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• MILLEN • PERKINS • RED HILL • SCARBORO • BUTTS • EMMALANE • THRIFT • BIRDSVILLE • FOUR POINTS •
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Vol 1 No 40 December 13, 2023
Quality News That Affects You
JVlillen, Georgia $1.25
Millen Police Department Apprehends Man
in Undercover Operation Targeting Child
Exploitation
John E. Cortez Faces Multiple
Charges Following Investigation
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
In a significant development against technology-facilitated
crimes involving children, the Millen Police Department
announced the arrest of John E. Cortez, a 38-year-old resident
of Augusta. The arrest, made on November 30, stems from
an undercover operation conducted by the Millen Police
Department with the objective of identifying and apprehending
individuals engaged in illicit activities against minors.
The investigation focused on targeting users within peer-
to-peer networks who were found sharing child pornography.
Additionally, undercover chat investigators aimed to identify
and apprehend individuals communicating with and arranging
to meet what they believed to be minors for the purpose of
engaging in sexual acts. The operation represents a proactive
effort by law enforcement to combat the alarming rise in technology-facilitated crimes against children.
John E. Cortez faces a slew of serious charges, including Aggravated Child § ee UNDERCOVER page 7
Molestation (Criminal Attempt), Electronically Furnishing Obscene Material
Swift Action by Law Enforcement Ensures Safety
After Bomb Threat to Jenkins County School
By Joe Brady, Editor Jenkins County, Dec. 11, 2023 — A minor, unsuspecting of the consequences, found themselves
for at the center of a serious investigation after an email warning of a bomb threat to the Jenkins County
The Times school was sent to Superintendent Dr. J.P. Heam. The incident prompted immediate action, leading to
the cancellation of school and subsequent law enforcement efforts.
Superintendent Dr. J.P. Heam addressed the situation in a press statement
issued at 8 a.m. on Monday morning, revealing the gravity of the threat. "I
immediately reported the email to our sheriffs department, and they investigated
it and discussed it with the GBI. At the time, they felt it was safe for us to have a
normal school day on Friday. This morning at 7:15 am, I received another email.
After a short discussion with law enforcement, they advised that we should cancel
school for today," Dr. Heam stated.
By 2 p.m., Monday, the combined efforts of local law enforcement and the
Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) led to the apprehension of a minor
allegedly responsible for the threats. Dr. Heam expressed gratitude in another
statement, saying, "Thanks to our sheriffs department. Due to their diligence and
hard work, they nave identified the person responsible for the threats made to our
school and have that person in custody."
Authorities have indicated that, based on their investigation, there is no belief that the alleged perpetrator ever posed
a serious threat to the students or staff of the Jenkins County school. Despite the reassuring outcome, the incident serves
as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt action in ensuring the safety of educational institutions and their
communities.
The arrested minor will face legal consequences for their actions, with the legal process detennining the appropriate
charges. The community can take solace in the swift response of law enforcement, which effectively neutralized the threat
and ensured the safety of the school's students and staff.
Wanda Burke swearing in Mr. Joel Carter, Sr.
Carter Takes Oath of Office
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Millen - All of the residents of District One are once again represented
in the Millen City Council as Joel Carter, Sr., was officially sworn in
as the newest council member during the meeting held on December
5, 2023. Carter, who emerged victorious in the November municipal
election, has stepped into the role to fill the unexpired term of Giovanni
Shumake.
Giovanni Shumake, the former representative of District One, resigned
from his position to pursue a mayoral bid, which unfortunately ended in
an unsuccessful outcome. This vacancy left part of the constituents of
District One without a voice on the city council until the recent election.
Joel Carter, Sr., a familiar face in the community, secured the
support of voters during the election, earning their trust to carry on the
responsibilities of representing District One. Carter's commitment to
community welfare and his vision for the district resonated with voters,
leading to his victory.
The swearing-in ceremony, held on December 5, 2023, was attended
by local dignitaries, community leaders, and residents who gathered to
witness this pivotal moment in Millen's local governance. The oath of
office was administered by Judge Wanda Burke.
In a brief statement following the swearing-in, Joel Carter, Sr.,
expressed gratitude to the residents of District One for their support and
trust in his ability to serve. He pledged to work diligently on benalf of the
constituents, addressing their concerns and advocating for the district's
interests within the city council.
Incumbent Mayor King Rocker
Secures Narrow Victory in Millen
Runoff Election
Contest Winners Announced
The Millen Garden Council and the Jenkins County Chamber
of Commerce are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023
Hometown Holiday Road Trip. Congratulations to all of those who
participated!
Traditional 1st place - Above
1. 834 Cleveland Lindsey Oglesby
2. 735 Harvey Leigh Ann Hendrix
3. 853 Harvey A1 & Foye Knight
Fantasy 1st place - Bottom
1. 604 Harvey Tucker & Mandy Roberts
2.712 Harvey Nick & Kim Atkinson
3.417 Harvey Victoria Arthur
Doorways - 1st Place Top Left
1. 332 Harvey Lance & Adrianne
Griffith
2. 735 Harvey Leigh Ann Hendrix
3. 525 North Ave HDarrell &
Margaret Ann Clifton
Windows- 1st place Middle
1. 834 Cleveland Lindsey Oglesby
2. 957 Peachtree PI David &
Penny Tanner
3. 853 Harvey A1 & Foye Knight
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
In a closely contested runoff
election, Millen voters made their
voices heard last week, expressing
a preference for experience over
change at the polls. The race for
mayor saw incumbent Mayor
King Rocker narrowly securing
victory against challenger
Giovanni Shumake, with a final
count of 411 to 392 votes.
The election results indicate
a decisive engagement from the
community, as there were more
See ELECTION page 8
Beth and King Rocker
Saturday saw another business open in Millen with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Story Eve
Boutique is a faith based business located on the corner ofE. Winthrope and S. Masonic.
Hours are 9-7p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Stylish clothing, accessories, and shoes are offered
at very reasonable prices. Pictured are: Destiney Williams, Ray Sherrod, Cora Scott,
Na'Nian Graham, Cassie Martin, Alisha Williams, owners Stacey Williams and Tymara
Williams. Photo by D. Hearn
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