OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
BIBB COUNTY

DAVID J. DAVIS
CHIEF DEPUTY
LAW ENFORCEMENT

RUSSELL NELSON
CHIEF DEPUTY
CORRECTIONS AND COURT SERVICES

MEDIA UPDATE PAGE

LOCAL MEDIA RESOURCES FOR

Email: gmeadows@co.bibb.ga.us

RECENT PRESS RELEASES

June 30, 2008

Armed Robbery

Bibb Sheriff’s Investigator Larris Wright is working a robbery that occurred at approximately 11 PM on Sunday, June 29 at the McDonald’s restaurant located on the corner of Harrison Road and Eisenhower Parkway. Witnesses stated that a black male suspect wearing black pants, black shoes, a black hooded jacket with white symbols and a “Scream” mask entered the restaurant brandishing a silver semi-automatic handgun.

The suspect ordered three customers and two employees to the rear of the store where he ordered employees to fill a bag with money from two cash registers and a safe. The suspect then ran from McDonald’s to the Villager Lodge located at 5009 Harrison Road where witnesses stated they saw the suspect get into a late 1990’s green Ford Expedition driven by a white male. The customers were not robbed and no one was harmed during the robbery.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-746-9441 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.

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June 27, 2008

Massage Parlor Arrests

On June 25^th, an undercover officer with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office went to Four Seasons Sauna at 3975-4 Arkwright Rd. After being propositioned for masturbation at a cost of $40 and sex at a cost of $200, the officer left the business and notified Investigators. Investigators arrested Eun Hee Lee for Prostitution and In Won Kang was charged with Keeping a Place of Prostitution as she was in charge of the establishment.

On June 26th, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Narcotics and Vice Unit sent an undercover officer into the Thailand Spa at 4378 Pio Nono Ave. After being propositioned for masturbation and sex at a cost of $120, the officer left the business and notified Investigators. Investigators arrested Ty Thi Nguyen for Prostitution and Sandy Le Tran was charged with Keeping a Place of Prostitution. All arrestees have posted bond amounts of $650 and have been released from the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex.

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June 27, 2008

ID Theft Suspect Arrested after Victimizing Elderly Woman

Bibb Sheriff’s Investigator Jack Cleveland has arrested 36 year old Carian Valencia Hill of 6752 Knoxville Road Lizella after investigating an identity theft case in which an elderly woman was victimized. Results of the investigation lead to the conclusion that Hill befriended the victim and in February stole her wallet. Hill also managed to have all of the victim’s mail diverted to her address.

Between February of this year and the time of her arrest, Hill used the victim’s identity and credit to purchase over $6,000 in items from Best Buy and made over $4,000 in purchases at Farmer’s Furniture. Hill also used the victim’s identity to establish credit and make purchases at JCPenney, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Wal-Mart and Dish TV.

Carian Valencia Thomas Hill was arrested on June 24 and charged with 2 counts of Identity Fraud (with as many as 5 additional counts pending), 27 counts of deposit account fraud, contempt of Civil Court, a Bench Warrant from Bibb Superior Court and a bail violation. Monroe and Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Offices also have placed holds on Hill in reference to other cases.

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June 26, 2008

Bibb Sheriff’s Patrolman Captures Card Fraud Suspect

Bibb Sheriff’s Patrolman Thomas Sullivan went the extra mile to capture a fraud suspect on June 25^th. A fraud victim who lives in Bibb County reported that his credit card account was being used to rent a hotel room and purchase pizzas.

Deputy Sullivan made several quick inquiries that lead him to the Howard Johnson Inn on Cavalier Drive. While Deputy Sullivan was interviewing a clerk about the fraudulent charges management alerted him that the suspect was driving out of the hotel parking lot as they spoke.

Deputy Sullivan caught up to the vehicle and performed a traffic stop to find it occupied by 49 year old George “Bucky” Houtz, his wife and three children. Further investigation revealed that Houtz was employed by an auto parts store in North Bibb County where the fraud victim had recently made a purchase.

George W. “Bucky” Houtz III of James Place in Lake Wildwood was arrested at the scene and transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex where he was booked on two counts of financial transaction card fraud.

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June 25, 2008

Bibb Deputy Arrested and Terminated in Theft Case

A recent Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs investigation revealed that Bibb County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Moran volunteered as Band Booster President for Westside High School on Heath Road at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. Testimony indicates that school officials entrusted a sum of money to Moran for use in the program. In January of 2008 school officials began to discover discrepancies in the account. Problems with the account continued until May of 2008 when school officials brought the matter to the attention of Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena. Approximately $2,600 in funds was unaccounted for at that time.

Sheriff Modena immediately ordered an internal investigation into the matter. Results of the investigation lead to the arrest and termination of Robert Preston Moran age 41. Moran was arrested on June 23, 2008, charged with Felony Theft by Taking and released on $3,400 bond. A tentative trial date has been set for July.

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JUNE 24, 2008

INTERAGENCY TEAMWORK NETS $150,000 STOLEN GOODS RECOVERY

AT APPROXIMATELY 8:15 AM TODAY, TROOPER EDDIE MOSKALY OF THE GEORGIA STATE PATROL STOPPED A RENTED MOVING VAN FOR SPEEDING (86 MPH IN A 65 ZONE) ON INTERSTATE 475 NORTH IN BIBB COUNTY.

THE DRIVER HAD NO PAPERWORK FOR THE ITEMS BEING TRANSPORTED WAS NOT ABLE TO ANSWER BASIC QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CARGO.

TROOPER MOSKALY CALLED FOR AN INVESTIGATOR FROM THE BIBB SHERIFF’S OFFICE. INVESTIGATOR PAUL OSGOOD DETERMINED THAT THE TRUCK LOAD OF “POLO” BRAND CLOTHING WAS STOLEN FROM A TRACTOR TRAILER RECENTLY IN DASHER, GEORGIA (LOWNDES COUNTY).

INDUSTRY EXPERTS HAVE INITIALLY PLACED THE VALUE OF THE ITEMS AT A CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE OF OVER $150,000.

THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK, EDDIE DAVID AGEE, AGE 48 OF ATLANTA IS CURRENTLY IN CUSTODY AT THE BIBB LAW ENFORCEMENT COMPLEX CHARGED WITH THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY.

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June 23^rd, 2008

Meth Trafficking Arrest

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit arrested 41 year old James Loyd Fossett Saturday night June 21^st for Trafficking Methamphetamine. Fossett was in the process of making methamphetamine at his 3838 Grand Avenue home in Macon when arrested. Fossett also had approximately $400 worth of methamphetamine on his person packaged for sale. Stacy Barnett, age 20 of Crawford County and her 11 week old baby were also present at the scene. Stacy Barnett and the infant received examinations at a local medical facility and were later released. Charges against Stacy Barnett are pending.

Fossett was arrested at the scene and transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex where he was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine. Fossett may face additional charges once investigators have obtained warrants. Additional charges pending against him are Possession of a Firearm during Commission of a Felony, and Child Endangerment.

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June 19, 2008

Fatal Motorcycle Accident

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred at approximately 9:45 PM on Wednesday June 18^th. James Meeks age 23 of Roberta was riding a Honda CBR 600 and was accompanied by a friend who was riding another motorcycle. Witness testimony indicates that Meeks turned onto Heath Road from Thomaston Road and immediately accelerated to a high rate of speed.

A vehicle left the Heathwood Road intersection and turned onto Heath Road at which time evidence and witness testimony indicates that Meeks swerved into the opposing lane, lost control of his motorcycle and struck the now oncoming vehicle in the opposite lane. Meeks was thrown approximately 200 feet after colliding with the oncoming vehicle and died at the scene from injuries sustained.

The accident remains under investigation by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Team.

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June 18, 2008

Entering Auto Suspects Captured in Stone Edge Subdivison

On Wednesday morning just after 3 AM Bibb County Sheriff’s Patrolmen Thomas Sullivan and Adam Grant were dispatched to Stone Edge Drive in reference to a suspicious vehicle in the area. The Deputies arrived on scene within several minutes and stopped a Ford Crown Victoria occupied by 29 year old Heath Avery and 18 year old Steven Lister. Heath Avery had two outstanding warrants; a State Court bench warrant from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and a State Court bench warrant from the Monroe County Sheriffs Office. A canvass of the area revealed that several vehicles in the area had been entered and evidence recovered indicates that Avery and Lister were involved. Bibb Sheriff’s Investigator Allie Seckinger is also looking into the suspects’ possible involvement in a similar case that occurred on Wesleyan Woods Drive shortly before the Stone Edge Drive cases.

Both Suspects were arrested at the scene and transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex. Heath Brandon Avery of Brookhaven Road is charged with Violation of Superior and State Court Probations, Bench Warrant State Court and Theft by Receiving Stolen Property. Steven R. Lister of Nisbet Drive is charged with Theft by Receiving Stolen Property.

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JUNE 11, 2008

ARREST OF BIBB DEPUTY

A Bibb County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Corrections Division was arrested by the Macon Police Department early this morning following a traffic stop on Eisenhower Parkway. Jiwana Daquare Green age 30 has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 3 years. Green was found by Macon Police officers to be in possession of marijuana after being stopped for traffic violations in his personal vehicle.

Green was arrested at the scene of the stop and transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex where he was booked on several traffic violations and possession of marijuana. Sheriff Modena has suspended Green pending the results on internal investigation.

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June 5, 2008

Bibb Sheriff’s Office Investigating Early Morning Shooting

A resident of the Super 8 Motel at 6007 Harrison Road was awakened by a disturbance and then pleas for help shortly before 4 AM today and found 29 year old Macon resident Gregory Rutherford in the parking lot with a gun shot wound to his abdomen. The resident drove Rutherford to the Medical Center where officials notified the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

Rutherford told Bibb Sheriff’s Investigator Jack Cleveland that he had just arrived at the hotel after leaving a night club in East Macon when he was attacked and robbed by several unidentified males. Rutherford stated that after robbing him, one of the unidentified suspects shot him then all of the suspects fled in a green vehicle.

The case remains under investigation and Rutherford was in stable condition at the Medical Center of Central Georgia this morning. Those with information pertaining to this case are asked to call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 746-9441 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.

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June 4, 2008

BIBB SHERIFF’S NVU ARRESTS

Russell James Odom, age 37 of Metro Way in Macon, remains in custody today at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex following his arrest on the evening Tuesday June 3^rd by members of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit. Odom was arrested for Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute and Felony Obstruction. The arrest took place following a brief foot pursuit of Odom in the Anthony Road/ Lilly Avenue area. At the time of his arrest, Russell Odom was out of jail on bond (since March 21) regarding a previous felony arrest by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Narcotics and Vice Unit.

Odom was found to be in possession of 4 pounds of marijuana. This discovery lead to a search warrant being served at a Massey Road residence where 36 year old Marcus Anthony of Mikado Avenue was found to be in possession of 5 additional pounds of marijuana and 13 grams of powder cocaine. Anthony was also out of jail on a felony bond (since March 27^th) at the time of his arrest. Anthony is still in custody at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex and charged with Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute and Possession of Cocaine with intent to distribute.

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June 2, 2008

Motorcycle Accident on I-16

Motorcyclist John Khin, 44 of Marietta, Georgia was east bound on I-16 at the Macon City Limits at approximately 2 PM when the motorcycle struck a deer. Mr. Khin was riding a 1998 Honda Valkyrie which caught fire after the collision. The east bound lanes were closed for approximately ½ hour due to visibility problems and work area required for emergency services. Mr. Khin was not seriously injured but was transported the Medical Center of Central Georgia.

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May 29, 2008

FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office Honor 3 BSO Deputies

Three Bibb County Sheriff’s Deputies were honored on Wednesday May 28th by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Deputy Annette Horn, Investigator Lt. Paul Edwards and Lt. Glenn Brickle were presented with awards for their roles in solving a bank robbery case that occurred in November of 2001.

Michael Chambliss age 27, Jermaine Harp age 25 and Eric Thomas age 25 were convicted for the robbery of the Suntrust Bank located on Hartley Bridge Road. The prosecution of all three suspects was completed earlier this month and each received a sentence of 117 months for the robbery.

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May 27, 2008

Sheriff Modena to Receive GBI Award

Georgia Bureau of Investigations Director Vernon Keenan will present his leadership award to Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena Wednesday May 28, at 2:30 PM in the 2^nd floor training room of the Ray Wilkes Administration Building 668 Oglethorpe Street.

The Director Vernon Keenan Leadership Award will be given in recognition of the exemplary leadership skills that were used in order to advance the CIT program.

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is the collective effort of organizations that are committed to people suffering from mental illness. The CIT program is sponsored by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Mental Health, Development Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, Georgia Sheriff's Association and Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

Law enforcement officers who receive CIT training are better equipped to assist individuals with mental illness that they encounter in the line of duty. Sheriff Modena supports and is involved in the administration of several programs which address the plight of mentally ill persons who interact with law enforcement. In November of 2006 Sheriff Modena assigned a team of Bibb Sheriff’s Deputies who are CIT instructors to design and give classes to Bibb Sheriff’s Deputies as well as other law enforcement agencies in the Middle Georgia area. Each class is one week in duration and over 100 officers from agencies throughout Middle Georgia have attended one of the four classes that have been given. A fifth CIT class will be given in July of 2008 at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Training Facility 110 Confederate Way.

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May 27, 2008

Community Policing Effort Nets Drug Dealer

On May 23, 2008 members of the Middle Georgia Drug Task Force and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit participating in a community policing event in the Kings Park Neighborhood of East Bibb arrested an area resident on drug charges.

Bibb County Sheriff’s NVU officer Lt. Billy Johnson spotted a black Chevrolet Tahoe speeding through an area on Kings Park Circle where children were playing and alerted Bibb Sheriff’s Patrolman Jarrell Hill who stopped the vehicle on Majestic Court. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 50 year old Cleveland Shinholster of 3530 Windsor Circle.

Bibb Sheriff’s K-9 Brenda alerted to the vehicle during the traffic stop which lead to the discovery of five pieces of crack cocaine and a bag of marijuana hidden in the vehicle. Cleveland Shinholster was arrested at the scene and transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex where he was booked on charges of Superior Court Probation Violation, Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession and Possession of Cocaine with intent to distribute.

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May 25, 2008

Death of Bibb Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Thomas

Deputy Michael Sean Thomas of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division died at the Medical Center of Central Georgia at 10:20 AM this morning; succumbing to injuries received in an April 26th traffic accident. At approximately 4:40 PM on April 26, 2008, Bibb Sheriff’s Motorcycle Patrol Officer Mike Thomas was severely injured in a traffic accident at the intersection of Emery Highway and Lakeside Road. Deputy Thomas was traveling west on Emery Highway approaching the Lakeside Road intersection when, according to investigators, 49 year old Macon resident Levi Bonner driving a black 1999 Chevrolet pickup left the parking lot of the Thunderbird Package store, 2585 Emery Highway, and crossed the east and west lanes of the highway in an attempt to enter Lakeside Road.

Deputy Thomas was riding a Bibb Sheriff’s Harley Davidson Patrol motorcycle which struck the passenger side of Bonner’s truck. Deputy Thomas received multiple injuries in the accident. Levi Bonner and his passenger, Lewis Bonner Jr. age 49 of Macon received minor injuries. Bibb Sheriff’s traffic investigators determined that Levi Bonner failed to yield right of way to Deputy Thomas.

Funeral arrangements for Deputy Thomas will be announced on a later date. Deputy Michael Thomas was a very dedicated and professional eight year veteran of the Bibb Sheriff’s Office. He was a member of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. team, a member of the Bibb Sheriff’s Honor Guard, a certified E.M.T. and formerly a fire-fighter with the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department. The personnel of the Bibb Sheriff’s Office deeply appreciate the outpouring of support from the citizens of Middle Georgia that both we and Michael’s family have experienced during Mike’s battle. It is our request that thoughts and prayers continue to be extended as we mourn the loss of both an outstanding, decorated co-worker and a close friend.

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May 23, 2008

MEDIA CONFERENCE

On the afternoon of Wednesday May 21, members of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit performed a traffic stop on Pansy Avenue and executed a search warrant 1630 Woodrow Place culminating in the arrest of serial armed robbery suspects Michael Gaston and Chastity James.

Lt. Harry Colbert, Lt. Chris Patterson, Investigators Joel Presley, E.J. Jones and Duncan Matthews, all of the Bibb Sheriff’s NVU, stopped a green Mitsubishi Montero on Pansy Avenue which robbery suspect Gaston was believed to be occupying. Evidence from the stop lead the investigators to 1630 Woodrow Place where suspect Chastity James was arrested.

This arrest was the result of the collaborative efforts of the Macon Police Department, the Byron Police Department and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators from each agency had been comparing similar armed robbery cases for several weeks prior to the arrest. Vehicle descriptions, suspect descriptions and other information were shared between the agencies in order to facilitate the capture of these individuals.

Michael Gaston, age 31 of Woodrow Place in Macon is in custody at the Bibb LEC charged with 2 counts of armed robbery. Chastity James, age 18 of Woodrow Place is also in custody currently charged with 1 count of armed robbery. The investigation continues and may result in further charges against the suspects.

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May 22, 2008

Domestic Call Results in Kidnapping Arrest

Bibb Sheriff’s Patrolman Jamey Jones arrested 29 year old Beaver Oaks Drive resident Matthew Lee Kimsey this afternoon following a foot pursuit and brief scuffle with the suspect. Deputy Jones was dispatched to Oxford Road this afternoon reference a domestic problem and arrived to find the female victim’s eighteen year old son holding Kimsey to the ground.

Kimsey had returned to the residence following a previous disturbance and had become violent and belligerent in violation of orders to stay away from the property. When Jones attempted to take Kimsey into custody, Kimsey shoved Deputy Jones and fled on foot. Jones soon caught up to Kimsey who continued to resist arrest until handcuffed.

Deputy Jones was then told by the victim that during the early morning hours Kimsey had beaten her, dragged her by her hair, forced her into his vehicle then drove around for approximately two hours refusing to let her leave the vehicle. Upon inspection, Deputy Jones found that the suspect had caused significant damage to the interior of the victim’s home.

Matthew Lee Kimsey was arrested and transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center where he was booked on charges of Battery Family Violence, Criminal Trespass Family Violence, Kidnapping and Obstruction.

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May 22, 2008

Body of Hit and Run Victim Discovered

The body of 21 year old Stanley Lamar Harris of Thomaston, Georgia was discovered at approximately 8 AM today on the west bound shoulder of the 6000 block of Thomaston Road. A resident in the area discovered Harris’ body near her driveway.

Bibb County Sheriff’s Investigators believe that Harris was struck by an unknown vehicle while walking near the highway sometime between 12:15 AM and 8 AM this morning. Preliminary investigation indicates that Harris was apparently attempting to make his way to Thomaston, Georgia to visit his father.

Investigators are asking that anyone with information on this crime contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-746-9441 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.

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May 18, 2008

South Bibb Traffic Fatality

At approximately 9:30 PM Saturday May 17, 23 year old Ian Nichols of South Bibb County driving a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina and 21 year old Brittany Higdon of Lake Wildwood driving a 1996 Honda Accord were involved in a head-on collision on Hartley Bridge Road near the School Road intersection. Nichols was driving west bound and Higdon east.

Both drivers were transported to the Medical Center of Central Georgia with serious injuries. Nichols has since been released. Brittany Higdon succumbed to her injuries and died shortly after 11 PM Saturday.

The details of the accident are still under investigation by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Team. Fault in the accident had not officially been determined as of 6 PM Sunday. Team members continue collection of roadway and vehicle evidence.

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May 12, 2008

Bibb Traffic Fatality

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred shortly after 9 AM this morning on Eisenhower Parkway between Fulton Mill and Knoxville Roads.

Accident scene evidence and witness statements indicate that 47 year old Bennyfrank Harrell of Crawford County was traveling east on Eisenhower Parkway in a 1996 Chevrolet Pickup and attempted to pass a slower vehicle. Michael Marshall, age 33 of Geneva, Georgia was west bound in a 2006 Freightliner box truck when Harrell’s vehicle struck his head on in the west bound lane.

Marshall sustained non life threatening injuries in the accident and was able to escape from his vehicle as it quickly became engulfed in flames. Harrell showed no signs of life when emergency personnel arrived and had to be extricated from the wreckage of his vehicle. Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones officially declared Bennyfrank Harrell dead on the scene at 9:29 AM.

The accident was not related to any storm complications.

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May 11, 2008

Curfew Declared for Unincorporated Bibb

Following a meeting with Chairman Bishop and in accordance with an agreement with the City of Macon and Mayor Robert Reichert, Sheriff Jerry Modena has announced that an emergency curfew for unincorporated Bibb County has been established.

The curfew will go into effect at 8 PM tonight and will expire at 6 AM daily until further notice. Sheriff Modena stated that the curfew will be enforced fairly and with common sense in that those with legitimate, urgent reasons for being out beyond curfew hours may be stopped and questioned but will not be detained if their information is verifiable. However, those who are found near locations such as closed, damaged or unoccupied businesses and other areas such as storm damaged residential districts will face closer scrutiny and risk being detained and arrested in order to protect the interests of business and home owners in Bibb County.

Sheriff Modena urgently requests the public’s patience and cooperation in this time of emergency by asking that residents not travel Bibb County roads unless absolutely necessary. The Sheriff also wishes to express his extreme gratitude to all the emergency crews, volunteers and contiguous law enforcement agencies who are working diligently to maintain order, clear roadways and re-establish utilities for the citizens of Bibb County.

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May 9, 2007

Bibb Sheriff’s NVU Drugs, Weapons and Counterfeit Currency Arrest

On Thursday May 8 at approximately 3 PM the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit served a search warrant at 1343 Carling Avenue in Macon. Seven suspects were arrested.

Investigators seized 3 ½ pounds of marijuana, 33 ecstasy pills and 14 grams of crack cocaine with a combined street value of approximately $10, 500. Also seized were 3 semi automatic handguns, 3 vehicles, over $2,000 in counterfeit currency and $700 cash. Bibb Sheriff’s K-9 Brenda was very instrumental in this case. Disturbingly, a 4 year old child in one of the suspects’ care was present in the home with the drugs.

The suspects listed below were each charged with Possession of Marijuana with intent to Distribute, Possession of Schedule I (Ecstasy) drugs with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. Corey Middlebrooks faces additional charges; 16 counts of 1^st Degree Forgery involving the counterfeit currency. Kenneth Phelps has an additional charge of Cruelty to Children involving the child being present during the illegal activity.

Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena commented, “The sale of various drugs and distribution of counterfeit currency show that these gangs will continue to diversify their criminal activities. The fact that they will engage in these crimes in the presence of child only adds to the reprehensible nature of their actions.”

Suspects arrested and transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex:

Jairon Howard age 29 of 1006 Alma Drive Bibb County

Corey Middlebrooks age 24 of 1343 Carling Avenue Macon

John Brooks age 25 of 447 Table Mountain Drive

Kalvin Adkins age 31 of 1231 Duncan Avenue Macon

Kenneth Phelps age 25 of 4574 Brookhaven Road Bibb County

Tommy Daniel age 26 of 2475 Shea Drive Macon

George Johnson age 24 of 622 Morrow Avenue Macon

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May 7, 2008

Bibb Sheriff’s Counterfeit Recordings Raid

Investigators from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and the Narcotics and Vice Unit assisted by Investigators with the Recording Industry Association of America arrested nine suspects Saturday May 3 at Smiley’s Flea Market 6717 Hawkinsville Road.

Recording industry experts identified over 4000 discs of illegally recorded music from several booths and tables throughout the flea market. The total estimated value of all the illegal recordings was nearly $68,000.

The following suspects were arrested on charges of Criminal Reproduction and Sale of Recorded Materials.

Zavala Martinez of Macon, Elsa Lemus of Macon, Jacari Hagan of Warner Robins, Bobby Redding of Macon, Boris Alford of Macon, Gabriel Oviedo of Fort Valley, Georgia, Kaoussi Kouame of Jonesboro, Georgia, Pedro Oviedo of Macon and Alhagie Janneh of Atlanta.

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May 6, 2008

Media Invitation: Swearing In Ceremony including K-9 Deputy Brenda

Sheriff Modena will hold a swearing in ceremony for nine deputies and the newest edition to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit, K-9 Deputy Brenda. The ceremony will be held Wednesday May 7^th at 3 PM in the second floor training room of the Ray Wilkes Administration Building 668 Oglethorpe Street. All media representatives are invited to attend.

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May 2, 2008

Sexual Assault in North Bibb

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a sexual assault that occurred yesterday afternoon at a residence on South Haven Drive just before 2:30. The suspect, Rudolph Smith age 42 of 578 Crisp Street in Macon, was arrested by Bibb Sheriff’s Deputies after being found walking on Broadway just before 10 PM.

Reports state that Rudolph Smith was employed by Watkins Cleaning Service of Macon and that Smith was working at another residence on South Haven. According to statements, Smith left the job site and went to the victim’s South Haven location at approximately