A former Aiken County Youth Coach who served prison time for molesting boys on his team has been caught with a new video of him engaged in child sex, authorities said.

William “Bucky” Hicks Jr., 69, of Graniteville, was arrested this week on 14 charges connected to sexual exploitation of minors.

The arrest could seem outrageous to the Aiken County community, who saw the sex offender given a 10-year sentence in 2009 after he confessed to abusing three boys decades before his arrest. It’s unclear why he was released from prison so early, free to victimize more children. But inmates typically can be released for good behavior.

In the newest case against the registered sex offender, investigators received a cyber tip that Hicks had uploaded child pornography. A search warrant was executed at his residence at 335 Avis Street in Graniteville on Tuesday.

“Investigators discovered photos on Hick’s phone of him engaging in a sex act with a minor victim,” a press release says.

This is the same man arrested twice before of the same allegations of abusing boys, in 2002 and in 2008. The 2002 case never went anywhere because the victim refused to cooperate. But three boys finally stepped forward and helped prosecutors build a case in 2008.  He was ultimately convicted on statements from adults he sexually abused as children decades before.

In 2009, Judge Jack Early sentenced Hicks to 10 years in prison and five years probation after he pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the second degree and one count of a lewd act on a child, according to media reports.

Prosecutors said the specific cases involved three male victims, two from the 1970s, and one from the late 1980s. He was a baseball coach in Graniteville and a lot of his victims were young boys on the baseball team, prosecutors said. But there were some alleged victims that weren’t on the team.

Sadly, there were other victims who had brought charges back in 1999 and 2002, but those victims stopped cooperating, so those charges were dismissed.

Finally, though, police got an anonymous e-mail in September 2007. It was from a friend of one of the victims, and when that victim was approached by law enforcement he confirmed that it had happened.

In court, one of the victims spoke bout the emotional damage that Hicks had done to him and a lot of other people. The defendant apologized to the victims and confessed his crimes.

In the newest case, Hicks is charged with six counts Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree (§16-15-395), a felony offense punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment on each count; and eight counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Third Degree (§16-15-410), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment on each count.

The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

For more crime news, pick up this weeks edition of The Jail Report, sold in local gas stations for $1.50.

The post AIKEN COUNTY SHOCKER! Former Youth Coach Who Molested Boys is Doing It Again! appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

A self-admitted drug abuser was shot dead by a sheriff’s deputy in Beech Island on Sunday night after raising two weapons at an officer, authorities said.

Joel B. Keenan, 43, of New Ellenton, was killed about 8 p.m. Sunday during the encounter with the unidentified deputy, according to Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.

“Mr. Keenan allegedly was confronted by an Aiken County Sheriff’s Deputy and told to put down the weapons he had in his possession. Mr. Keenan refused to comply with the deputy,” the coroner said. “Mr. Keenan then ‘raised’  the two weapons toward the deputy. The deputy discharged his weapon in the decedent’s direction and Mr. Keenan fell to the ground.”

WRDW is reporting that Keenan had been at the Gulf Gas Station on Pine Log Road and had pointed a gun at a customer. That customer, Michael Collins, told the TV station this:

“I was standing there pumping diesel in my truck. I looked over and the guy had a gun pointed right to my head. So to keep from spooking him I slowly walked up to him and asked what the problem was then he said to get the hell out of here right now. I said say no more and pulled away from him called 911 then went back to in the store to tell them to lock the doors if he tries to come in. Not much later he was found where you guys are and was shot.” (SOURCE: WRDW-TV)

Keenan left the store before deputies arrived but they were called to call of a man threatening a homeowner with a gun on Deans Drive. WRDW reports that deputies found Keenan in the driveway of that home with two guns, where the deadly encounter took place.

SLED has been asked to investigate the incident. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday morning.

Keenan is well-known to local law enforcement with several recent arrests for shoplifting, driving under suspension and disorderly conduct. He also has arrests from over a decade ago for forgery and grand larceny.

On Facebook, the suspect has posted several images of his middle finger raised. In addition, he recently made his cover image one of the movie Straight Outta Compton with the phrase “F**k Tha Police.”

Two months ago, he posted a note on Facebook admitting that he had screwed up his life this year. Here is the message with punctuation added:

“I lost the most important things in my life: my 3 boys, my daughter. I didn’t fight for them. I didn’t do nothing to try to keep them. I got on drugs. I screwed my life up, but I’m clean. I know nobody believes it. I got a long road to go and a lot of things to prove. But my kids, I got a lot to prove to them. I love you. I miss you. Your daddy is going to prove that he is the man that You Used To Know. I’m sorry. I’m very sorry, but I will prove that I deserve you. I miss you a lot. I love you.”

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office press release:

“The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has contacted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to conduct an investigation into an officer involved shooting. On November 6th around 7:47 pm, deputies responded to 598 Pine Log Road at the Gulf Gas Station for a report of a male with a handgun who had threaten a citizen.

“Prior to their arrival the suspect had fled the area where it was reported that the suspect was driving a 25 foot RV. While responding deputies were in the area searching for the suspect, around 8:09 pm a second call was received by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office from the homeowner of 209 Deans Drive. The homeowner reported a suspect with a weapon and RV was on his property making threats to shoot them.

“Deputies responded to the home where they found the suspect in the driveway brandishing weapons. Subsequently the armed suspect was shot by the responding deputy. The incident location was secured and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was notified and responded to the scene.

“This is an on-going investigation by SLED, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and the Aiken County Coroner’s Office. As information becomes available information will be release when appropriate.”

Have any information on Joel Keenan that you want added to this story? Text it to 803-487-3224.

The post ACSO Deputy Kills Man After He Raises 2 Guns in Beech Island appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

These thieves are accused of walking into the Grovetown Walmart last month and walking out with a cart full of merchandise.

Why shouldn’t they have to pay like the rest of us?

Let’s help authorities identify them and show them the error of their ways. If you recognize any of them, please call the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at 706-541-2800.

In the Oct. 25 case, authorities say two white men walked into the store and put several items into a cart and simply all out without paying.

Among the items: a flashlight, tote lockers, laundry detergent, hamburgers, soda and spray paint.

In an Oct. 24 incident, a black male walked into the Grovetown Walmart, grabbed a Boost mobile phone along with several Tide cleaning items and walked out without paying.

He is pictured below. See if you recognize him and call authorities if you can help. Thanks!

The post Do You Recognize These Walmart Thieves from Grovetown? appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

The sheriffs in Richmond, Aiken and Edgefield counties have easily won re-election to another term.

In early returns, Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree was easily outpacing his opponent Brian McDuffie, the ex-deputy who took on the boss who fired him for excessive force several years ago,

In Aiken County, Sheriff Mike Hunt appeared to be the hands-down favorite to win yet another term, defeating challenger Henry “Hank” Sims.

Edgefield County results were showing an lopsided win for Sheriff Adell Dobey over challenger Michael Raffield.

Celebrating at the Legends Club on Washington Road with a small group of friends and supporters, Sheriff Roundtree said the results are a validation of what he did four years ago.

“We feel like we swayed a lot of people who didn’t support us last time,” Roundtree said. “I think it’s a great statement moving forward for the next four years in Richmond County”

After one term in office, Roundtree had a lot to brag on during his low-key re-election campaign, including a drop in major crimes and the agency receiving both state and national accreditation.

McDuffie had promised to have a more efficient agency that made employee retention a priority. He pledged to provide more opportunities and increase staff salaries as well as re-structure the agency from the top down by merging and dissolving some non-field operation positions.

After the loss, McDuffie said his fight was not over. “Even though we have lost this battle…the war is far from over,” he said. “There are those of us out here that will still continue to fight for transparency and against corruption.”

In Aiken County, there was never any signs of a serious challenge from Sims, a veteran law enforcement officer. He never gained any traction or much media attention in his effort to unseat the incumbent sheriff. Sims is currently assistant police chief of Batesburg-Leesville Police Department.

In a recent Facebook post, Sims made an issue of Aiken County paying out over $400,000 in civil suits.  “It’s clear that we need changes in law enforcement,” he said in a post that got just three comments and 10 likes.

After the results were in, Sims said he ran an exhaustive campaign and got his message out, but the voters were not moved.

“The people have spoken: No change. They are satisfied with what they got,” Sims said, adding that he will continue to work in law enforcement.

Sheriff Hunt did not return phone messages seeking comment.

In Edgefield County, Sheriff Dobey declined all debates with Raffield. That didn’t matter to voters, who didn’t seem willing to unseat a sheriff that had performed the job sufficiently.

Raffield, a veteran lawman and former officer for Edgefield County, made several local appearances and pointed out that Dobey had pledged to form a Community Advisory Board, which he did not.

Statement from Raffield: “I would like to thank the residents of Edgefield County for the opportunity to run for Sheriff. Thank you to all those who supported us, worked tirelessly to the campaign & voted. Congrats to Sheriff Dobey & his supporters in their victory. I look forward to trying to take another bite at the apple in four years.”

Full Statement from Brian McDuffie: “I want to thank all of those that have assisted with the campaign and voted for us. I also want to thank those that came out and shown your support. I state to all citizens of Richmond County that even though we have lost this battle…the war is far from over. There are those of us out here that will still continue to fight for transparency and against corruption. We pray for all citizens of Richmond County and all deputies of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in the coming year. We will be seen again as we will never give up on this community.

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A Columbia County sex offender was found dead in his cell Thursday, and authorities say it appears he choked on a peanut butter sandwich.

The inmate was identified as Ronald Warren Pate, a 54-year-old homeless man suffering from dementia. He had been in the jail for a week after his arrest 0n a probation violation for not registering as a sex offender.

The mother of Pate’s 10-year-old daughter sent us this photo, showing Pate in a hospital bed at an Augusta hospital, where he was until his arrest last week. More details coming…

Because of his medical condition, Pate was being held isolated in a maximim-security cell. During a routine check of inmates, a guard found him unresponsive. A nurse was called and tried to clear out the food and resuscitate Pate, but she was unsuccessful, Coroner Vernon Collins said.

“He had copious amounts of peanut butter in his mouth and his airway was obstructed,” the coroner said. “She tried to clear it out but he had been in arrest for awhile. You only have six minutes to resuscitate someone. But you had complete airway obstruction and cardiac arrest. … He had been down at least 10 minutes.”

The GBI accepted the findings of the coroner and there will be no autopsy. The man’s sister was contacted and told of his death.

Oddly enough, the coroner said he has seen several people die from peanut butter ingestion. In one case, the person had gobbled a scoop of peanut butter.  “It is sticky to the roof of your mouth and it just blocks your airway,” Collins said.

Pate, of Martinez, has been in trouble with Columbia County authorities several times for not properly registering. Details on his sex offense conviction were not available, but he has a previous address in Moultrie, Ga.

In 2012, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office sent out this picture of Pate, saying he was wanted for violation of sex offender law. “Subject is no longer living at his registered address and has not notified the sheriff’s office of a change of address,” the press release said.

Note: If you have a bette picture of Pate, please text it to 803-487-3224.

The post DEAD: Sex Offender Chokes on Peanut Butter Sandwich at Columbia County Jail appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

An Augusta mother has been arrested for allegedly beating her 5-year-old son for acting up at school, according to a sheriff’s report.

Tyshika Minor, 29, was charged Friday with cruelty to children in the first-degree. She remained in jail without bond over the weekend.

The boy’s father,  Dorian Lambert, told deputies that he picked up his son from his mother, who resides on Hunter Street. The mother told Lambert that she had spanked their son for misbehaving at school.

Once the father got his son to his home, he examined the bruises and thought they were serious enough to take him to Doctors Hospital. That is where the sheriff’s office was notified.

Deputies observed the boys left thigh, which had a bruise with a small cut in it. In addition, the left hip was completely covered in bruises with a few small cuts.

Authorities notified the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, and case manager Courtney Jenkins determined that the wounds were excessive. She officially placed the boy in the custody of his father.

“Contact was made with the suspect and she was asked to come to the hospital. Upon her arrival at the hospital, Tyshika Minor was read her Miranda rights and taken into custody,” a report says.

For more crime news, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report, sold in local gas stations for $1.50.

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An employee of Springwood Nursery in Evans was found dead from gunshot wounds early Wednesday when employees arrived for work, authorities said.

Jerry Wayne Whitten, 43, was discovered by co-workers around 6 am in the parking lot of Springwood Nursery located on Cox Road, near Evans High School.

For more crime news, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report, sold at local gas stations.

Whitten was pronounced dead at the scene and two gunshot wounds were discovered, one in the neck and one side torso.

No arrests have been made, and a motive is unclear, sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said.

Whitten, of 222 Carol Drive, Hephzibah, is survived by a wife and children, according to Columbia County Deputy Coroner Harriett Garrison.

Springwood Nursery has a lot-sweeping service, where they clean up lots for different businesses, Garrison said. Whitten and another man work together on those jobs overnight, and they take turns locking up the office and putting the alarm on when they are done around 3 in the morning.

“This morning, it was Mr. Whitten’s turn to lock up the business,” Garrison said. “He went up to office to put alarm on and lock everything up.”

At  6 a.m., the employees arrived and found Whitten’s body outside the office with the door locked and the alarm activated. He had been shot, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Garrison said she notified his wife of the death.

Note: If you have a photo of Whitten or a memory you would like to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.

The post Nursery Employee Found Shot to Death by Co-Workers in Evans appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

An employee of Springwood Nursery in Evans was found dead from gunshot wounds early Wednesday when employees arrived for work, authorities said.

Jerry Wayne Whitten, 43, was discovered by co-workers around 6 am in the parking lot of Springwood Nursery located on Cox Road, near Evans High School.

For more crime news, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report, sold at local gas stations.

Whitten was pronounced dead at the scene and two gunshot wounds were discovered, one in the neck and one side torso.

No arrests have been made, and a motive is unclear, sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said.

Whitten, of 222 Carol Drive, Hephzibah, is survived by a wife and children, according to Columbia County Deputy Coroner Harriett Garrison.

Springwood Nursery has a lot-sweeping service, where they clean up lots for different businesses, Garrison said. Whitten and another man work together on those jobs overnight, and they take turns locking up the office and putting the alarm on when they are done around 3 in the morning.

“This morning, it was Mr. Whitten’s turn to lock up the business,” Garrison said. “He went up to office to put alarm on and lock everything up.”

At  6 a.m., the employees arrived and found Whitten’s body outside the office with the door locked and the alarm activated. He had been shot, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Garrison said she notified his wife of the death.

Note: If you have a photo of Whitten or a memory you would like to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.

The post MURDER MYSTERY: Nursery Employee Found Shot to Death in Evans appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

A co-worker has been charged in the death of an employee of Springwood Nursery who was found dead from gunshot wounds early Wednesday, authorities said.

Christopher Lamar Rumph, 31, of Hephzibah (pictured), is being held at the Richmond County Jail on charges of murder in the death of 43-year-old Jerry Wayne Whitten. The two worked together, sweeping the parking lots of local businesses using a sweeper truck.

Authorities said Rumph confessed to the shooting during a second interview. His motive was not immediately clear.

Investigators seized a gun after executing a search warrant of his home. He is reportedly a convicted felon and was not supposed to have a gun.

Whitten (pictured at right with his wife Lynn) was discovered by co-workers around 6 am in the parking lot of Springwood Nursery located on Cox Road, near Evans High School.

Whitten was pronounced dead at the scene and two gunshot wounds were discovered, one in the neck and one side torso.

Whitten, of Hephzibah, is survived by a wife and children, according to Columbia County Deputy Coroner Harriett Garrison.

Springwood Nursery has a lot-sweeping service, where they clean up lots for different businesses, Garrison said. Whitten and another man work together on those jobs overnight, and they take turns locking up the office and putting the alarm on when they are done around 3 in the morning.

“This morning, it was Mr. Whitten’s turn to lock up the business,” Garrison said. “He went up to office to put alarm on and lock everything up.”

At  6 a.m., the employees arrived and found Whitten’s body outside the office with the door locked and the alarm activated. He had been shot, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Garrison said she notified his wife of the death. A message apparently written by the victim’s son was posted on Facebook. It says: “Today Heaven got a new angel but he was taken in one of the cruelest way possible. He was shot twice and for no reason at all. I don’t know why some people let Satan take control over their lives and hurt Christians.”

For more crime news, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report.

MEMORIAL FUND FOR WHITTEN FAMILY:
From James Cartledge with Springwood Nurseries, Inc.
Dear Community,
My wife, Joy and I are devastated over the sudden and senseless loss of our dear friend and coworker, Jerry Whitten! Jerry has been a loyal and amazing member of the Springwood Nursery family for over 16 years and he will be missed very much!! 
Please keep our work family and especially Jerry’s wife, Lynn, their precious children and loved ones in your prayers during the very difficult days to come! 
Many of you have reached out already, asking for ways to assist the family, as they come to terms with this monumental loss.
We have established a memorial fund in Jerry’s name through Georgia Bank and Trust. You can visit any of their local branches and they would be more than happy to help you. 
We cannot begin to express how much your many, many, calls, messages and texts of concern and support have meant to us! We are a family at Springwood Nursery with many of our employees working here for decades! Jerry was a valued and much loved member of this family and we are all grieving for the Whittens. 
We also are in prayer for the other family involved, through no fault of their own, have also been devastated, because of the actions of just one person. 
Though we are struggling to come to terms with this tragedy, we take great comfort in knowing that Jerry had a deep and personal relationship with Christ and we have no doubt that Jerry is with his loving Savior today! 
Again thank you for the Gracious and loving support of our friends patrons and the entire community! We are extremely humbled and appreciative!

The post SOLVED: Co-worker Charged in Death of Evans Worker appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

A 15-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being shot during a home invasion early Friday at an apartment in Beech Island, authorities said.

Two of the three suspects were captured, but a third suspect is on the loose. And authorities say the robbers only got away with a Playstation 4 system!

The victim – identified only as a North Augusta teen with the last name Shores – was being treated at an Augusta hospital and was said to be undergoing surgery at 10:40 a.m. Friday, authorities said.

Two suspects were captured after a police chase, including 17-year-old Undraize Antonio Dixon (bottom photo) of Beech Island and 17-year-old Deonte Raequan Schultz (top) of Beech Island. Investigators are obtaining warrants for three counts Attempted Murder, one count Armed Robbery and one count Burglary 1st Degree for each subject.

The home invasion at 1034 Fairview Road happen at 1 in the morning as the 15-year-old victim was playing video games with a 16-year-old boy from Warrenville with the last name Jones.

According to a sheriff’s report, three masked men came into the apartment through an unlocked door. One of the suspect began shooting in the victims’ direction while another went up to the older teen and struck him several times in the face with a gun.

“The subjects then quickly searched the bottom floor of the residence, took the listed Playstation 4 system and proceeded to flee the scene while firing additional rounds into the interior of the residence,” a report says.

Luckily, a sheriff’s deputy was in the shopping center at 4435 Jefferson Davis Highway, heard gunshot coming from the area of Fairview Road and responded to investigate.  A high-speed chase led to the capture of the two suspects around Blackstone Camp Road near Storm Branch Road.

Authorities say the two victims did not live in the apartment and were only visiting. A woman who lives in the home, 35-year-old Wendi McClure, was not injured in the incident. She told deputies she was sleeping when the home invasion occurred and awoke to investigate when one of the fleeing suspects fired in her direction.

The suspects who got away is described as a black male, 5’8″ tall, 120 pounds with black hair wearing a black hoodie black pants and dark shoes. If anyone has any information we encourage them to call the Aiken County Sheriffs at 803-648-6811. Individuals may also call Crimestoppers of the Midlands: 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).

Stay tuned for more…

For more crime news, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report. 

The post Teen, 15, Shot During Home Invasion in Beech Island… Robbers Stole a PlayStation 4 appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

A Richmond County sheriff’s deputy who was exposed for cheating on his wife and lying to a local woman about his marital status has been given a verbal reprimand, according to a sheriff’s officials.

Deputy Matthew Loflin was “verbally counseled in a private session,” according to the sheriff’s office.

In a letter to victim Kara Key (pictured with Deputy Loflin at top), the sheriff’s office said they investigated her complaint that the deputy had claimed to be a single man and pledged to marry her and “start a life together” with her and her daugters. Loflin failed to mention he was married and had a son, Key said.

In its letter, the sheriff’s office said Loflin admitted to them that he was involved in a romantic relationship without divulging his marital status.

“Deputy Loflin admitted that after being romantically involved, he did not want to hurt you and told you instead he suffered from PTSD from miltary service as well as other issues,” the RCSO letter said.

The letter says Deputy Loflin actually served in the Coast Guard and not one of the main U.S. military branches.

He has been married for the last 20 years to the same person but had an alternate social media account for personal use.

The sheriff’s office said this in their lettet to Key:

“Ms. Key, we encourage members of our fine agency to maintain high levels of professionalism and to be conscientious of how their personal lives can reflect not only themselves but also this organization. Therefore, Deputy Loflin has been appropriately reprimanded. Deputy Loflin has been advised to use better judgement in how he handles his personal life.”

Key exposed Loflin’s lies in a Facebook post earlier this year, garnering lots of Facebook shares and comments. She said the sheriff’s office leadership shrugged off her initial complaint. Key eventually filed a formal complaint.

On Tuesday, she said she was sad that the sheriff’s office would continue to employ Loflin.

“It’s disappointing,” she said. “They’re supposed to protect and serve and he’s lied to and hurt so many with no remorse whatsoever.”

In the end, Key wanted to prevent Officer Loflin from preying on more women in this area.

For more local news pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report, sold in local gas stations.

The post RCSO Deputy Given ‘Verbal Counsel’ for Cheating appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

These thieves are accused of walking into the Grovetown Walmart last month and walking out with a cart full of merchandise.

Why shouldn’t they have to pay like the rest of us?

Let’s help authorities identify them and show them the error of their ways. If you recognize any of them, please call the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at 706-541-2800.

In the Oct. 25 case, authorities say two white men walked into the store and put several items into a cart and simply all out without paying.

Among the items: a flashlight, tote lockers, laundry detergent, hamburgers, soda and spray paint.

In an Oct. 24 incident, a black male walked into the Grovetown Walmart, grabbed a Boost mobile phone along with several Tide cleaning items and walked out without paying.

He is pictured below. See if you recognize him and call authorities if you can help. Thanks!

The post Do You Recognize These Walmart Thieves from Grovetown? appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

A 15-year-old boy who was shot while visiting a friend’s house in Beech Island has died, according to the Aiken County coroner.

Jordan Shores, 15, of North Augusta (pictured), was pronounced dead at 9:15 a.m. Saturday at Augusta University Medical Center.

“Mr. Shores had suffered a non-survivable gunshot wound on the 18th,” Coroner Tim Carlton said in a press release.

Previous story: 

A 15-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being shot during a home invasion early Friday at an apartment in Beech Island, authorities said.

Two of the three suspects were captured, but a third suspect is on the loose. And authorities say the robbers only got away with a Playstation 4 system!

The victim – identified only as a North Augusta teen with the last name Shores – was being treated at an Augusta hospital and was said to be undergoing surgery at 10:40 a.m. Friday, authorities said.

Two suspects were captured after a police chase, including 17-year-old Undraize Antonio Dixon (bottom photo) of Beech Island and 17-year-old Deonte Raequan Schultz (top) of Beech Island. Investigators are obtaining warrants for three counts Attempted Murder, one count Armed Robbery and one count Burglary 1st Degree for each subject.

The home invasion at 1034 Fairview Road happen at 1 in the morning as the 15-year-old victim was playing video games with a 16-year-old boy from Warrenville with the last name Jones.

According to a sheriff’s report, three masked men came into the apartment through an unlocked door. One of the suspect began shooting in the victims’ direction while another went up to the older teen and struck him several times in the face with a gun.

“The subjects then quickly searched the bottom floor of the residence, took the listed Playstation 4 system and proceeded to flee the scene while firing additional rounds into the interior of the residence,” a report says.

Luckily, a sheriff’s deputy was in the shopping center at 4435 Jefferson Davis Highway, heard gunshot coming from the area of Fairview Road and responded to investigate.  A high-speed chase led to the capture of the two suspects around Blackstone Camp Road near Storm Branch Road.

Authorities say the two victims did not live in the apartment and were only visiting. A woman who lives in the home, 35-year-old Wendi McClure, was not injured in the incident. She told deputies she was sleeping when the home invasion occurred and awoke to investigate when one of the fleeing suspects fired in her direction.

The suspects who got away is described as a black male, 5’8″ tall, 120 pounds with black hair wearing a black hoodie black pants and dark shoes. If anyone has any information we encourage them to call the Aiken County Sheriffs at 803-648-6811. Individuals may also call Crimestoppers of the Midlands: 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).

For more crime news, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report. 

The post Teen, 15, Dies from Gunshots in Beech Island Home Invasion appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

Aiken County authorities are examining the details of a shooting in Graniteville in which a man was found shot to death.

No charges have yet been filed in the death of 30-year-old Leroy W. Brown (pictured from Facebook), according to sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah.

Authorities responded to a shooting at 3 in the morning Monday at 112 Woods Haven in Graniteville and found Brown dead. Investigators detained the male roommate and are consulting with the Solicitor’s Office on whether charges are appropriate.

Friends of Brown are already remembering him on Facebook and commenting on the circumstances, with some calling the shooting an “accident.”

“I’m still in utter shock that you’re not here anymore,” said Carissa Leischner. “Trying to speculate about why it happened isn’t worth it, and I know you wouldn’t want us to do that anyways. I’m trying to just keep laughing at all the jokes you used to tell and keep smiling while I remember your kindness and sincerity.”

Said Olivia Morin: “I hope your weary soul found peace. You, your humor and ability to change the mood of anyone in a room will be missed. Your laugh was so contagious, I can’t count the times I’ve pissed myself laughing at you. Now it just doesn’t seem real, I’ll see you again Leroy Brown.”

Editor’s Note: If you have a better photo of Leroy or a memory to share, please text it to The Jail Report at 803-487-3224.

Because of Thanksgiving, this week’s edition of The Jail Report will hit stores a day early, on Tuesday, Nov. 22. 

The post Graniteville Man Killed by Gunfire; Roommate Being Questioned appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

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A Graniteville man was formally charged Wednesday morning in the shooting death of his roommate.

Bobby Glover III, 28 (pictured above from Facebook), has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of roommate Leroy W. Brown.

The victim was fatally shot at 3 in the morning Monday at his home at 112 Woods Haven in Graniteville. Authorities responded to a shooting and found the victim dead on a couch and a gun on the kitchen table.

Investigators detained Glover at the time and consulted with the Solicitor’s Office before making the charges. Glover was jailed on Wednesday morning.

“Investigators were able to determine that at the time of the shooting, Glover was in possession of the firearm when it discharged,” sheriff’s Capt. pic Abdullah said in a press release. “At this time investigators believe no malice was involved in this incident and no verbal/physical altercation occurred.”

One of the few photographs on Glover’s Facebook page shows three guns, but it is unclear if one of those weapons was the gun that killed Brown.

A GoFund me account has been set up for Leroy Brown. Click HERE to see it.

Here is the message on the page:

With a heavy heart, I ask for your help.  On November 21, 2016, Leroy Brown was shot and killed in his home in Graniteville, SC. As you can imagine, his family is in shock and is devastated right now. The news media has been at their doorsteps.  Leroy’s family just buried their father/grandfather, Jackie Wideman, this past May 2016.  The last thing we want them to worry about now is more funeral expenses.

Leroy (pictured in collage) would have been 28 years-old next month.  He had a huge heart and would help anyone in need. Leroy spent recent weekends working at a church fundraiser.  The evening before his death, he had helped a local music store owner move items to a new location.  The day before he was killed, Leroy told everyone that he wanted to join the military to support his country.

Leroy loved his family, Pat, Chris, Dana, Summer, Hali, Lake, and especially little MJ.

Please help…..A donation of even the smallest amount will help Leroy’s family as they deal with unexpected expenses associated with his tragic death. 

This GoFundMe s set up by BBC so that ALL donations will go directly Leroy’s mother’s account.  Thank you so much!

For more news from the CSRA, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report, sold in local convenience stores for $1.50.

The post Manslaughter! Roommate Charged in Accidental Death of Graniteville Man appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.

1. Were the teen suspects really after a PlayStation 4?

No.

According to warrants, three robbers burst into the Fairview Road apartment and demanded money from the occupants. When they didn’t get any money, they shot 15-year-old Jordan Shores in the head and pistol-whipped the 16-year-old boy, firing the gun as well in a failed attempt to kill him too. They grabbed the $400 video game system and fled, shooting toward the 35-year-old homeowner when she appeared in a stairwell.

The threesome was allegedly joined in their planning by three other youth, with the groups driving two separate cars to the apartment at 1034 Fairview Road. Six suspects total – including a 15-year-old unidentified juvenile – have been implicated in the murder.

The five named suspects are Ronquavis James Howard, 17; Raihem Faisson McCorkle, 17, of New Ellenton; Undraize Antonio Dixon, 17, of Warrenville; Deonte Raequan Schultz, 17, of Beech Island; and Aikel Leetrez Harrison, 19, of Aiken.

2. What do sheriff’s investigators say about the suspect’s motive?

They believe the crime was drug-related, with sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah saying there are “drug indicators” to the crime. The theft of the PlayStation 4 seems to be a theft of opportunity, he said.

3. Shouldn’t the 15-year-old suspect be charged as an adult?

There is a process that starts with the boy going through juvenile court. The solicitor must make a determination whether he will seek to try the teen as an adult. That has not been discussed. Meanwhile, he remains jailed at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia.

4. What do we know about Jordan and what he was doing at the home?

Jordan (pictured here) lived in North Augusta. He was a guest at the home of 35-year-old Wendi McClure. Authorities will not comment on the relationship, but social media posts indicate McClure is Jordan’s aunt. The same post says that Jordan’s older brother and a cousin were outside of the home when the robbery occurred.

In a Facebook post, somebody asked what Jordan was doing at the home at 1 in the morning on a school night. A family member said, “Disobedience to his parents. It doesn’t change the fact that he was loved and now is dead.”

Jordan was rushed to Augusta University Medical Center after the shooting. Tests confirmed that he was brain dead, and the teen’s mother agreed to donate his organs to help others. He was officially declared dead at 9:15 a.m. Saturday.

Jordan was survived by his mother, father and two brothers.

5. When is the funeral?

A funeral is being planned Saturday at Woodridge Baptist Church, located at 401 Birch Street in North Augusta. Visitation is 12-2 p.m. Saturday at the church.  Funeral services begin at the church at 2 p.m. Saturday with graveside services following at Pineview Memorial. To donate to the Jordan Shores burial fund, click HERE.

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For more crime news from the Augusta-Aiken area, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report.

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The suicidal North Augusta man who was shot by deputies over the weekend had called 911, warning dispatchers that he would kill deputies and harm himself if confronted, according to a sheriff’s report released Monday.

Justin E. Pollock, 25, of Happyland Circle, continues to recover at an Augusta hospital from two gunshot wounds suffered in his resulting encounter with three Aiken County deputies.  SLED has been called in to investigate..

This hospital photo of the suspect was posted on Facebook over the weekend by his niece.

A sheriff’s report spells out the sequence of events:

• Just after midnight Sunday, an anonymous caller dialed 911 and told dispatchers that a suspicious male was standing in the middle of the road at Cherokee Drive at Hillside Drive in Beech Island.
• While deputies were driving there, Pollock himself called 911 and identified himself as the person in the road.
• Pollock told the dispatcher that he was “armed with a handgun and would kill deputies if confronted.” He told the dispatcher what he looked like and described his clothes. Pollock continued to threatened officers and himself with harm.
• When deputies arrived, they found Pollock standing in the road armed with a machete. The suspect also claimed to have a gun.
• Sgt. Andrew Dailey repeatedly ordered Pollock to disarm himself. At the same time, Cpl. Solomon Bruce Turner armed himself with less lethal defense.
• “While attempting to talk the subject into disarming, the subject began to charge Sgt. Dailey, at which time Sgt. Dailey discharged several rounds from his duty weapon into the subject. Cpl. S.B. Turner also discharged a less lethal weapon during the incident,” the report says.

Pollock sustained gunshot wounds and Aiken County EMS was immediately summoned for medical treatment.

Pollock’s Facebook pages suggest he is engaged and shows him posing with two young children. The message that was posted with his hospital picture comes from her niece who stated this:

“I absolutely hate seeing you like this. Justin Pollock you are so young still you have to learn to stop…. I love you and hate that this happened. … i know things are hard and i know you said some things but you didn’t mean them…think about the boys….your family… We don’t want this for you….no.one does… I love you please do better….for you…and your kids….please please please…. imma keep praying cause i know the lords got you in his hands….but its time for a change and a major one at that…..i love you so much…”

Once he recovers from his wounds, Pollock is facing three counts each of attempted murder and weapon possession in regards to his confrontation with the officers.

Pollock does not have a criminal record in Aiken County, other than a disorderly conduct arrest in 2009.

According to SLED, the incident was the 37th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina this year and the second this year involving an Aiken County deputy.

The post N. Augusta Man Was Suicidal Before Running at Deputies with a Machete appeared first on AugustaCrime.com - Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County Jail - Reports & Mugshots.