Author: Staff Reports

A statewide campaign in support of Georgia’s law enforcement officers will soon be highly visible along some of the state’s busiest highways. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the project on Wednesday, which was initiated independently by Conner Poe, President and CEO of Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia (OAAG). “Mr. Poe and OAAG are utilizing their billboards to show their support of law enforcement and thank the men and women who serve to keep our citizens safe,” GBI officials stated in an email. “The GBI is one of many law enforcement agencies appreciative of Mr. Poe and OAAG’s great work!…

Two employees of a local convenience store were charged recently after Douglas authorities discovered they’d staged a robbery in an effort to cover up shortages at the store. DPD officers responded to Aden’s Minit Mart, 1020 E. Baker Hwy., on June 26 after receiving a report of a robbery. Authorities were told an employee had walked out of the store to make a bank deposit when she was allegedly confronted by a black male who robbed her and fled the scene. Police officials say a subsequent investigation into the case determined the initial complainant and another employee had staged the…

Douglas police reported today the arrest of one man believed to be responsible for two recent burglaries at the West Ward Church of God. Officers responded to the church on June 20 and July 8 in reference to the burglaries, each of which resulted in property damage and theft. During the investigation, DPD officials were able to identify 45-year-old Antonio Lopez Smith as the person responsible. Smith was arrested and is currently incarcerated at the Coffee County Jail, where he faces two counts of burglary and has also been charged with multiple forgeries. Anyone with information that could further assist…

An investigation into methamphetamine sales in Coffee County resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old female, officials reported Monday. According to Coffee County sheriff’s authorities, the Douglas – Coffee Drug Unit began an investigation into the sale and distribution of methamphetamine from a residence on Mahogany Rd. earlier this month. DCDU agents executed a search warrant at the home and recovered an undisclosed quantity of the drug. As a result of the investigation, Ashley Brianna Beckworth of Coffee County was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Two Coffee County females made news in southwest Georgia for all the wrong reasons earlier this week after allegedly attempting to steal some high dollar items from the Cordele Wal-Mart. Cordele and Crisp County authorities were responding to a report of a theft at the store when they spotted the suspects in the parking lot attempting to leave. The items taken from the store were located inside the car, according to sources. Heather Thomas of Ambrose and Kesha Serrano of Douglas were both arrested at the scene and taken to the Crisp County Detention Center.

A woman wanted in Victoria County, Texas on charges of manufacturing and dispensing methamphetamine was arrested at a residence in Coffee County Friday. The U.S. Marshals Services notified local authorities the fugitive, identified as Autumn Shelby Berger, was believed to be in the area. Coffee County Sheriff’s officials, along with the Douglas – Coffee Drug Unit and the Marshals Service, located Berger at home on Matt’s Way on Friday, and she is currently incarcerated at the Coffee County Jail awaiting extradition back to Texas.

It was bound to happen. Pokemon Go is taking the local community by storm, and police are urging citizens to play cautiously. “More people are on our streets, at local landmarks, and wandering our parks in search of Pokemon,” says Police Chief Gary Casteloes. “While this is a great way to get people out and moving, it also causes some safety concerns because the game causes players to be less focused on their surroundings. Our goal is to make sure people are safe while in Douglas.” The police department issued the following safety tips while playing the game. • Do…

Coffee County Sheriff Doyle Wooten has invited the community to support local law enforcement and other emergency responders through a prayer service Wednesday, July 20, at 7:30 a.m. at the flag pole in front of the sheriff’s office. “All law enforcement and first responders are invited to be there if at all possible, and all family members of these personnel have a special invitation to attend and stand by your family, ” Wooten stated. “We are going to surround these personnel with community prayers for a hedge of protection as they go about their daily routines. We will also be…

Local authorities recently arrested one man after discovering a small pot growing operation near Broxton. Acting on an anonymous tip, drug agents searched a wooded area off old Relee Rd. in Broxton for a potential marijuana grow operation. The agents located six marijuana plants being grown in commercial potting soil, along with containers. Subsequent to the discovery and following the investigation, 25-year-old Kaleb Owens of Broxton was arrested at his place of employment and charged with manufacturing marijuana. In a separate incident on July 14, Douglas police officers investigated a suspicious vehicle located on Roper St. in the community park…