arrest – The GRIP

SCSO narcotics operation nets alleged meth distributor

January 22, 2018 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT ::: An operation by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit resulted in the arrest of 38-year-old Mario Andretti Williams, of Holly Lane, on multiple narcotics charges. According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, Williams is being held in the Spalding County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, crime, Griffin, Mario Andretti Williams, methamphetamine, narcotics, Sheriff Darrell Dix, spalding county, Spalding County Sheriff's Office, Special Operations Unit

Juvenile arrested for residential burglary

January 5, 2018 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT ::: A 16-year-old juvenile has been arrested and charged in connection to a residential burglary on Andrews Road. According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, Deputy Steven Culberson and Deputy Maurice Gray on Jan. 2, responded to a report of a burglary in progress at 61 Andrews Road. […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, Burglary, crime, Griffin, juvenile, RYDC, Sheriff Darrell Dix, spalding county, Spalding County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff: “Major supplier” of marijuana arrested

November 22, 2017 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT ::: According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, an investigation of the SCSO Special Operations Unit concluded Nov. 20, resulting in the seizure of approximately 14 pounds of marijuana and the arrest of 38-year-old LaTodd Weems, of 112 Princess Circle. Members of the SCSO SWAT team executed a […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, crime, Griffin, LaTodd Weems, marijuana, narcotics, Sheriff Darrell Dix, spalding county, Spalding County Sheriff's Office, Special Operations Unit, trafficking

Stepping Stones employee charged with simple battery, reckless conduct after child is injured

November 17, 2017 by Sheila Mathews 1 Comment

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: An employee of Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center – Jennis Phillips Rooks, also known as Mary Jeanell Rooks – has been arrested on charges of simple battery and reckless conduct in relation to an incident involving a student. According to the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy S.D. Williamson on Tuesday made […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, children, crime, Griffin, Jennis Phillips Rooks, simple battery, spalding county, Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center

Sheriff: Violent assault of C.A.G.E. investigator results in one arrest

November 13, 2017 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT ::: Authorities say a recent wreck resulted in the assault on a law enforcement officer and the arrest of one individual. According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. Nov. 8, at the intersection of Elm Street and Railroad Avenue. Officials say […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, assault, C.A.G.E. Unit, crime, Dustin Stevens, Griffin, Investigator Jennifer Fuller, narcotics, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, Sheriff Darrell Dix, spalding county, Spalding County Sheriff's Office

BREAKING NEWS: Local karate instructor charged with child molestation

August 9, 2017 by Sheila Mathews 3 Comments

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: A local karate instructor has been arrested by the Griffin Police Department and charged with child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes. According to Griffin Police Department Chief Mike Yates, Daniel George has been arrested and charged in connection to a complaint filed by a parent. Filed by former […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, Championship Martial Arts, Chief Mike Yates, child molestation, crime, Daniel George, Griffin, Griffin Police Department, spalding county

Matthew Boynton: The evidence and investigation that led to his arrest

July 31, 2017 by Sheila Mathews 18 Comments

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The July 29 arrest of former Griffin Police Department Officer Matthew Boynton stemmed from a theft report filed Dec. 19, 2016, by his former wife, Jessica Lester. The subsequent investigation was short-lived, with it having been deemed a “civil matter.” However, with the later discovery of previously-unknown evidence, it evolved into […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, crime, false statements and writings, Griffin, Griffin Police Department, Jessica Lester, Matthew Boynton, spalding county, violation of oath of office

Sheriff: Known gang member arrested on multiple felony charges

July 11, 2017 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

SUBMITTED ::: According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, deputies from the Fugitive Apprehension, Special Operations and C.A.G.E. units recently responded to a report of a large crowd in the 1600 block on North Hill St. Dix said upon their arrival, they identified Donnie Dunbar, a man the SCSO describes as a known gang member, as he […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, crime, Donnie Dunbar, gangs, Griffin, Sheriff Darrell Dix, spalding county, Spalding County Sheriff's Office

Former GHS teacher arrested on new charges involving juveniles; original bond revoked

June 20, 2017 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Brandy Lynn Nickels, the former Griffin High School teacher charged with numerous sex crimes involving students, is being held without bond in the Spalding County Jail after her bond was revoked following a second arrest. The GRIP was the only media present in the courtroom to hear arguments in the bond […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, Brandy Lynn Nickels, crime, Griffin, Griffin High School, Griffin Police Department, Investigator Dexter McCune, juvenile sex crimes, Magistrate Judge Rita Cavanaugh, spalding county, Spalding County Magistrate Court

GPD, school officials offer differing accounts of teacher sex crime investigation

May 30, 2017 by Sheila Mathews 1 Comment

Publisher’s Note – It has come to my attention that an article published online Friday, May 19, 2017 – Griffin-Spalding teacher arrested on multiple sex charges – contains factually inaccurate information. This information was obtained directly from Judy Parker, executive director of the Griffin-Spalding County School System Communications and Partnerships Department. This article both corrects […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, Brandy Nickels, Griffin, Griffin Police Department, Griffin Spalding County School System, Jim Smith, Judy Parker, Lt. Mike Natale, sex crimes, spalding county, teacher

Griffin-Spalding teacher arrested on multiple sex charges

May 19, 2017 by Sheila Mathews 1 Comment

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: A teacher with the Griffin-Spalding County School System has been arrested on a variety of sex-related charges. According to a press release issued by the Griffin Police Department, the GPD, in conjunction with the Griffin-Spalding County School System, received information alleging inappropriate actions by a teacher with students. Brandy L. Nickels, age […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, Brandy L. Nickels, crime, Griffin, Griffin Police Department, Griffin Spalding County School System, molestation, sex crimes, spalding county, teacher

Suspect arrested in multiple Peeping Tom cases

April 7, 2017 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT ::: The Griffin Police Department has arrested a Griffin man, 22-year-old Terry Keitt, in connection with multiple Peeping Tom incidents. According to a GPD release, Keitt was apprehended by officers of the Criminal Investigation Division and Crime Scene Unit. Authorities say Keitt allegedly entered the restrooms of local businesses and used a cell […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, crime, Griffin, Griffin Police Department, Peeping Tom, spalding county, Terry Keitt

Sheriff’s Office arrests mother, daughter for meth trafficking

December 8, 2015 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT ::: According to Spalding County Sheriff Wendell Beam, the Special Operations Unit on Thursday, Dec. 3, arrested two women – a mother and daughter – on charges of trafficking illegal drugs. The two suspects were identified as 55-year-old Sarah Ponce, of 88 Sims Cemetery Road, Franklin, and 36-year-old Carrie A. Ornelas, of 7735 […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, crime, Griffin, methampetamine, narcotics, Sheriff Wendell Beam, spalding county, Spalding County Sheriff's Office, Special Operations Unit, trafficking

GBI arrest warrants detail criminal allegations against David Gibson

September 11, 2015 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The arrest warrants obtained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation against David Gibson, formerly the captain of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division, allege criminal wrongdoing dating back as early as 2008. Gibson was arrested by the GBI Sept. 10, when he turned himself in to the Spalding County […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, crime, David Gibson, GBI, Griffin, investigation, Sheriff Wendell Beam, spalding county, Spalding County Sheriff's Office

David Gibson, former SCSO captain, denied bond

September 10, 2015 by Sheila Mathews Leave a Comment

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The Grip has now learned that David Gibson, formerly the captain of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division, has faced a judge for his first appearance hearing and bond was denied. During the first appearance hearing, Gibson was advised of his rights and of the charges brought against him by […]

Filed Under: Top Stories Tagged With: arrest, crime, David Gibson, GBI, Griffin, Sheriff Wendell Beam, spalding county, Spalding County Sheriff's Office