Author: Staff Reports

The Coffee County community was shocked and saddened this week to learn of the untimely death of a local, 13-year-old student. Today, Sheriff Doyle Wooten released the following statement: “On June 5, 2015 at approximately 4:21 p.m., deputies were dispatched to 120 Sioux Trail in reference to a possible death of a 13-year-old female. Investigators were called to the scene and later requested assistance from the GBI’s Crime Scene Agent to assist in processing the scene. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday and investigators are awaiting a preliminary report from the medical examiner. I asked that if you have any…

A Coffee County native has been confirmed as the victim of a homicide that occurred in Valdosta Friday night. Valdosta police say 25-year-old Marquivius Brockington, formerly of Coffee County, was found dead inside his home just prior to midnight, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds. A press release issued by the Valdosta Police Department stated methamphetamine and marijuana were found in the home, and officials added the murder appeared to be drug related. Authorities have not named any suspects and are asking anyone who may have information regarding the case to contact the Valdosta Police Department at (229) 242-2606 or…

Officials with the Georgia State Patrol stated this week they are currently investigating the Jacksonville Police Department following accusations by Telfair County Sheriff Chris Steverson and others that the department has been operating illegal speed traps. Sheriff Steverson posted the following message to his office’s Facebook page Tuesday: “The Telfair Co. Sheriff’s Office is contacted almost daily by individuals who feel they may have been improperly or illegally ticketed and, in some cases, arrested by City of Jacksonville policemen. If you or someone you know feel you have been victimized by this or any agency you suspect of operating an…

Douglas police arrested two men last week after receiving a report of a street brawl involving at least four individuals in the parking lot of the Fountain Inn motel. Authorites responded to the motel just after 7 p.m. Monday, May 25, and made contact with the complainant, who stated that several men were trying to fight another male. Officers made contact with two of the individuals, who were still involved in a verbal altercation and shouting profanities. Both men, identified as 41-year-old David Lee Jordan and 39-year-old Sinatra Deangels Brewton, both of Douglas, were arrested at the scene on charges…

A two-car collision on East Ward St. involving a pickup and SUV brought traffic to a momentary crawl this afternoon. The accident occurred just after the lunch hour rush, around 1:30 p.m. Fire and EMS officials were dispatched to the scene, as Douglas police rerouted commuters traveling the busy street.

Douglas police are asking the public’s assistance in locating 25-year-old Decarrdio Valentay Pearson, who they say is responsible for a shooting that occurred last Friday. Officers responded to Aden’s Minit Market at 1020 E. Baker Hwy. on May 29 in reference to a reported shooting. When they arrived, it was learned one victim, identified as 23-year-old Dequatte Tucker, had been shot in the leg. Pearson allegedly fled the scene, and Tucker was taken to Coffee Regional Medical Center for treatment. Warrants have been obtained for the arrest of Pearson on the charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm…

Organizers have scheduled a community-wide candlelight vigil in honor of Coffee County teen Malik Sparkman, who passed away May 17 following a battle with kidney cancer. The vigil will be Friday, June 12 at Jardine Stadium beginning at 8 p.m. Organizers are asking the community to wear their ‘The Spark Lives On’ t-shirts to the event, which are still available at Moore Than Graphics, located at 716 West Ward St. (912-384-2273). Proceeds from the t-shirts will go towards supporting the Malik Sparkman scholarship fund.

Douglas police officials have identified a man arrested Sunday following a string of criminal incidents that occurred throughout the city early that morning. Tony McCullars face charges of battery (family violence), criminal damage to property, stalking (family violence), obstruction of an officer, and criminal trespass after allegedly beating a woman with a piece of bamboo, breaking a window at a local motel, and causing damage to a vehicle. McCullars led police on a foot chase throughout Douglas before eventually being apprehended in the Touchton Woods area. Just after 1:30 Sunday morning, officers responded to the 1200 block of N. Peterson…

A 26-year-old Douglas woman was arrested and jailed Sunday after allegedly attempting to smuggle marijuana to an inmate at Valdosta State Prison. Authorities say Angela Marie Berrian was trying to get the drugs to a relative of hers when she was caught in the act. She was arrested at the scene and taken to the Lowndes County Jail.

Sheriff’s authorities reported Friday afternoon that investigators were recently able to recover several remaining missing items from a December burglary in which crooks allegedly stole nearly $100 thousand in jewelry. In December 2014 and January 2015, sheriff’s investigators made four arrests in connection with a burglary that took place at 652 West Green Road in which over $97 thousand worth of jewelry was stolen. During the initial investigation, detectives were able to recover a vast majority of the items, with the exception of a ring valued at $50 thousand, a gold necklace valued at $2,000, and a diamond bracelet valued…