Scotty Richardson and attempted murder of Officer Travis Griffin.

Sheriff Ronnie Strength says he has Carter under 24-7 guard at the hospital. The sheriff has not allowed the suspect to have any visitors.

"He is in custody and he's not in a jail surrounding. Too many things could happen in a hospital that would not happen in a jail," Sheriff Strength explained. "Without a doubt, he is a high-risk prisoner at this time."

Stephon Carter: Son of a Killer

2011-12-22T21:08:00.006-05:00

It turns out accused cop killer Stephon Carter is the son of a killer.

Meet Willie Carter, left, who is serving time for killing Stephon's mother in Aiken just four months after Stephon was born.

Sonya Carter separated from Willie Carter while pregnant with Stephon in 1992. She was so afraid of Willie Carter that she abandoned her Aiken home and moved to Barnwell County. But in March 1993, he kidnapped his estranged wife from Aiken Technical College and shot her execution-style in the front seat of her own car, according to media accounts of his trial.

Her body was found a day later in the passenger seat of her car, which was parked on a dirt road off S.C. 39 in Williston. An autopsy revealed she was shot twice in the chest, once in the neck and once in the head with a .22-caliber revolver.

Willie Carter was sentenced to life in prison, but a Department of Corrections website lists his eligible parole date as March 2013.

After his mother's death, Stephon Carter was raised by his maternal grandparents, Sarah Jane Hickman and Samuel Hickman Sr., according to family members. He was 9 when Samuel Hickman died, leaving his grandmother as his sole guardian.

The Augusta Chronicle is reporting that Blackville Police Chief John Holston is a distant cousin of Stephon Carter. Chief Holston said the death of Stephon's mother at the hands of his dad may explain his current situation, but not excuse it.

SLED officials have issued warrants against Stephon Carter for Tuesday night's shooting death of Aiken Officer Scotty Richardson and attempted murder of Officer Travis Griffin. At last word, Stephon Carter (pictured at right) was being treated at a hospital in Augusta after being shot in the buttocks in the gunfight.

Stephon Carter Photos

2011-12-22T12:34:00.001-05:00

Discovery Channel to Feature Jessica Carpenter Case

2011-08-07T22:46:00.002-04:00

By Greg Rickabaugh
Publisher, The Jail Report

Normally, I am the one interviewing people about crime. Last week, I got the camera turned on me as producers with The Discovery Channel came to Aiken to film a story on the 2000 murder of Jessica Carpenter (bottom photo).

Producers talked to police, family and others about the dramatic case. They interviewed me about the community’s reaction to the brutal rape and strangulation of the high school student. I wrote about a dozen stories on the case while covering the Aiken beat for The Augusta Chronicle.

An hour-long special will air on an upcoming episode of “Cold Blood,” an Investigation Discovery (I.D.) show entering its fifth season. Producers became fascinated with the Carpenter case because it was such a roller-coaster ride. It had all the twists and turns of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller.

Jessica Carpenter was 17 when her mother returned to their Crosland Park home on Aug. 4, 2000 and found her daughter’s body. The teen had been sexually assaulted and strangled with a phone cord before the killer sliced her throat with a knife.

Jessica died of asphyxiation from strangulation and cuts to the throat, the coroner said.

It was an agonizing two years for the family, investigators and the community as the case remain unsolved.

The case was not without suspects. Over that period, Aiken Public Safety investigators interviewed over 300 people and obtained DNA samples from 94 people, including friends, neighbors, co-workers and even serial killer Reinaldo Rivera. None matched.

Just days after the two-year anniversary of her killing, authorities linked Georgia inmate Robert Franklin Atkins to the crime after his DNA was put into a Georgia database.

It turned out that despite an extensive criminal history, Atkins was working as a deliveryman for Airborne Express in the Aiken area. Police say he talked his way into the Carpenter family home by asking to use the phone. He pretended to be talking to someone, and after hanging up, grabbed Jessica and dragged her around the house.

After his arrest, Atkins apologized to the family, struck a deal to avoid the death penalty and was sentenced to life in prison.

In court, the victim’s sister, Amy Carpenter, spoke about the agony of the case: “We spent two years not knowing who did this, constantly looking at friends, co-workers, and neighbors with suspicious eyes.”

Requiring felons in Georgia to submit DNA samples for a database was the key to stopping a killer and bringing justice to the family.

Ironically, it took South Carolina another six years to create a similar DNA database using all felony suspects.

“We’re glad we’ve got DNA,” Charlie Carpenter, Jessica’s father, said in court in 2006. “We know we got the right person that murdered Jessica. We know in our hearts tonight that the person that murdered Jessica is behind bars and we’re never going to see him again ... and he’s going to come out feet first in a pine box.”

Mugshot of the Day: Raven Williams

2011-08-04T09:51:00.003-04:00

Raven Williams, 23, was charged for a Grand Jury Arrest Warrant on Wednesday in Richmond County.

Augusta Woman Kills Husband with Stiletto Shoe

2011-08-03T09:50:00.002-04:00

An Augusta woman was charged with murder Monday after allegedly beating her boyfriend to death with a shoe, according to authorities. Thelma Carter, 46, first told officers she came home this morning to find the body of 58-year-old Robert Higdon.

"Subsequent investigation has determined that at some time (Sunday) evening Carter and Higdon were involved in a dispute that turned physical. During the altercation, Carter struck Higdon in the head with a shoe," sheriff's Capt. Scott Peebles said in a press release.

Officers say the victim appears to have died from trauma to the head, but an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the exact cause. Carter is in custody charged with one count of murder.

This is Richmond County’s 14th murder this year. There were 21 murders this time last year.

Mugshot of the Day: Vincent Powell

2011-08-02T09:47:00.001-04:00

Vincent Powell, 54, was charged Monday with order to show cause by the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Attorney Arrested for Felony Obstruction in Augusta

2011-07-28T23:48:00.005-04:00

Augusta Attorney Matthew James Duncan was arrested early Thursday for felony obstruction of an officer after allegedly interfering with a traffic stop and injuring a deputy while being arrested, a report says.

Just after midnight Thursday, the 29-year-old bankruptcy attorney walked up to a traffic stop at Broad & 11th streets where a woman was undergoing sobriety tests. He yelled to the woman that she should not perform any evaluations and told the officers he was her attorney. According to a report, Deputy Donnie Chavis told the man to leave or he would be arrested. Duncan walked away, but returned again and told the woman again not to cooperate.

That is when Deputy Chavis attempted to place the man under arrest, but the attorney "snatched his hand back and stated I was not going to place him under arrest," the officer's report says.

When Duncan snatched his hand back, it caused the handcuff chain to strike the deputy's hand and reopen six stitches he had received the week before. Duncan was finally taken into custody and the officer "smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverage from his breath" and noted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Duncan was transported to the Richmond County Jail on the felony charge. County records show he was convicted in 2002 of DUI.

Deputy Chavis required treatment at MCG for the injury. The entire incident was recorded on the officer's in-car video, a report says.

Mugshot of the Day: Chaz Williams

2011-07-26T10:21:00.001-04:00

Chaz Williams, 20, of Lexington, S.C., was arrested Sunday for disorderly conduct in Richmond County.

Mugshot of the Day: Dorothy Harrison

2011-07-20T10:02:00.002-04:00

Dorothy Harrison, 49, of Aiken, was charged Tuesday by the Aiken Department of Public Safety with having an open container of beer.

Mugshot of the Day: Mary Hughes

2011-07-18T09:07:00.003-04:00

Mary Hughes, 18, of Aiken, was charged Sunday with assault & battery in Aiken County.

New Website: Augusta Mugs

2011-07-15T10:12:00.002-04:00

Make sure to check out our website, AugustaMugs.com, for more mugshots.

Mugshot of the Day: Bradley Calhoun

2011-07-15T00:54:00.000-04:00

Bradley Calhoun, 20, of Aiken, was charged with trespassing Wednesday by the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

Mugshot of the Day: Lonnie Bargeron IV

2011-07-14T00:27:00.000-04:00

Lonnie Bargeron IV, 26, was arrested Wednesday for shoplifting between $50 and $300 worth of merchandise in Richmond County.

Mugshot of the Day: Cynthia Walker

2011-07-08T23:58:00.002-04:00

Cynthia Walker, 51, was arrested Friday in Richmond County for two counts of felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer and simple battery. That suggests she gave two officers a really hard time.

Apparently, she didn't like the jailers either, because she displayed this frown for them when it came time for her mugshot.

Mugshot of the Day: Sherry Lee

2011-07-08T09:01:00.003-04:00

Sherry Marie Lee, 43, of Augusta, was arrested Tuesday for disorderly conduct (engaging in a fight) in Richmond County. Apparently, she needed help on her side profile, and a jailer reached in to pull her hair back, making for this bizarre-looking mugshot.

Mugshot of the Day: Robert Brooks

2011-07-07T09:26:00.001-04:00

Robert Brooks, 33, of Augusta, was arrested Tuesday for disorderly conduct in Richmond County.

Mugshot of the Day: Joan Stine, 85 Years Old

2011-07-05T09:16:00.001-04:00

Joan Stine, 85, of Augusta, was charged last week with simple battery in Richmond County.

Mugshot of the Day: Ted Day

2011-07-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ted Norris Day, 26, of Hephzibah, was charged last Thursday with DUI and failure to maintain lane. He was arrested by a deputy with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Mugshot of the Day; Stephen Daughterty

2011-07-01T09:55:00.003-04:00

Stephen Daughterty, 28, of Aiken, was charged Thursday with two counts of assault & battery and one count of driving under suspension. He was arrested by Aiken County Sheriff's deputies, and he remains in the Aiken County Jail this morning.

Mugshot of the Day: Gina Young

2011-06-30T11:36:00.005-04:00

Gina Young, 27, of Augusta, was charged Tuesday with theft by shoplifting in Richmond County. She allegedly went into a dressing room and loaded her purse with four shirts and four dresses from J.C. Penney's at Augusta Mall. Another woman with Young allegedly stole items too, but pushed the loss prevention officer out of the way and fled, a report says.

Mugshot of the Day: Richard Rule

2011-06-29T11:23:00.002-04:00

Richard Rule, 53, of Aiken, was charged with DUI on Tuesday by the S.C. Highway Patrol.

Mugshot of the Day: Jenna Brown

2011-06-27T08:41:00.003-04:00

Jenna Brown, 21, of Augusta, was charged Saturday by Richmond County authorities with DUI and a related traffic charge.

She's only been 21 for a month. Perhaps drinking isn't for her.

Mugshot of the Day: Stephanie McLaughlin

2011-06-25T09:28:00.003-04:00

Stephanie McLaughlin, 37, of Augusta, was charged Wednesday by Richmond County deputies with possession of Oxycodone, a felony.

Mugshot of the Day: Javonist Gant

2011-06-24T10:40:00.002-04:00

Javonist Gant, 19, of Augusta, was arrested Wednesday by Richmond County authorities for fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding, theft by receiving stolen property, criminal attempted felony and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.

Basically, authorities say he and another man, David Callahan, tried to rob Belair Package Shop on Wednesday night but got spooked and fled without anything. They later caught the attention of a deputy while riding in a stolen car and ended up leading deputies on a high-speed chase reaching speeds over 100 mph. The chase ended in Columbia County with their arrest. A report doesn't indicate how he sustained the injuries to his face.

Former NAHS Asst. Principal Arrested for Leading Police on Foot Chase

2011-06-22T22:42:00.007-04:00

The former assistant principal for North Augusta High School was arrested early Saturday morning after leaving an Aiken bar to head home to an unattended child.

According to the report, the officer observed Charles Gregory make an improper turn on Whiskey Road. When he turned around, Gregory quickly pulled into the parking lot at McDonalds and exited the car.

The officer watched as Gregory made his way back the way he had come on foot. When the blue lights came on, Gregory bent down to remove his shoes then took off into the parking lot of Millbrook Baptist Church.

The officer yelled at him to stop, but Gregory only redoubled his shoeless speed and ran into the nearby cemetery. He tripped over a fence, recovered, then climbed over another fence, falling yet again. Still being pursued, Gregory dashed onto East Pine Log Road and, you guessed it, fell again.

At this time, the deputy was able to end the brief chase with a set of handcuffs. On the way to the station, Gregory admitted that what he did was “stupid” but that he just got nervous, the report stated.

Gregory also admitted to leaving his 6-year-old daughter at home alone and requested that his mother be contacted so she could go take care of her. Now wasn’t that thoughtful?

Gregory was charged with failure to obey a lawful officer and improper lane change.

A woman answering phones at the school says Gregory resigned after school ended a few weeks ago, before this incident occurred. She said they have not updated their website.

Mugshot of the Day: Eric Warren

2011-06-22T07:19:00.002-04:00

Eric Warren, 46, of Graniteville, was arrested Tuesday by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office and charged with disorderly conduct and littering.

He's had a few minor arrests years ago for driving under suspension and being a drunk pedestrian, according to jail records.

Mugshot of the Day: Rico Sanders

2011-06-17T14:26:00.003-04:00

Rico Sanders, 23, of North, S.C., was charged Thursday by Wagener Police with grand larceny.

Sanders is a repeat offender with previous charges of accessory after the fact to burglary, possession of stolen goods, failure to stop on police command, malicious injury to courthouse, failure to appear and drugs - prohibited acts. He remains in the Aiken County Jail.

Mugshot of the Day: Lauren Bunting

2011-06-16T10:39:00.004-04:00

Lauren Bunting, 28, of Martinez, was charged Wednesday by Richmond County Sheriff's Office with shoplifting, at least her fourth arrest for shoplifting in the area since 2002.

That is her newest mugshot on the right. This same time last year, she was arrested for shoplifting as well, where jailers photographed her with purple hair (left).

Bunting has made several trips to the Augusta jail over her young life for charges of shoplifting, DUI and driving while license revoked.

Mugshot of the Day: Timothy Chaples

2011-06-15T10:18:00.002-04:00

Timothy Chaples, 18, of Salley, was charged by Salley Police on Tuesday with assault & battery and disorderly conduct, his second arrest in less than a week. That's his newest mugshot on the right. The left mugshot is from last Thursday's arrest by Salley police for simple larceny and drug paraphernalia. We hope he'll stop his criminal ways soon.

Mugshot of the Day: Conella Smith

2011-06-13T10:51:00.002-04:00

Conella Smith, 56, of Augusta, was arrested today by Richmond County sheriff's officials for disorderly conduct.

Pepper Spray Ends Foot Chase of Shoplifting Suspect

2011-06-12T19:51:00.003-04:00

An Aiken shoplifting suspect led officers on a wild foot chase outside a day care last week before it ended with a blast of pepper spray to the face, according to a sheriff’s report.

Cornelius Adams, 32, had allegedly hidden two DVDs and a CD in his back pocket at the Aiken Walmart on May 31. When a loss prevention officer confronted him, he ran.

Aiken public safety officers picked up the chase, which ended up near a wooden privacy fence for the Family Affair Day Care. To gain access to the area behind the day care, Adams broke and pried the wooden boards off the fence, a report says.

An officer used pepper spray, but it only struck the suspect’s neck and side of his face. Adams jumped the fence but realized he was surrounded by police and threw his hands up. But when he backed up and ignored orders to get to the ground, an officer sprayed him again, leading Adams to fall to his knees and surrender.

Adams was charged with shoplifting, resisting arrest and malicious injury to real property.

Mugshot of the Day: Tommie Brooks

2011-06-11T09:45:00.000-04:00

Tommie Brooks, 48, was charged Friday by Richmond County deputies with DUI, leaving scene of accident, habitual violator and improper backing. Does he look in a condition to drive?

Mugshot of the Day: Mickey Washington

2011-06-09T09:06:00.002-04:00

Mickey Washington, 66, was arrested Wednesday by Richmond County authorities on a charge of simple battery.

Mugshot of the Day: George Merriweather III

2011-06-08T08:38:00.002-04:00

George Merriweather III, 40, of Augusta, was arrested Monday by Richmond County deputies for shoplifting and giving false information to law enforcement.

Mugshot of the Day: Arlene Bender

2011-06-07T11:17:00.002-04:00

Arlene Bender, 57, of Augusta, was arrested June 3 by Richmond County sheriff's officials on a charge of disorderly conduct. She gave this big grin for her mugshot.

Franklin Farrell Jr.

2011-06-05T22:02:00.004-04:00

What is he thinking? Franklin Farrell Jr, 35, of Warrenville, was charged June 3 by Aiken County sheriff's officials with failure to appear and pay family court bench warrant. He made this unusual face when it was time to pose for the camera.

Farrell is a repeat offender with previous charges for criminal domestic violence, manufacturing meth, failure to pay child support and traffic offenses.

Perhaps he is angry with himself for getting busted again and thrown in the slammer.

5th Criminal Domestic Violence Charge

2011-05-21T09:34:00.003-04:00

Shawn Mikell, 30 of Langley, was arrested this week for his fifth criminal domestic violence charge.

Ironically, he was ordered to undergo counseling for domestic violence in December after an arrest last year, according to court records. Looks like that didn't work.

But why should it? The court never sent Mikell to jail for very long. In 2002, after he was found guilty of domestic abuse, a judge simply ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

Here’s a look at five of his mugshots, including the criminal domestic violence charges.

Drunk Woman Leads Cop on Chase with Kids in Car

2011-05-19T12:29:00.006-04:00

A drunk Hephzibah mother crashed into a tree after leading officers on a chase while carrying three children and an adult male in her car Saturday evening .

Rebecca Avrett, 27, was allegedly involved in an accident on James Drive but drove away as a deputy approached, leading the officer on a chase that reached speeds of 80-85 mph, a report says. She finally drove into a yard on Travis Road, lost control of her 1999 Saturn and struck a tree. She tried to exit the car but was detained, the report states.

An officer then realized the woman was carrying three small children (ages 6-8) as well as an adult male. None of the children were restrained, and they appeared injured, a report states.

Officers found an open container of Bud Ice in the car. The driver was charged with at least 14 offenses, including DUI, reckless driving, fleeing, endangering child while DUI, no insurance and driving with a suspended license.

The injured were taken to MCG. Avrett was treated and then booked into the jail, where she took her mugshot from a wheelchair.

Woman with Cerebral Palsy Arrested Again for Shoplifting

2011-05-17T15:10:00.001-04:00

An Augusta woman with cerebral palsy has been arrested for shoplifting again.

Lisa Michelle Owen, 44, is accused of rolling out of the Walmart on Deans Bridge Road last Thursday afternoon without paying for a pink “George” shirt worth $12 and a bag of Frito's worth $1. A store employee stopped the woman and her wheelchair after she exited the store, and called police.

But because a handicapped van wasn't available, a deputy was forced to let the woman go until they could pick her up Friday.

Last August, Owen was charged with shoplifting earrings from J.C. Penney’s at the Augusta Mall while riding around in a motorized wheelchair. In that case, a deputy asked the woman to turn herself in at the jail, and she did.

Burglar Falls on Head, Becomes Paralyzed

2011-05-10T14:24:00.002-04:00

It's safe to say Carl Thurmond won't be breaking into homes anytime soon.

The 43-year-old man fell on his head Saturday night while fleeing a Hephzibah home that he was burglarizing, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down, authorities say. The victims returned home on Daisy Lane and saw Thurmond, their yard man, inside.

The suspect ran out to the deck and jumped. "Apparently, he fell right on his head and he broke the fifth vertebra," sheriff's Lt. Calvin Chew said.

Thurmond couldn't move, so the victims called 911, and the suspect was taken to MCG, where he remains today. Investigators reportedly found a remote in Thurmond's pocket that matched the TV he was about to steal from his clients.

A warrant has been issued against Thurmond for burglary, but the sheriff's office is not rushing to charge him, since they would then be responsible for his medical bills.

(Thurmond is shown here in a 2009 mugshot for obstruction of an officer and multiple traffic offense

Elderly Hephzibah Man Shot to Death in Home

2011-05-07T09:50:00.003-04:00

Richmond County has recorded its 6th homicide after an elderly Hephzibah man was found shot to death in his home Friday night.

Just before midnight Friday, 911 dispatchers received a call about “suspicious persons” on the 2800 block of Hoods Lane, off Tobacco Road in Hephzibah. Deputies checked the residence at 2832 Hoods Lane and found the body of resident Johnny Juddie Luckey, an 81-year-old white male, according to a press release from sheriff’s Lt. Calvin Chew.

The victim appears to have died from gunshot wounds. No arrests have been announced in the slaying, which marks Richmond County’s 6th homicide of the year.

“The investigation is currently in its early stages and further information will be released when possible,” Lt. Chew said.

Teen Prostitute Ties Up Man, Robs Him

2011-05-06T13:11:00.002-04:00

This is 17-year-old Shacoya Jones of Augusta. She called police on Thursday afternoon from the Courtesy Motel on 15th Street to report being raped, authorities said. She told investigators she was 14 and pointed out a rape suspect after he was stopped by a deputy.

But after investigating, authorities discovered the teen was actually a 17-year-old prostitute who was recently stiffed by the guy. So she set him up Thursday to get her money and tied him up as "part of the sex act," police said. Jones then robbed the man, hitting him with two pairs of brass knuckles after blindfolding him and duct taping his hands behind his back, authorities say.

She's been charged with false imprisonment, false statement in a government matter, criminal attempted felony and prostitution. Jones remains in jail under no bond.

Blanton's Bond Revoked After Weekend Arrest

2011-05-04T22:30:00.001-04:00

Clayton Blanton may have partied one too many times.

Following his weekend arrest for allegedly buying beer for minors, the 21 year old had his bond revoked today on last year's charges of aggravated sexual battery and unlawful eavesdropping.

He was initially granted bond on the weekend misdemeanor arrest. But we're told the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and an assistant district attorney brought the newest charge to the attention of Superior Court Judge Michael Annis, who issued an order for Blanton's arrest, and he surrendered around 5 p.m. today.

Blanton was among several young people charged after a video surfaced with evidence that four people victimized a 19-year-old woman who was passed out at a Martinez party.

Blanton allegedly recorded the video, authorities said. That case has not gone to trial.

He is being held without bond at the Columbia County Jail.

Craigslist Robber Caught

2011-05-03T12:22:00.002-04:00

Authorities arrested Phillip Griffin on Monday in the weekend armed robbery and beating of two men who thought they were responding to a Craigslist ad for a 1984-85 black Chevy Monte Carlo.

The victims, both 21 years old, went to a location on Wheeler Road at First Avenue around 6:40 p.m. Sunday and were sitting in their car when the two robbers pulled them out of the vehicle and robbed them of $5,500 brought to purchase the car as well as a wallet and an expensive cell phone.

When the victims resisted, they were either threatened with a gun or struck with a weapon, a report states. Griffin, 20, of Hephzibah, was charged Monday with two counts of armed robbery.

Westminster Suspect Denies Stealing School Sign

2011-04-30T21:39:00.007-04:00

The man facing charges for recycling a stolen sign from Westminster Schools of Augusta claims another man paid him to do it.

Gary Lee Harding told The Jail Report on Saturday that he plans to surrender Monday to face charges related to the theft. But he said he is not the person who removed the bronze sign from the driveway of the Wheeler Road school. Harding says he does not even know what Westminster is.

"Somebody told me it's a Catholic school?" he asked. "It just says 'Westminster.' I don't know what that is."

The sign was recovered at Campbell's Recycling, and that business' records helped lead authorities to Harding. Investigators have since issued an arrest warrant for the 54-year-old Augusta man. He is shown here from a 2009 arrest for marijuana.

Harding said a black man he knows only as Joe -- or possibly "Unc. Joe" -- approached him at Minnick Park and paid him $80 to take the muddy sign and recycle it for money. The guy said he didn't have an ID to be able to recycle it, according to Harding. He was supposed to meet the guy near the recycling center.

"He asked me if I would carry it down there. Like an idiot, I carried it down there," said Harding.

Still, law enforcement officials are charging Harding in the crime. The suspect said his wife has lung cancer and a sheriff's investigator was sympathetic enough to let him work out a day to surrender.

Harding describes himself as a dumpster diver who looks for recyclable items other people throw away. He said he is unemployed except for a small part-time job, but that he even looked through garbage when he was employed.

In recent months, area law enforcement officials have witnessed an increasing number of copper and other metal thefts of everything from air conditioners and plumbing to sprinkler systems and ground wires.

The Westminster sign was removed from the driveway of the school at 3067 Wheeler Road on Monday. Initially, school officials thought it may have been high school senior pranksters.

Follow Us on Facebook

2010-04-13T15:04:00.002-04:00

The Jail Report is now providing regular content on facebook. Go to facebook.com/thejailreport

You can also see the front page of new issues by logging onto thejailreport.com.

Fourth DUI

2010-04-11T00:50:00.002-04:00

Nicholus Martin, 31, of Aiken, was charged Saturday with driving under influence - 4th offense.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol Busted Mr. Martin on Saturday night, and he remains in the detention center early today.

According to DUI.Drivinglaws.org, a fourth DUI conviction in South Carolina can lead to permanent driver's license revocation and a minimum of 1 year in prison (and possibly more depending on the BAC level).

Traffic Death on I-20

2010-04-08T22:22:00.002-04:00

Press release from Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton:

32 year old Aaron Jennings of North Augusta SC was pronounced dead at the Medical College of Georgia Emergency Department at 7:18pm. Mr. Jennings was involved in a two vehicle crash on I-20 westbound between mile marker 14 and 15 at approximately 6:15pm.

According to witness' Mr. Jennings' vehicle was traveling west in the #1 lane (nearest the median) when a tractor trailer pulled into his lane from the #2 lane. The tractor trailer was apparently attempting to avoid slower moving traffic when he was alleged to have forced Mr. Jennings into the median where the 2004 Ford Explorer overturned ejecting Mr. Jennings. Mr. Jennings was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the fatal crash.

Another motorist was able to get the tractor trailers vehicle information and the South Carolina Highway Patrol was able to locate the vehicle. It is not known at this time whether the tractor trailer actually struck Mr. Jennings' vehicle. The SCHP MAIT is investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Mr. Jennings is the 9th traffic fatality in Aiken County in 2010. Mr. Jennings died from multiple body trauma.

Sex Offender Arrested Again

2010-04-08T12:01:00.000-04:00

A convicted sex offender in Aiken County was arrested Wednesday for unlawful use of a telephone.

Daniel Lee Lard, 23, of Graniteville, was charged with the offense by Aiken County authorities and remains in the detention center at this hour.

Mr. Lard has a long history of arrests, including many for sex-related offenses. He's a registered sex offender with a conviction just last year for criminal sexual conduct with a minor (11-14 years old), according to the state's sex offender registry. The state registry suggests that he did not serve any prison time for the offense since he was convicted and released on the same date.

According to the Aiken County Jail, these are his previous arrests:

May 11, 2006: Criminal sexual conduct with a minor, lewd act on a child
Nov. 27, 2007: Marijuana cultivation, drug paraphernalia
June 27, 2008: Criminal sexual conduct with a minor
July 9, 2008: Lewd act on a child

Oddly enough, Aiken County jail records show him with a Gloverville address while the state sex offender website says he registered in February with an address on Hubert Street in Gloverville.

Roughneck?

2010-04-07T08:49:00.002-04:00

Maybe he's trying to live up to his neck tattoo, but repeat offender Christopher Buff of North Augusta was charged yesterday with assault and battery. His neck tattoo appears to say "Roughneck."

The 29-year-old man is a repeat offender who has been arrested six other times in Aiken County for charges of breaking & entering, criminal sexual conduct with minors, assault, marijuana possession, driving under suspension and parole violation.

Another DUI

2010-04-04T11:19:00.003-04:00

Dustin Lucas, 22, of Aiken, apparently didn't learn his lesson from his first DUI arrest.

Aiken public safety officers busted him Saturday afternoon for DUI - 2nd offense. He's one of many drunk driving arrested over the Easter weekend.

Dustin also has two previous arrests for disorderly conduct - gross intoxication, according to jail records. He apparently likes his alcohol.

Check out The Jail Report on Wednesday for details on other DUI arrests in the CSRA.

110 mph Along the Interstate

2010-04-03T11:23:00.003-04:00

A Columbia, S.C., teen was trying to zoom through Aiken County at 3 a.m. this morning on Interstate 20.

Unfortunately for him, it's illegal to drive 110 mph along the interstate, so 18-year-old Quenshawn Johnson was stopped and arrested by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Instead of hightailing it through the county, he's been stuck here all morning and is still sitting in the Aiken County Jail at this hour waiting to make bond.

Sexual Battery in Appling

2010-04-01T16:27:00.003-04:00

An Appling man man was arrested Wednesday for sexual battery on his ex-girlfriend, according to a sheriff's report.

Wesley Dye, a 30-year-old carpet cleaner, is accused of touching his ex-girlfriend intimately despite the woman telling him not to, according to a Columbia County sheriff's report. The victim said she had gone to the suspect's home around lunchtime Wednesday to return some clothes Mr. Dye had left at her home. While she was there, Mr. Dye touched her, she said.

Just in Time for Easter

2010-03-31T05:24:00.000-04:00

Anita Williamson of Aiken was busted on Monday for criminal domestic violence. She was escorted to the Aiken County Jail and had her mugshot taken with her new pink hair style - just in time for Easter.

The suspect is a repeat offender with previous arrests for criminal domestic violence and simple assault & battery, according to jail records.

Sears Scam

2010-03-30T10:57:00.001-04:00

Talk about nerve.

Authorities say 34-year-old Aaron Evans tried to pull a scam at the Sears store at the Augusta Mall last week. He walked into the store, picked up two belts and a wallet off the shelf and went to a cashier to return the items, a report states. He said he didn't have a receipt, so the cashier processed a return and gave him a gift card for the amount of the items. Preferring cash, the man then walked around the store and tried to sell the gift card to other customers.

Luckily, an employee saw the man on surveillance and called deputies, who arrived in time to bust Mr. Evans for theft by deception.

Computer Thieves Captured on Video

2010-03-29T09:30:00.002-04:00

Columbia County authorities are looking for two men who stole a laptop computer from Computer Exchange on Washington Road earlier this month.

Store video shows the two men, who either distracted the employees or waited until they were busy before swiping the HP G71 computer worth about $900.

Know who they are? Call (706) 541-2800.

Home Invasion with Toy Gun

2010-03-28T18:17:00.003-04:00

A Jackson man is accused of kicking in the door of a mobile home and trying to rob a woman with a toy gun early Friday.

David Malpass Jr., 21, allegedly demanded money, but the woman said she didn't have any, so he grabbed a laptop and fled the residence, which is on South Silverton Street. About 30 minutes later, officers traced footprints through the woods to Mr. Malpass' residence, according to Jackson Police Chief Dennis Rushton.

Oddly enough, police found the man's kitchen smoking and the suspect and a roommate passed out. They were able to wake up the residents and tell them they had left a pot on the stove that was smoking, possibly preventing a disaster, Chief Rushton said.

"I guess that's what drugs and beer with do to you," the chief told The Jail Report, suggesting the suspect was under the influence during the alleged robbery.

Mr. Malpass was charged with burglary, larceny and strong armed robbery. He remains in the Aiken County Detention Center today. He's a repeat offender with previous charges of grand larceny, malicious inury to property and disorderly conduct - gross intoxication.

Quick Arrests in Kent's Korner Robbery

2010-03-27T16:15:00.004-04:00

A man and woman have been charged with robbing the Kent's Korner convenience store on Pine Log Road on Friday night.

Lashanda Sims, 24, of Barnwell (top), and Frank Green Jr., 50, of Williston, were charged in the robbery.

Aiken authorities say the pair robbed the store at 9:30 p.m. Friday. Through victim and witness statements, a good description of the car was given and officers from the New Ellenton Police Department spotted the getaway car within about 15 minutes of the robbery.

Ms. Sims was arrested at the traffic stop, but Mr. Green fled the scene on foot before being captured a short time later within a police perimeter. A firearm was recovered as well as the funds believed to be taken during the robbery.

Ms. Sims was charged with armed robbery. Mr. Green was charged with armed robbery and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Aiken Public Safety also has a second armed robbery at the Shell station at 1334 Richland Avenue West shortly after the first. The suspect was a black male wearing all black with a black mask over his face and was armed with a pistol. No further information is available on this robbery and is not related to the first. Anyone with information on the second robbery is asked to contact the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

Who is This?

2010-03-26T13:15:00.003-04:00

Aiken Public Safety Investigators are looking to identify this suspect wanted in connection with a late night robbery of Barton Radiator & Electric on University Parkway.

The suspect entered through a bathroom window and took about $40 in change from a cash box. The suspect is 5’10” 185 pounds with a mustache and goatee.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers @ 1-888-CRIME-SC.

Dumb Crook Alert!

2010-03-25T09:13:00.002-04:00

NOTE TO CRIMINALS: If you're going to try to fool cops by giving them someone else's name, make sure the other person isn't on the Wanted list, too.

Alonzo Harrris, 25, of Augusta, was stopped this week by a deputy while driving on Lee Beard Way. He identified himself as Derrick Harris. The only problem was that Derrick Harris had outstanding warrants, so the deputy took Alonzo to jail.

At the jail, the brilliant Alonzo Harris fessed up that he had given the officer a false name. He told the officer "he used his brother's name because he thought he could get away with it, but he did not realize his brother had warrants, too."

Alonzo was charged with giving false name and date of birth.

Home Invasion in Evans - The Details

2010-03-24T16:15:00.004-04:00

Columbia County authorities are investigating a report of a home invasion at 559 Blanchard Road in Evans that was reported Monday afternoon.

Here are the details directly from the incident report:

The complainant, 36-year-old Julie Pond, stated 4 to 5 black males entered her residence armed with handguns and rifles. She stated her husband, 33-year-old Thomas Combs was at the front door when the males entered the residence. She stated the males pointed their weapons at her husband and herself.

She stated 23-year-old Arthur Potter was asleep in his bedroom when the males entered the residence. She stated everyone inside was forced into the back bedroom at gun point. Once in the back bedroom everyone was ordered to lay on the ground. She stated the unknown black males then began removing telephones from the residence. She stated the males then advised everyone to remain on the floor until they left the residence.

Mr. Potter, victim number two, stated when the males left the residence he crawled over to the window attempting to view the registration plate on the vehicle. He stated he was unable to see their registration so he ran out of the house to the neighbors and called 911.

Mr. Combs, victim number three, stated he saw the males walking toward the front door of his residence. He stated as he approached the front door the males opened the door and ran in armed with handguns and riffles. He stated he and the other victims were then ordered to the back bedroom. He stated the males then removed all telephones from the residence and then removed items from inside the residence.

He stated after the males left Mr. Potter ran next door and called 911. It was undetermined what items and how many items the males took at the time of this report.

Upon my arrival I spoke with all victims involved. Written statements were obtained from all three victims. Criminal Investigations Division also responded to the scene at the time of the call. All written statements were turned over to Investigator Smith.

Deadbeat Refuses to Pay

2010-03-24T10:07:00.005-04:00

Dale Sweeney refuses to pay for his children, according to jail records.

Apparently, the 21-year-old Jackson man knew how to make a child, he just doesn't know how to support one. The young father is sitting in the Aiken County Detention for the FOURTH TIME since 2007 for failure to pay child support.

He's been arrested once every year since he was 18 for being a deadbeat. We've posted his mugshots from yesterday's arrest (top) and previous arrests.

Thief Steals Donation Jar

2010-03-23T09:52:00.001-04:00

Columbia County authorities are hunting for a real loser who stole a donation jar off the counter at Circle K at 3934 Washington Road in Martinez.

The man (pictured here) took the jar March 8 and made off with money that was meant for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Help authorities get this idiot off the street. If you know him, call the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at (706) 541-2800.

ACSO Clears 19 Cases with Arrest of Burglar

2010-03-22T15:18:00.003-04:00

Aiken County authorities have been able to pin 19 outstanding cases of burglary and grand larceny on a Warrenville man whose been in custody since March 9.

On March 9, sheriff’s deputies arrested a Warrenville man for the home invasion of 115 Easy Street Beech Island, S.C. which led to clearing 19 outstanding ACSO burglary and grand larceny cases, according to Sgt. Dave Myers.

Justin Lee Turner, 2o, of Banion Ct., Warrenville, is charged with Burglary 2nd,(12 Counts), Grand Larceny, (7 Counts), Pointing and Presenting a Firearm at a person, (2 Counts), Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime, Possession of a Stolen Pistol, and Kidnapping.

On March 9, Aiken County Deputies responded to 115 Easy Street Beech Island, S.C. regarding a house invasion in progress. The victim told ACSO Deputies that a white male subject had gained entry to her residence, pointed a firearm at him then fled the incident location. Deputies received information from the victim as to where the subject was heading once leaving the incident location.

Sheriff Michael Hunt along with ACSO Deputies, based on information received from the victim, were able to quickly set up a perimeter in and around the area of the last know sighting of the subject. Due to the quick response to the incident, Sheriff Michael Hunt along with ACSO Deputies was able to capture the subject responsible for the home invasion.

As a result of the capture of Mr. Turner, 12 outstanding ACSO burglaries, and 7 outstanding ACSO Grand Larceny cases were cleared.

Sheriff Michael Hunt stated, “Cooperation from the victim, our Deputies ability to make a quick response, and set up a perimeter in and around the area of the subject, were keys to his capture. ACSO Investigations rapid follow up to the incident played a big role in clearing 12 outstanding ACSO Burglaries, and 7 outstanding ACSO Grand Larceny’s.”

Justin Lee Turner is now being held in the Aiken County Detention Center.

Home Alone

2010-03-22T11:45:00.004-04:00

An Augusta mother has been charged with leaving her child at home alone while she went to work.

Jamira Williams, 23, of Augusta, is accused of going to work on Sunday afternoon and leaving her 7-year-old daughter at home without supervision, according to a sheriff's report. Someone alerted authorities about the girl, and a responding deputy went to the home on Abba Drive and found the child alone.

Dispatchers called the mother at work, and she said she was on her way home. While the deputy waited, he talked to a neighbor, who said the girl was left at home alone "on several occasions while the suspect goes to work," a report states.

When the mother got home, the deputy went to his patrol car. When he returned to the apartment, he heard the mother yelling at the 7 year old and "threatening her with a beating," a report states.

The officer called the Department of Children Services, and a social worker said the child could not remain in the home. The woman's neighbor agreed to take temporary custody of the girl, and Ms. Williams was arrested and taken to jail on a charge of contributing to the deprivation of a minor.

Drunk Driver Runs from the Cops

2010-03-21T11:57:00.002-04:00

An Aiken man's been busted for drunk driving and running from police on Sunday.

Jake Miniard, 24, was booked into the Aiken County Jail this morning on charges of DUI, failure to stop for blue light and three counts of hit & run property damage. The charges were filed by the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

Jake's been arrested at least twice before on other charges, according to jail records.

Drunk Driving - Again

2010-03-20T10:52:00.004-04:00

Two North Augusta men were busted overnight for their second drunk driving offense.

Kahlil Sumpter, 33 (top), was stopped by public safety officers in North Augusta and booked on charges of DUI - 2nd offense, and marijuana possession.

James Eubank II, 27 (bottom), is no stranger to alcohol offenses. He was stopped around midnight in Aiken County and booked on his second DUI offense. In October 2008 and again in February 2009, Mr. Eubank was charged with disorderly conduct for being grossly intoxicated, according to jail records. He also has a previous arrests in Aiken County for assault & battery, malicious injury to real property, drugs - prohibited acts, and negligently allowing a fire to spread.

Trafficking Cocaine in Columbia County

2010-03-19T10:21:00.005-04:00

Three people were arrested in Columbia County last night for trafficking in cocaine.

Eric Swancy, 24 (top), Kimberly Blanken, 27 (middle), and Devin Price, 24 (bottom), were each charged with trafficking in cocaine and marijuana possession. Mr. Price and Ms. Blanken were also charged with possession of schedule IV drugs.

All three were booked into the jail about 10:30 p.m. and remain there without bond.

Man Accused of Raping Cousin in Augusta

2010-03-18T11:45:00.005-04:00

A teenager has been charged with two counts of child molestation in connection with the rape of his first cousin in Augusta, according to a sheriff's report.

Michael Nasworthy, 19, allegedly had sex with the 14-year-old girl last April, but the victim and her family waited to report the crime, a report states.

According to a report, the victim was staying overnight with relatives when Mr. Nasworthy attacked her at 1:30 in the morning. The report alleges that Mr. Nasworthy "came over and forced himself on her by pulling her hair, taking her clothes off" and raping her.

The incident so devastated the victim that she did not immediately tell anyone and tried to overdose on medication, a report states. When the victim finally told her mother, they agreed to seek counseling for the girl before reporting it to authorities.

The mother reported the incident three weeks after she found out, and Mr. Nasworthy was arrested Wednesday, He remains in the Richmond County Detention Center under no bond.

Man Charged With Stalking Estranged Wife

2010-03-17T15:23:00.002-04:00

An Augusta man is sitting in jail today for allegedly stalking his estranged wife.

John Steven Rangel, 47, of Goshen Lake Drive, is charged with aggravated stalking and is being held with no bond.

According to the victim, Mr. Rangel tried to call her seven times on her cell phone despite an order by Judge Hamrick not to have any contact with her "directly, indirectly, by email or any other" form of communication, according to a sheriff's report. The woman said she was afraid for her safety because of the stalking.

Happy to Be Back

2010-03-17T00:09:00.002-04:00

Jason Christopher Smith, 26, of Augusta, was arrested in Aiken County this morning on a probation violation. He seems happy to be in jail.

He's a repeat offender with previous arrests for drugs. This time, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services wants to talk to him.

We'd say he'll probably be "happy" to talk with them.

Bad Mom

2010-03-16T09:43:00.003-04:00

An Aiken mother is serving as a terrible role model for her children, if the charges against her are true.

Denise Carter, 34, of Aiken, was arrested early today for failure to pay child support. And it's not the first time.

Ms. Carter has a long history of arrest in Aiken County for being a deadbeat. When she's not avoiding her responsibilities as a mother, she's allegedly snatching purses, shoplifting, committing fraud with someone else's credit card, driving under suspension, failing to properly restrain her children and refusing to show up for court, according to jail records.

Arrest in Wagener Homicide & Arson

2010-03-15T16:45:00.003-04:00

A Wagener man was arrested today in connection with the homicide of another man and the arson that was allegedly set to cover up the murder.

Dashawn Sanders, 31, of Sharon Lane, Wagener, was charged with murder, and arson in the first-degree.

Authorities responded to a fire Saturday evening at 526 Buckboard Road and discovered the body of resident George Griffin inside the mobile home. An autopsy revealed the victim had died before the fire, according to Coroner Tim Carlton.

In a press release, Sheriff Michael Hunt said, "Due to our investigators' persistence and hard work with this incident, the Sheriffs Office was able to make an arrest concerning a violent act, and give citizens in this community some peace of mind.”

Mr. Sanders is being in the Aiken County Detention Center.

More Exposure for Aiken County Suspects

2010-03-15T14:41:00.008-04:00

The Aiken County Detention Center's mugshots are looking a little different these days.

On Sunday, they released this mugshot of a shirtless Paul Smith Jr., who was busted by the sheriff's office for grand larceny. It's the first time we've seen the jail release a photo that exposes so much of a suspect.

Jail officials tell us their fingerprint machine and camera have been damaged, so they have resorted to taking pictures with a hand held digital camera, which may explain the change.

Meanwhile, Mr. Smith is getting a little more exposure than most suspects in the Aiken County facility. But he should be used to getting his mugshot taken. The 20-year-old Aiken man is a repeat offender who was arrested in North Augusta in 2007 for shoplifting.

UPDATED: MURDER SUSPECT CAPTURED

2010-03-14T21:40:00.001-04:00

Curtis Carter, the 18-year-old suspect in a weekend murder, has been captured. That's his newest mugshot above.

The teenager was arrested Sunday and is being held in the Richmond County Detention Center under no bond on charges of murder, aggravated battery and weapon possession.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office received a call in reference to a subject shot on the 1600 block of Luckey Street Saturday afternoon at 2:47 pm. Deputies arrived to find that 40-year old Scotty Mathis had been shot. The victim was taken to the Medical College of Georgia Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead. Mr. Carter was identified as the shooter and was listed as wanted until today.

K-9 Sniffs Out Coke Machine Vandals

2010-03-14T13:52:00.004-04:00

Two men were caught early Friday trying to break into a Coke machine in Columbia County, but they led authorities on a chase that ended with a K-9 unit sniffing them out of a wooded area.

Daniel Blalock, 25 (top), and David Ragland, 25 (bottom), were arrested Friday and charged with criminal damage to property and obstruction of an officer.

A Columbia County deputy was on patrol at 2:15 am Friday in Martinez when he spotted someone trying to break into a Coke machine outside a business at 213 Hightower Drive. The suspect saw the officer and fled behind Sign-O-Rama on Washington Road into a thick wooded area, a report states.

The officer called out a police K-9 unit, and the suspects were captured, a report states. The men remain in jail today.

Bizarre Fire Death in Wagener

2010-03-14T13:15:00.004-04:00

A fire in Wagener on Saturday appears to be a cover-up for a homicide, according to Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.

When fire departments responded to a fire at a mobile home on 226 Buckboard Road in Wagener, they discovered the body of 57-year-old George Griffin, who lived at the home.

"Mr. Griffin was taken to autopsy this morning, where it was learned that Mr. Griffin died prior to the actual fire," Mr. Carlton said in a press release. "Mr. Griffin had several suspicious injuries that were discovered by pathologists in Newberry, SC. Even though the body was seriously burned, Mr. Griffin was positively identified."

The fire happened around 7:30 pm on Saturday. This death is being investigated by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office and the Aiken County Coroner's Office.

"Further information will be released when appropriate," Mr. Carlton said.

North Augusta Man Charged with Sex Crimes

2010-03-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

A young man with repeated run-ins with the law was charged Friday with two sex crimes.

Robert Creighton III, 20, of North Augusta, was arrested Friday morning for committing a lewd act on a minor under 16 as well as criminal sexual conduct in the second-degree. He remains in the Aiken County Detention Center this morning.

Mr. Creighton is no stranger to the jail. He's been busted numerous times over his early life. His previous charges include reckless driving, forgery, shoplifting, minor in possession of alcohol, driving under suspension and drugs - prohibited acts.

His most recent arrest was made by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.

Repeat Offender Has Tattoos on Eyelids

2010-03-12T13:31:00.001-05:00

Marcus Gregory got tattoos inked on his neck and eyelids sometime in the last two years.

How do we know?

He's a repeat offender with at least nine previous arrests in Aiken County, allowing us to track the progression of his tattoos through his mugshots. (He got the teardrop tattoo sometime between 2005 and 2007.)

Mr. Gregory, 25, of Bath, was busted Thursday for burglary in the second degree. His new tattoo (top photo) shows his new neck tattoo and a hint of tattoos or magic marker on his eyelids.

His previous arrests include grand larceny, probation violation, assault & battery, false information to law enforcement, malicious injury to real property, resisting arrest, marijuana possession, and multiple counts of disorderly conduct.

Shoplifting Mugshot

2010-03-12T08:23:00.003-05:00

The Augusta Chronicle is reporting this morning on a bizarre shoplifting case, and we've got the mugshot.

Quantavous Terrence Hawthorn, 21, of Augusta, is accused of stealing five bras and other items Wednesday from Walmart in North Augusta and then leading police on a chase through Chick-fil-A.

According to The Chronicle, the shoplifting suspect ran through the Walmart parking lot and into the restaurant, where he allegedly slung table benches to slow down officers. He was eventually captured and booked on charges of shoplifting, resisting arrest, giving false information, and malicious injury to real property, according to jail records.

The Counterfeiters?

2010-03-11T19:41:00.004-05:00

Two men are being held in the Richmond County jail after passing fake $20 bills Wednesday night at Coyotes nightclub on Peach Orchard Road, authorities said.

Jamaal Thompkins, 26 (top), and Steven Lampkin, 27 (bottom), were arrested early today after a bartender told an on-duty deputy that one of the men was acting suspiciously by continuing to pay for drinks with $20s instead of using the change she had given him earlier. The suspects were later found with about $600 in fake bills.

According to jail records, Mr. Thompkins was charged with five counts of forgery in the second-degree while Mr. Lampkin was charged with one count. They remain in jail tonight.

The sheriff's office alerted the U.S. Secret Service to the case since the federfal agency is responsible for counterfeiting offenses.

Aiken County Burglars

2010-03-11T11:27:00.004-05:00

Two men have been charged in unrelated burglaries in Aiken County.

Justin Lee Turner, 19, of Warrenville (top), was arrested Tuesday for burglary. He's a repeat offender with previous charges of burglary, grand larceny and drugs.

Terrell Lockett, 27, of Ridge Spring (bottom), was busted Wednesday for burglary, criminal domestic violence, was charged with burglary, criminal domestic violence of a high & aggravated nature and malicious injury to personal property. He's also a repeat offender with previous charges for criminal domestic violence (two previous arrests), and driving under suspension.

Stalking in North Augusta

2010-03-10T04:11:00.004-05:00

A North Augusta man's been charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend and terrorizing her outside her home Friday.

Damien Wood, 29, of Stevens Creek Drive, is accused of going to his ex-girlfriend's home on Hillside Drive at 3 a.m. Friday and slashing three tires on her Jeep Cherokee. In addition, the suspect allegedly threw a brick through the vehicle window, poured pink paint all over it and putting a sticky liquid on the rear, according to a public safety report.

The victim told police she came outside and saw her ex-boyfriend coming at her, and she "pointed her pistol at the suspect and he retreated" to his car and fled. She said Mr. Wood was wearing no shoes and only boxer shorts. The woman told police that she has filed three previous reports for unlawful communications, and Mr. Wood was arrested three times within the month of October for bothering her. She also said she remained fearful for her life.

A witness told police she saw Mr. Wood walking through the victim's front yard. He was wearing a black skull cap and carrying a book bag, the witness said.

Mr. Wood was later arrested and charged with stalking, burglary and malicious injury to personal property more than $1,000. He remains in the Aiken County Detention Center this morning.

Drunken Joyride on Stolen Bike

2010-03-09T12:42:00.005-05:00

The Augusta Chronicle is reporting this morning about a teen arrested for taking a drunken joyride down East Martintown Road in North Augusta on a stolen bicycle.

We have the teen's mugshot (above).

Matthew Ray Cooley, 19, of Augusta, was charged this morning with shoplifting, disorderly conduct public drunk, giving false information to police and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

The arrest was made by the North Augusta Department of Public Safety after an officer saw the teen riding the bike in the middle of the road and swerving about 2 a.m. today. The suspect had allegedly stolen the bicycle from Walmart, according to The Chronicle's story.

Closing In On 100th Mugshot

2010-03-09T10:48:00.004-05:00

It should come as no surprise to anyone that 57-year-old Jimmie Johnson of Aiken was arrested last night for being grossly intoxicated and disorderly in the city limits of Aiken.

Jimmie's name is a regular in the jail bookings published in The Aiken Standard, and his mugshots have appeared in our paper multiple times since we began publishing last June. He is almost always charged with some form of gross intoxication, disorderly conduct or trespassing. He also has some previous arrests for purse snatching, littering, failure to comply with officer's order and resisting arrest.

That's his newest mugshot at the top, taken last night. But we thought it would be fun to count the number of mugshots now available on his booking page (available by clicking here), and it appears Mr. Johnson is closing in on #100.

We counted 97 mugshots since the Aiken County Detention Center began storing them online in 2002. We can't imagine how many arrests he had in the decades before that. His oldest mugshot is shown as the bottom mugshot. It was taken in July 2002.

We mention the word "fun." But really this is sad. What should society do about someone like this who can't control their drinking and continues to cost taxpayers thousands of dollars a year to jail them? Any ideas?

Toddler Drowns in Windsor

2010-03-08T16:07:00.002-05:00

A 17 month old boy drowned today in an apparent accident at his grandmother's home in Windsor, and an investigation is underway surrounding the circumstances of his death, according to Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.

According to witnesses, the child was outside in the yard with other children when he and a 7 year old went to get some food for some goats. The 7 year old returned, but the 17 month old went missing for about 15 minutes.

The grandmother along with other adults were also outside and began searching for the child. He was discovered in the gold fish pond, in about 16" of water. Aiken County EMS was summoned to the home and transported the child to Aiken Regional where the child was pronounced dead.

"The circumstances surrounding the child's death are being investigated however no foul play is suspected," Mr. Carlton said in a press release. "This appears to be a tragic accident and our prayers go out to this family."

Autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow in Newberry.

Drag Racing in Richmond County

2010-03-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Richmond County authorities arrested a man over the weekend for drag racing.

Johnny English, 34, was busted Saturday on a long list of charges that include laying drag, reckless driving, unlawful use of nitrous oxide in vehicle, driving with improper windshield and wipers and suspended vehicle registration.

In drag racing, nitrous oxide (often referred to as just "nitrous" or as NOS after the name of the brand Nitrous Oxide Systems) allows the engine to burn more fuel and air, resulting in a more powerful combustion. The gas itself is not flammable, but it delivers more oxygen than atmospheric air by breaking down at elevated temperatures.

According to Georgia law, "It shall be unlawful for any person on a public road to drive a passenger car, excluding a motor home, which supplies the motor vehicle's combustion engine with nitrous oxide unless the system supplying nitrous oxide is made inoperative by disconnecting the line feeding nitrous oxide to the engine or by removing the container or containers of nitrous oxide from the vehicle."

Drunk Drivers in Aiken County

2010-03-06T10:23:00.003-05:00

At least four people were busted for drunk driving overnight in Aiken County:

Pamela Lynn Harley, 43, of Jackson (top), was arrested for at least the second time for drunk driving. She was stopped by the S.C. Highway Patrol and booked into the jail at 6:40 pm Friday on a charge of "DUI - second offense." She also has previous arrests for a fraudulent check and criminal domestic violence.

Tilford Larry Grubbs, 48, of Aiken (second mugshot from the top), was arrested for DUI after being stopped by the Aiken Department of Public Safety. He was booked into the jail at 10:40 p.m. Friday.

Robert Wayne Lowe, 41, of North Augusta (third mugshot), was arrested for DUI after being stopped by the S.C. Highway Patrol. He was booked into the jail at 4 a.m. this morning.

James Kevin Wright, 39, of Soperton (bottom), was arrested for DUI - second offense. He was stopped by the North Augusta Department of Public Safety and booked into the jail at 5 a.m. today.

Man Found Hiding in Bedroom Closet

2010-03-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

An Augusta man was found hiding in a bedroom closet this week after fleeing from a deputy who was investigating minor traffic offenses, according to a sheriff's report.

Instead of stopping, 40-year-old Darrell Mincey allegedly led the officer on a wild chase back to his trailer, where the deputy found him hiding in the closet. The officer also marijuana in a residence occupied with young children.

Needless to say, the suspect went from minor traffic charges to a list of 11 charges that include reckless driving, fleeing police, leaving the scene of an accident, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and marijuana possession. In addition, the suspect's brilliant move led police to charge a woman in the house with lying to police and marijuna possession.

The incident began Monday night when Deputy James Ouzts put on his emergency lights and tried to stop Mr. Mincey along Dean's Bridge Road. The suspect did an immediate U-turn and drove his 1999 Ford Crown Victoria into Mars Mobile Home Park, where he "drove reckless and almost hit numerous vehicles cars as well as mobile homes before stopping at his residence," a report states.

The suspect then ran inside, abandoning the car with a 3-year-old boy unrestrained in the vehicle. The officer went inside and asked resident Alisa Parsons if any other adult was in the house. She said no, but the deputy found Mr. Mincey in the closet.

The officer also spotted marijuana in plain view on a table and a television stand "within arms reach" of two children, ages 2 and 3. Ms. Parsons was arrested on charges of obstruction, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and marijuana possession. The children were turned over to the custody of their aunt.

Mr. Mincey remains in jail today. Ms. Parsons has been released on bond.

Another Meth Bust in Richmond County

2010-03-04T13:30:00.004-05:00

An Augusta man and woman were busted for methamphetamine after narcotics officers issued a search warrant on Wednesday.

Cynthia Albert, 49 (top), and Michael McKeever, 47 (bottom), were charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Narcotics investigators with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office used a search warrant at 919 Holden Street on Wednesday and found 1.3 grams of meth inside. The drug was packaged up like it was ready for sale, authorities said.

The two suspects reportedly lived at the home together, but their exact relationship was not clear, authorities said.

Hephzibah Officer Avoids Shooting During Stop

2010-03-04T00:01:00.003-05:00

A corporal with the Hephzibah Police Department came close to being shot Monday during a traffic stop, but the officer was able to keep the vehicle's driver from grabbing his weapon.

After the dust had settled, 22-year-old Darian Prater, 22 of Augusta (top), and 20-year-old Assalaam Lendor of North Augusta (bottom) fled the traffic stop but were captured. Mr. Prater was captured Wednesday and charged with attempting to remove an officer's weapon, obstruction of a law enforcement officer and possession of a weapon, according to authorities. Mr. Lendor was arrested Monday night and charged with obstruction of an officer.

Cpl. Hector Torres was investigating two suspicious males outside Family Dollar on Windsor Spring Road in Hephzibah on Monday night. A witness told the officer that he spotted two men wearing masks and lurking near the store.

A sheriff's report explains what happened when Cpl. Torres stopped the suspicious 2004 Dodge Stratus on Highway 88:

The driver and passenger immediately became aggravated with the officer and wouldn't allow him to explain the reason for the stop. Both men kept reaching for the car's floorboard despite the officer telling them to keep their hands in plain view.

The corporal called for backup from the sheriff's office, and when they arrived, he told the passenger to exit the car. When the passenger got out, Cpl. Torres noticed a gun on the floorboard and announced his discovery to the deputies. The passenger reacted by running away into a wooded area.

While deputies ran after the passenger, Cpl. Torres stayed with the driver, identified as Mr. Prater. The driver tried to run as well, but Cpl. Torres wrestled with him. While fighting, the driver attempted to take the officer's service weapon several times. The driver was eventually able to get loose and ran into the woods and got away.

A search of the abandoned car turned up two loaded handguns, black clothing and electronic scales.

The sheriff's report also indicates that Mr. Lendor was later captured and admitted to officers that Mr. Prater "had directed him to shoot Cpl. Torres" during the traffic stop.

Fortunately, that did not happen.

Third Arrest in Gang Assault

2010-03-03T11:43:00.003-05:00

Another teenager has been charged in the violent gang assault of a Butler High School student.

This morning, Richmond County investigators arrested 14-year-old Joshua Plowright at his Richmond Hill Road residence. The teen is charged with aggravated battery and unlawful criminal street gang activity in connection with Monday’s attack on a teen on Circular Drive.

The investigation continues and more arrests will be made, according to Lt. Scott Peebles.

Also arrested in the assault earlier this week were Berten Blockett, 16, and Mark Daniel Richard Musick, 14. According to Lt. Peebles, the victim was walking home from school Monday afternoon when a group of about five young males attacked him without provocation. The victim suffered multiple facial fractures.

The two suspects arrested earlier this week were fellow classmates of the victim at Butler High School, where they were arrested. The juveniles claim to be members of the “Apple Valley Posse,” and the assault was gang-related, though the victim is not a gang member or affiliate, Lt. Peebles said.

Wife Beater ..and Beater...and Beater...

2010-03-03T08:52:00.003-05:00

At least he doesn't have a smile on his face.

James Banks, 57, of North Augusta, was arrested on his FOURTH OFFENSE last night for criminal domestic violence.

This repeat offender has been repeatedly arrested for domestic violence in Aiken County. A look at his previous arrests:

Sept. 3, 2005: Criminal domestic violence
Sept. 20, 2005: DUI, possession of cocaine, no driver's license, open container
Dec. 23, 2005: Criminal domestic violence of a high & aggravated nature
Oct. 28, 2006: Driving under suspension, operating uninsured vehicle
March 31, 2007: Criminal domestic violence of a high & aggravated nature, driving under suspension
May 31, 2008: Driving under suspension
Feb. 1, 2009: Criminal domestic violence

The records show he has actually been arrested FIVE TIMES for criminal domestic violence. We wonder whether he was charged with a fourth offense this week because he was found not guilty of one of those previous charges. Who knows?

But it seems like Mr. Banks should come with a Surgeon General's warning that being with him could be hazardous to your health.

RCSO: Gang Members Laugh After Vicious Attack

2010-03-02T13:27:00.003-05:00

A 16-year-old Augusta boy was violently attacked Monday for no reason, and two teenage gang members were amused when confronted by sheriff's investigators, authorities said.

Two juveniles have been charged in the vicious assault on Circular Drive in Augusta. Berten Blockett, 16, (bottom) of Pineview Drive in Augusta, and Mark Daniel Richard Musick, 14, (top) of Fleming Drive in Augusta, have been charged with one count each of aggravated battery and unlawful criminal street gang activity.

According to Lt. Scott Peebles, the victim was walking his girlfriend home from school Monday afternoon when he was approached by a group of about five young males on Circular Drive. Upon seeing the subjects, the juvenile phoned his mother and told her that he was afraid that he was about to get “jumped”.

While on the phone with his mother, the boy was attacked by the group without any provocation. After the attack, the juvenile was taken by ambulance to University Hospital for treatment, but had to be transferred to the Medical College of Georgie to consult with surgeons to repair multiple facial fractures.

This morning, investigators arrested the two juvenile suspects at Butler High School, where they are students. The victim is also a student of Butler High School.

The juveniles claim to be members of the “Apple Valley Posse,” and the assault was gang-related, though the victim is not a gang member or affiliate, Lt. Peebles said. The group was walking through the Circular Drive area looking for a lone victim to attack, or in their words "locking down the block," according to Lt. Peebles.

"Blockett and Musick were completely unrepentant, and expressed their amusement with the incident," Lt. Peebles said.

Both teens were committed to RYDC. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are imminent.

Anyone with information concerning the remaining attackers is asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080.

Elderly Woman Spends Night in Jail for Bad Check

2010-03-02T09:33:00.004-05:00

An elderly North Augusta woman spent last night in jail because she couldn't make $511 bond for a bad check.

Mary Brown, 78, was arrested at 11 a.m. yesterday by a sheriff's deputy and charged with one count of fraudulent check. Unable to make bond, she was forced to stay in jail overnight.

Ms. Brown is accused of passing a bad check written for under $500. She remains in jail this morning.

According to jail records, she's the oldest person being held at the detention center. The only other person over 70 is a 73-year-old man being held on arson and assault charges.