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Devon Davenport

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Name: 

Davenport, Devon

Age: 

30 YEARS OLD

City:

Arrest Date: 

11/27/2023

Release Date: 

Next Court Date: 

 

 

 

 

Agency Status Arrest Date
ACSO OPEN 11-27-2023
03:46
Weekender: NO
Offense:
    Charge: Larceny / Grand Larceny, value $10,000 or more
Case #: 23-070481       Disposition: OPEN       Bond: $10,000.00

The post Devon Davenport appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.


Robber Who Shot Man at Whiskey Road Walmart Found by Aiken Police

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Aiken police have identified one of the suspects accused of shooting a man during a robbery attempt Sunday in the parking lot of the Walmart on Whiskey Road.

Brandon Perry Buckmon, 22, of Barnwell, has been identified as a suspect. He was captured Wednesday in Williston on unrelated charges and held in the Orangeburg County Detention Center, police said.

Warrants say the Walmart victim was shot in the shoulder while sitting in his car. Buckmon and other suspects had demanded money, and the victim was shot when he refused to give them money. The victim was treated at a local hospital.

After his release in Orangeburg County, Buckmon will be transported to Aiken and formally charged with armed robbery, assault & battery – high & aggravated, weapon possession, discharging firearm into a vehicle and unlawful carrying of a pistol. In Orangeburg County, he is facing unrelated charges of armed robbery, credit card fraud and weapon possession.

The shooting in Aiken remains under investigation and more arrests are expected. The Aiken Department of Public Safety was assisted with this investigation by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, Williston Police Department, and the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

The post Robber Who Shot Man at Whiskey Road Walmart Found by Aiken Police appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Former Aiken Deputy Arrested for Shooting at Car During Traffic Stop

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A former deputy with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested after a state investigation showed he acted illegally by firing at a woman who fled a traffic stop in March.

Christopher Lamar Williams, 31, was charged Friday with misconduct in office and assault & battery in the first degree. A warrant says Williams fired his weapon as the driver fled, causing the potential for great bodily injury or death to occur. “Williams’ in-car video showed (the driver) took no overt action to endanger Williams other than fleeing from the traffic stop,” the warrant says.

He was fired after the shooting, as the sheriff’s office turned the case over to the State Law Enforcement Division. SLED filed the criminal charges Friday, and Williams was released on bond.

Deputy Williams shot his weapon during a confrontation with driver Brittany Norton.

A sheriff’s report spells out what happened after Deputy Williams pulled Norton over March 7 on Schley Street in Warrenville. The officer said he observed the woman fail to maintain lane.

From the report: “Dep. Williams made a traffic stop at the intersection of Schley Street and Howlandville Rd. Upon approach of the vehicle Dep. Williams met with the driver/subject and sole occupant of the vehicle to get her driver’s license. Dep. Williams immediately could detect a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside of the vehicle. Dep. Williams asked the subject to step out of the vehicle and when she refused he opened the door to make her step out of the vehicle.

“The subject started to fight with Dep. Williams and started to drive off with him still in the vehicle. Dep. Williams fired one shot into the vehicle striking the rear post of the SUV. The driver then fled the scene driving up Schley Street. Dep. Williams followed in behind the subject who was now failing to stop for blue lights. Dep. Muszall was arriving as the pursuit continued up Schley Street. The subject then pulled off on the side of the road in the 200 block of Schley Street.  The subject was detained without incident.

“Search incident to arrest found two blue in color pills with the numbers B706 later identified as Alprazolam, a Schedule IV substance in a tan pill bottle in the front passenger seat.  Upon R/O arrival, R/O inspected the vehicle and found a single gunshot to the rear of the vehicle and a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.”

Deputy Williams was the same officer who arrested Norton in the past for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. That charge was later dismissed, according to online records.

Norton was charged with failure to stop for blue light and possession of a controlled substance. A family member previously went on Facebook to claim that Norton was simply trying to drive to a safer location and was worried after being handled roughly by this officer in the past.

Deputy Williams had been with the agency since December 2021.

The post Former Aiken Deputy Arrested for Shooting at Car During Traffic Stop appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Augusta Mom Assaults Police Inside Elementary School

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An Augusta mother caused a chaotic scene this week at A. Dorothy Hains Elementary, resulting in five felony charges, authorities said.

Tyara Ramsey, 32, was upset that officers would not let her leave the school with her daughter. Sheriff’s deputies were at the school at 6 p.m. Tuesday to investigate a possible sexual assault on the juvenile, and the girl’s stepfather had arrived to pick up the child. The school has an after-school program.

Ramsey showed up and asked why the child could not leave and started yelling at school staff. Officers asked her to calm down, even as Ramsey was pacing the school and banging on the wall. She got more irate, saying she was tired and her other child had a wet diaper.

Deputies told Ramsey they would need to place her in the back of a patrol car unless she could calm down. She snatched away from a deputy and pushed him, authorities said. A deputy fell to the floor during a scuffle, landing on his wrist.

Ramsey – listed as 5’4” tall and 154 pounds – swung her arms and continued fighting, kicking a female officer multiple times, authorities said. Deputies got one handcuff on her when she broke free and swung the arm with the handcuff. The suspect only cooperated when officers threatened to use a taser.

Ramsey was then taken to jail for five counts of felony obstruction of an officer. She spent three nights in at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center before being released on bond Friday.

The post Augusta Mom Assaults Police Inside Elementary School appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Augusta Mom Locked Up for Murder of Infant Son in Car Wreck

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An Augusta mother has been jailed for the murder of her unrestrained infant son after he died from injuries in a summer crash.

Maiah Lewis, 24, was arrested on Wednesday and held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center for second-degree murder and other offenses.

Her son, Maison Amir Lewis, was 10 days old when he was critically injured in an Aug. 14 car crash caused by the child’s father, James Bernard Thomas. The child died Oct. 21.

Thomas, 33, was previously jailed after the crash and has also been indicted for murder. He was driving a Chrysler Sebring when he got into a two-vehicle wreck on Kissingbower Road at Milledgeville Road. Lewis was a passenger.

Authorities say their car reeked of marijuana and there was an open container of alcohol. The father was impaired and had run a red light. The couple had a stash of marijuana totaling over 35 grams throughout the vehicle, as well as codeine. Digital scales were found under the seats of both the father and the mother.

The indictment says Thomas and Lewis failed to properly secure the newborn baby in a car seat. He sustained brain bleeding, a lacerated spleen and lung contusions in the crash, injuries he later died from.

The couple is also charged with second-degree cruelty to children and possession of marijuana and codeine with the intent to distribute in the 17-count indictment.

Thomas faces four counts of first-degree homicide by vehicle for allegedly being under the influence of alcohol during the crash, two counts of endangering a child while driving under the influence and additional counts of running a red light, having an open container of alcohol, driving without insurance, a child safety restraint violation and failing to wear a seatbelt.

The mother was not immediately arrested and allowed to remain free as the child was buried Nov. 4, even as Thomas remained in jail. Lewis gave her own details of the August crash in a plea for money on GoFundMe.

From the post: “Maison bug made his grand entrance August 4, 2023 && we were in a 2 vehicle wreck where someone hit us & almost took all of our lives on AUGUST 14,2023 but god gave all of us another chance && Maison gained his beautiful wings OCTOBER 21,2023 . Miracle Maison was a fighter just like his parents . He is no longer suffering no longer in pain ️ I thank God everyday for my MAISON !!!!”

(Reporter Susan McCord contributed to this report.)

The post Augusta Mom Locked Up for Murder of Infant Son in Car Wreck appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Elderly Evans Woman Scammed Out of Nearly $400,000

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An Evans woman was scammed out of nearly $400,000 after her computer was hacked and she contacted a man through a pop-up alert.

The 74-year-old woman called the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office last week to report the fraud and loss of money from her Charles Schwab account. She said the incident happened on Oct. 30. That’s when she received a pop-up from what appeared to be with Microsoft advising that her computer was hacked. So she called the number on the pop up and spoke with a male.

“(He) advised her that her computer has been hacked,” the report says. “The individual stated that someone was trying to hack into their Charles Schwab account and she needed to move the money.”

So the victim called Charles Schwab and transferred $380,356.17 into a bitcoin account that the individual advised her to do. But the next day, the account was empty and her money was gone.

The woman told deputies that she has contacted Charles Schwab, and they are doing an internal investigation. They advised her to file a police report as well.

The woman was not the only recent victim in Columbia County. A 59-year-old Grovetown man said he was working on his computer Nov. 22 when a popup from Microsoft appeared.  He clicked on it and was prompted to call a specific number.

The victim called and spoke with an individual identifying himself as Gary Williams.  He allowed Mr. Williams to access his computer to install “anti virus” for $198, the report says.  The victim later discovered that $13,000 had been transferred from his bank account to an unknown account.

“(He) contacted Mr. Williams again, who transferred him to the billing account,” the report says. “At that time, he was instructed withdraw $15,000 from his bank account and put it into a bitcoin machine, and he complied with this request.  (The victim) stated that he has had health issues and was confused and was unsure why he made this deposit.”

The post Elderly Evans Woman Scammed Out of Nearly $400,000 appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Jackson Woman Missing as SWAT Team Arrests Estranged Boyfriend in North Augusta

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A Jackson woman remained missing Tuesday even as Aiken County authorities hunted down her estranged boyfriend and took him into custody for a previous domestic violence case.

Daniel Harmon, 34, was captured and hospitalized early Tuesday after SWAT team members found him at a home in North Augusta.

Jamilla Shanae’ Smith, 30, was heard on a 911 call on Saturday, screaming in the background as a suspect believed to be Harmon ordered her into a car. The sheriff’s office put out a missing-persons alert Monday night, calling both of them missing and endangered.

Authorities got a tip overnight about their Dodge Charger being at a Carpentersville Road home in North Augusta. SWAT team members were called, perhaps based on violent encounters with Harmon in the past. He has also made threats of self-harm, sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah said.

The house was cleared and Harmon was taken into custody, but they realized he had taken a number of prescription drugs and needed to be hospitalized.

But where is Jamilla and was she harmed? “We are still working it as a missing person case until we find out something different,” Capt. Abdullah said.

Family members reported last hearing from her around 7 p.m. Saturday. Smith didn’t pick up her child from the child’s father in Augusta, which was odd.

Her mother told authorities that Harmon has a history of abusing Smith. He had also threatened to kill his girlfriend and then himself. So Smith broke off their relationship.

Around 8:45 p.m. Saturday, Smith made a call to 911 saying her ex-boyfriend had come to her home in Jackson, and she ran down the street to get away from him.

“The dispatcher then noted the female began to scream and heard a male voice telling her to get in a vehicle and then started blowing the vehicle horn rapidly,” the report says. “The dispatcher then noted the phone went silent and the phone call was ended. The dispatcher attempted to call the caller back but received no answer.”

At Smith’s home on Old Jackson Highway, deputies found a window screen that was damaged, the woman’s keys on the ground and a shoeprint on the front door.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Smith, contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-648-6811. Tipsters can also send a message about this case by going to www.aikencountysheriff.net.

Harmon was given probation for a 2019 incident in which he wrestled a North Augusta officer during a traffic stop, jumping back into his car and fleeing into Georgia. It wasn’t until the next year that they arrested him. But the fleeing police charge was dropped and he was given probation for a grand larceny charge, according to online records. A 2016 conviction for unlawful neglect of a child was reduced to time served.

Harmon was previously arrested in Richmond County for a long list of charges, including cocaine possession, aggravated assault, weapon possession and domestic violence. He never got anything more than probation and fines.

The post Jackson Woman Missing as SWAT Team Arrests Estranged Boyfriend in North Augusta appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Aiken County Police: ‘It Is Our Greatest Hope to Find Jamilla’

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Aiken County authorities say the estranged boyfriend of Jamilla Smith kidnapped her on the day the Jackson woman went missing.

Warrants for Daniel Harmon say he kidnapped her on Saturday from her home at 425 Old Jackson Highway, where the couple once shared a home. The residence is where deputies found a window screen that was damaged, the woman’s keys on the ground and a shoeprint on the front door.

Warrants released Wednesday also accuse the 34-year-old suspect of a violent November assault with the victim, strangling her with two hands and obstructing her airway. He caused injuries to her neck in an assault that took place in front of her juvenile child.

On Wednesday, sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah said Smith was still considered a missing person.

“Please note that it is our greatest hope to find Jamilla,” he said. “If anyone has any information, we encourage them to contact ACSO at 803-648-6811.”

On Tuesday morning, Harmon was taken into custody at 408 Carpentersville Road. A tipster alerted investigators that the black Dodge Charger was located at that address. Responding deputies found the Charger parked in front of the home. Aiken County SWAT Team and North Augusta Department of Public Safety assisted in the operation to arrest Harmon on his outstanding arrest warrant for domestic violence in the second degree.

Harmon is currently charged with kidnapping and the earlier domestic violence. He is being held without bond at the Aiken County Detention Center.

Smith, 30, is described as a Black female, approximately 5’3” tall, 107 lbs., black hair and brown eyes. Her family has not heard from her since Saturday night. In addition to calling the sheriff’s office, tipsters can also send a message about this case by going to www.aikencountysheriff.net.

The post Aiken County Police: ‘It Is Our Greatest Hope to Find Jamilla’ appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.


2 More Charged in Augusta Murder, Including 15-Year-Old Boy

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Two more murder suspects have been charged in last month’s shooting death of an Augusta man on Verdery Street, including a juvenile.

Rodrick Braxton, 15, and Anthony Williams, 20, were charged Wednesday in the Nov. 16 death of Myron Garnett on Verdery and Oak streets.

Shakeichia Jackson, 30, was already charged in the murder, and authorities have obtained a murder warrant against a fourth suspect, 19-year-old Cameron Williams, who has not been arrested.

There are conflicting reports on a motive, but witnesses said Jackson was in a verbal altercation with the victim, who she lived with. A witness told authorities that Garnett had been abusing Jackson.

Also, Jackson reportedly took cocaine from Garnett which caused a disagreement. At some point, the victim’s sister called Garnett’s phone and heard Jackson in the background before the call ended. She called back and Jackson answered.

“If he (Garnett) doesn’t have my money tonight, he is going to die,” Jackson reportedly said. “I don’t care.”

A tipster told authorities that Jackson’s cousins – Anthony and Cameron Williams – were involved in the homicide of Garnett, who died a day after his 32nd birthday.

Braxton is being charged as an adult with murder, but he is being held at the Regional Youth Detention Center.

The post 2 More Charged in Augusta Murder, Including 15-Year-Old Boy appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Burke Burglars Who Shot Victim’s Dog Caught With 14 Guns

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Six people have been arrested following a week-old home invasion in Burke County in which the suspects shot the family pet and stole a large amount of guns, jewelry and clothing.

Eric Duane Pete Jr., of Keysville, Jayden Christian Scott, 19, of Waynesboro, Jaquan Habersham, 18, of Waynesboro, Ryheem Rollins, 22, of Augusta, and two juveniles have been arrested, according to a press release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.

The burglary happened around 8:15 p.m. Nov. 30 on Winter Road near Hephzibah in the rural part of Burke County. The suspects allegedly kicked in the side door of the home, shot the dog inside in the neck and ransacked the home. The dog survived, authorities said.

When they were identified and arrested, the suspects were found with 14 firearms. The suspects were charged with burglary, aggravated cruelty to animals and four counts of theft of firearms.

“This arrest reflects the agency’s commitment to ensuring the community’s safety and well- being,” a BCSO press release said. “We applaud our deputies and Criminal Investigators in their efforts to apprehend these suspects without incident and help keep Burke County residents safe from gun violence.”

The post Burke Burglars Who Shot Victim’s Dog Caught With 14 Guns appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Augusta Man Travels to Grovetown to Meet 14-Year-Old Girl for Sex

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An Augusta man was arrested Friday for traveling to Grovetown with the intention to have sex with a 14-year-old girl.

But police were waiting for Andrew Summers in the child-predator sting they had set up with the assistance of the GBI Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Summers, 34, had been communicating over social media since early Friday with a person he believed was a child, according to Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens.  But the child was actually a Grovetown investigator assigned to the task force.

“Summers communicated his desire to meet for the purpose of sexual activity with the child multiple times and then sent unsolicited photographs of himself, despite having been advised several times that he was communicating with a minor,” Chief Kitchens said in a press release.

After arranging to engage in sexual activity with the child, Summers arrived in his vehicle at a pre-determined location within Grovetown.  Instead of meeting with the child, he was instead found investigators waiting to take him into custody.

“Summers was found to have condoms in his vehicle as well as a handgun,” Chief Kitchens said.

Summers was arrested and charged with enticing a child for indecent purposes and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Additional charges are expected as this is an ongoing investigation, the chief said.

“The Grovetown Police Department is proud to partner with the GBI ICAC task force and will continue to aggressively pursue and remove these predators from our communities,” Chief Kitchens said. “We encourage ALL parents and guardians to be vigilant in the oversight of their children’s social media use and presence.”

The post Augusta Man Travels to Grovetown to Meet 14-Year-Old Girl for Sex appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Man Killed at Augusta Smart Grocery, Same Location as 2022 Murder

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Richmond County authorities are investigating a Monday night shooting death at Smart Grocery on Wrightsboro Road.

Deputies responded to gunfire at 8:50 p.m. Monday and found the victim dead from at least one gunshot, authorities said.

Jeremiah Griffin, 32, of the 300 block of Fox Trace, Augusta, was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m. after the coroner’s office arrived. No motive or suspect information has been released by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office as they work the case.

Friends and family were remembering the victim online under his nickname of “Jerm.” Cherrice Pugh posted his photo and the message, “I can’t believe this. Feel like I’m waken up to a nightmare. I don’t pose to be saying R.I.P Jerm.”

Other readers say the area should be patrolled better. Dominque Huff said the store is definitely the problem.

“They allow them guys from Fox Den to hang out in the store and around the store,” she said. “If you not buying nothing, you shouldn’t be allowed to hang around the store running up to people cars asking for change an trying to make a sale.”

The killing at Smart Grocery comes a year after another homicide at the same convenience store. On Sept. 30, 2022, Zayquantez Jones, 17, was shot at the business and pronounced dead at the hospital.

Darontaye Cummings, 17, of Augusta, has been indicted for malice murder in that case. Cummings has since been charged with two incidents in the jail, including one where he allegedly helped confine another inmate in a mattress bag for an hour while Cummings and other inmates assaulted the man. The victim in the jail assault said the inmates had accused of child molestation and “messing with little girls,” a report says.

The post Man Killed at Augusta Smart Grocery, Same Location as 2022 Murder appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Local Teen is Augusta’s Latest Homicide Victim; Suspect, 34, is Being Sought

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Richmond County authorities have identified Tuesday night’s homicide victim as an Augusta teen.

Tyler Carl Smith, 19, was fatally shot inside a home on the 2000 block of Telfair Street, Coroner Mark Bowen said in a press release. He was rushed to Wellstar MCG, where he was pronounced dead at 7:39 p.m. Tuesday.

Investigators are looking for a 34-year-old Michael Mims in connection with the killing, but the murder suspect has not been captured. Authorities say Mims frequents the area of Telfair Street and Carr Street. He was last seen on foot near the 2000 block of Telfair Street wearing a green hoodie and black pants.

If anyone has any information regarding the location of this subject, please contact any on-duty Investigator with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.

The victim was being remembered online as a young and sweet soul. Reggie Weat said Tyler was like a son to him. “I love ya and you will be truly missed,” Weat said on Facebook. “It was always fun having you around.”

The post Local Teen is Augusta’s Latest Homicide Victim; Suspect, 34, is Being Sought appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Fired RCSO Investigator Claims ‘As a Recruit, I was Sexually Assaulted by a Supervisor.’

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A Richmond County investigator, who was fired after lying about an improper relationship with a supervisor, claims she was untruthful because of a previous sexual assault at the agency.

Allison Walker told an appeal panel that she was a recruit four years ago when another RCSO supervisor sexually assaulted her. She said it took place inside a building at the sheriff’s office, and the supervisor threatened to ruin her if she told anyone.

Her surprising accusation was spelled out Monday in front of the Sheriff Merit Board, where she asked the panel for a lesser punishment than termination. But the board eventually upheld Sheriff Richard Roundtree’s decision to fire her for lying.

Internal Affairs Sgt. John Perry said she never brought up any previous sexual assault when questioned three times.

In an opening statement, Walker spelled out her claim without naming the previous supervisor.

SEE THE ENTIRE HEARING HERE:

“About four years ago, while at the RCSO, as a recruit, I was sexually assaulted by a Richmond County Sheriff’s Office supervisor,” she said, reading from a prepared statement. “I could not believe what had just happened. The supervisor without any hesitation, with full confidence, proceeded to threaten me when he told me he would have my career if I reported the assault.”

Walker said the supervisor warned her she would never get promoted or go to any school if she told anyone.

“I was terrified because he knew where I lived. After the assault occurred, I ran out of the office crying. I left with the trauma memory of a supervisor sexually assaulting me and ordering me not to tell the truth, or else,” she said.

The harassment continued with text messages and reminders that “he owned me,” Walker said.
“He even used his relationship with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office colonel –  who said was like a father to him – as a weapon and as a means to intimidate me. He stated that his relationship with the colonel allowed him to do whatever he wanted,” she said.

Walker said the colonel was demoted for reasons that are similar in nature to her claims. She worked at the sheriff’s office for a few years before signing up to interview for the Criminal Investigative Division. That’s when CID Capt. Brandon Beckman texted her, she said.

“I thought it was weird and it made me uncomfortable at first,” Walker said. “I asked someone if they thought it was weird … and they said no. It is good that he is showing an interest in you.”

The harassment continued with Capt. Beckman texting her from multiple phones, even as she ignored him. In one case, she claims the captain drove by her home because she would not message him.

“Capt. Beckman was flipping around on me when I would tell him that he was making me uncomfortable,” she said.

Walker said the trauma from her past sexual assault resurfaced. It made her think her career and chances of being promoted to CID were at risk.

“Another supervisor had control over me and my career,” she said. “I didn’t know what to do.”

Then, after being promoted to CID investigator, she was called to Internal Affairs over concerns about an inappropriate relationship with Capt. Beckman. She called the captain to see if he had heard anything. She said he ordered her not to tell the truth if the questions were about them.

“Once again, the trauma from the past, which I had never been treated for, had shown its ugly face again,” she said.

“Yes, it is true that I was not truthful to Internal Affairs in the beginning. Why did I lie? Because I feared for my career and once again was ordered by a supervisor to not tell the truth, just like how my career started with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office,” Walker said. “I feared that if I told the truth that my career in life would be disrupted by Capt. Beckman. So this went against my integrity, so after a second interview, I called Internal Affairs crying, saying I can’t do this anymore. And I wanted to tell them the truth, but I hung up the phone.”

She said on a third interview, she finally told the truth because it was eating her alive. She claims Internal Affairs Sgt. Walter McNeil told her that since she told the truth, she would be fine. But she was terminated the following week. Capt. Beckman was also previously terminated for lying about the sexual relationship.

Walker said she had never been disciplined during her time at the agency, something she asked the panel to consider in her appeal.

“I know I need counseling and other resources to help me heal with my trauma,” she said. “I would also like for you to consider other remedies than termination, which confirms the threat by those who victimized me.”

Augusta Senior Staff Attorney Zena McClain-Haymon, who conducted the hearing, called Internal Affairs Sgt. John Perry, Col. Calvin Chew and Chief Deputy Pat Clayton as witnesses during Monday’s hearing.

The witnesses said Walker twice denied an inappropriate relationship with Capt. Beckman except “a peck on the lips” during her second interview. They also said she never made any claims of previous sexual assaults or harassment.

“She was given every opportunity to give a reason why or to say she was under pressure,” McClain-Haymon told the merit board. “None of that was mentioned during the interview.”

Sgt. Perry said the relationship came to light when two other employees in the investigative division wrote a statement about their concerns. Walker was reminded that as a condition of her employment, she was required to cooperate and be truthful.

She only confessed after Capt. Beckman showed signs of deception in his interview and Walker was about to be given the lie-detector test, Sgt. Perry said.

“She made some statements about being assaulted in the past, but that was in reference to why she couldn’t remember some names,” the sergeant said.

Col. Chew said integrity is key for law enforcement officers.

“I would tell that to all of our employees: The easiest way to get terminated from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is to not be truthful,” he said. “If you are not truthful, the community now doesn’t trust you. … You also can’t testify, because this is going to be brought up every time.”

During his testimony, Chief Clayton reiterated the importance of officers telling the truth during Internal Affairs investigations.

“If you are a documented untruth-teller, then they are not really likely to listen to you on juries and boards,” he said.

Before the panel made their decision Monday, Walker reminded the panel that her sexual contact with Capt. Beckman was over a year ago. “It was never when he was my direct supervisor,” she said.

The board upheld the sheriff’s termination and wished Walker well.

In an unrelated case, Sgt. Aunarey Herbert and Cpl. Melissa Allen were demoted to deputies for inappropriate conduct. They were suspended for five days, according to authorities.

Both of them were recorded on dispatch audio having sex while on duty in a patrol car.

The post Fired RCSO Investigator Claims ‘As a Recruit, I was Sexually Assaulted by a Supervisor.’ appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Driver and Passenger of Car Killed in Collision with Aiken School Bus

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Two people were killed Thursday afternoon when their vehicle collided with a school bus in Aiken, authorities said.

The driver and passenger were not immediately identified, pending positive identification and notification of their family. The only student on the bus – from a local middle school – was checked at the hospital and released, and the bus driver was not injured.

The accident happened at approximately 12:18 p.m. Thursday on Wrights Mill Road at Rushton Road, east of Aiken.

“A 2018 Toyota Corolla, with two occupants, were traveling north on Rushton Road when it collided with a school bus that was traveling east on Wrights Mill Road,” Coroner Darryl Ables said. “Both occupants of the Toyota were pronounced deceased on scene and will be autopsied Friday morning in Newberry.”

The Coroner’s Office along with South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing with the investigation.

The post Driver and Passenger of Car Killed in Collision with Aiken School Bus appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.


Augusta Driver Dies Two Weeks After Crashing Into House

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An Augusta man died Wednesday as a result of serious injuries sustained 11 days before when his vehicle struck a house, authorities said.

Terrell Marzette, 58, died Wednesday night at Wellstar MCG, according to Coroner Mark Bowen. He was driving a vehicle Dec. 2 on Meadowbrook Drive at Brookshire Drive when his vehicle left the road and struck a house on the 3600 block of Meadowbrook Drive in Augusta.

Marzette was about a mile from his house on Spring Glen Lane when he crashed. Images from the scene show a badly damaged car being towed from the street, which was blocked off after the crash.

Unfortunately, Marzette had a long list of previous traffic offenses on his record. The driver had a few speeding tickets in the last few years, as well as at least two charges for driving on a suspended license and one for a stop sign violation. He was also once charged with operating an unauthorized vehicle with blue lights, according to public records.

The post Augusta Driver Dies Two Weeks After Crashing Into House appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Couple Identified After Fatal Collision with Aiken School Bus

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The Aiken County Coroner had identified the couple who died Thursday afternoon following a collision with a school bus in Aiken.

Christopher Register, 37, and wife Rachel Register, 29, were killed in the 12:18 p.m. crash on Wrights Mill Road and Rushton Road. They are both from Columbia, S.C., according to Coroner Darryl Ables.

The only student on the bus – from a local middle school – was checked at the hospital and released, and the bus driver was not injured.

“A 2018 Toyota Corolla, with two occupants, were traveling north on Rushton Road when it collided with a school bus that was traveling east on Wrights Mill Road,” Ables said. “Both occupants of the Toyota were pronounced deceased on scene and will be autopsied Friday morning in Newberry.”

The couple were reportedly staying at a local Airbnb rental home. Facebook pages for the couple show they got married in the last few years. Mr. Register lists his occupation as a graphic artist, and Mrs. Register says she studied at both Midlands Technical College and Columbia College. According to their social media, they sold hand-crafted wax candles, earrings and other items.

“My husband and I have both found something we really enjoy doing,” Mrs. Register wrote last year about the hand-crafted items.

The post Couple Identified After Fatal Collision with Aiken School Bus appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Family Offers $3,000 Reward for Information in Augusta Cold Case

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The family of Hubert Bailey Sr. is offering a $3,000 reward for information on who killed him in 2018.

Bailey, 77, was found following a fire at his house on Ellis Street in Augusta in December 2018. The coroner said he died from blunt force trauma to the head.

The victim’s nephew, Ron Barnes, said the family has been seeking justice in the case and decided to offer the money for anyone with information that would lead to a conviction.

Anyone with credible information is asked to call RCSO Sgt. Randall Amos at 706-821-1093.

According to his obituary, the victim was a retired mechanic, but he had many hobbies he enjoyed.

“He never met a stranger and loved to talk to anyone and everyone he came across. There wasn’t much that he couldn’t fix or do and he also enjoyed coming up with new inventions,” the obituary said.

The post Family Offers $3,000 Reward for Information in Augusta Cold Case appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Burglar, 60, Caught on Roof of Augusta Store

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A 60-year-old burglar who sawed a hole in an Augusta convenience store was caught after exiting through the roof early Saturday, authorities said.

Deputies shouted at Howard Blue McNeil to come down when he was caught around 3:30 a.m. Saturday at Aggie’s Convenience Store on Meadowbrook Drive.

“Man, stop yelling at me and give me some time to catch my breath!” the suspect responded.

Authorities say the older suspect was caught with a crow bar, a hammer and a saw. He had gone into the store to steal lottery tickets and mild tobacco cigars.

But the store’s owner was alerted to his presence in the store through security systems. He called the cops, and deputies surrounded the store. They ordered McNeil to come down from the roof and he refused.

McNeil was eventually captured and arrested, and officers found that he has sawed a hole in the roof. He was locked up for burglary in the second degree, possession of tools for the commission of a crime and a hold for probation or parole. He remained Sunday in the Charles B. Webster Detention Center under no bond.

The post Burglar, 60, Caught on Roof of Augusta Store appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Columbia County Deputy Fired After Arrest for Domestic Violence in Savannah

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A Columbia County deputy has been fired following his Sunday arrest for domestic violence while visiting Savannah with his wife.

David Alexander Brassell, 33, is accused of pushing his wife and not allowing her to call 911 on her cell phone or the hotel phone at Drayton Hotel in Savannah. He remained Monday in the Chatham County Detention Center on charges of simple battery – family violence and obstructing or hindering person making emergency call.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said they found out about the arrest and made the decision Monday to terminate his employment. He had been with the agency for eight years, and he had last been working on the patrol division.

According to a Savannah police report, Brassell was walking back to the hotel with his wife when they began arguing.

“Mr. Brassell was intoxicated at the time they left Saddle Bags and walked back to the hotel,” the report says. “Mr. Brassell began to argue with Mrs. Brassell and accuse her of cheating on him.”

In the hotel room, Brassell got extremely close to the victim, to the point where their noses were touching. Mrs. Brassell pushed her husband back in an attempt to get him away from her.

That’s when he began to open-hand push on her chest, pushing her into the wall, leaving several small scratches on her chest that she photographed, the report says.

The suspect hung up the phone when he realized his wife was calling 911, and he would not allow her to answer when dispatchers called back.

“After this, Mr. Brassell took her phone and threw it at her,” a report says. “She then grabbed the hotel phone and attempted to call 911. Mr. Brassell did not allow her to complete that phone call, he then proceeded to throw the hotel phone.”

She eventually got away from her husband and called 911. In their report, an officer describes what Deputy Brassell told Savannah police: “Mr. Brassell explained to me that he did not understand why any of this was happening and he did not know why she would call 911. He informed me that they had gone out, he had some alcohol while they were out and he remembers arguing and yelling at her regarding personal problems in their relationship. He briefly explained to me that the reasoning for the argument was that they were married for five years, got a divorce, and have since gotten remarried, and he did not like who she was speaking to during the time they were separated.”

He denied making physical contact with his wife, but officers arrested him as the primary aggressor.

The post Columbia County Deputy Fired After Arrest for Domestic Violence in Savannah appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

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