About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 15, 2025)
a CO m <7\ 0) O CO O CO in in Vol 2 No 44 January 15, 2025 Quality News That Affects You Milieu, Georgia $1.25 Inmate Dies Following Altercation at Core Civic -Joe Brady. Editor In the early hours of Thursday, January 9, 2025, a violent altercation erupted at Core Civic, leaving one inmate dead and three others injured. The incident occurred at approximately 12:42 a.m. EST and involved four inmates, according to facility officials. Prison staff responded immediately to the scene, intervening to break up the fight. Medical personnel on-site promptly evaluated the injured individuals, administering lifesaving efforts to one of the inmates until emergency medical services arrived. All four individuals were transported by Jenkins County EMC to a local hospital for further treatment. Tragically, one inmate, identified as 28-year-old Alonzo Wright, Jr., succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by hospital staff at approximately 1:10 a.m. EST. Wright’s body has been transported to the State Crime Lab for an autopsy. He was serving a sentence for theft and possession of a firearm, with only two years remaining before his expected release. The three other inmates involved in the altercation were treated for their injuries and have since been returned to the correctional facility. No staff members were injured during the incident. “The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has launched an investigation into the altercation, which remains ongoing.” According to inside sources, “the conflict is believed to have been part of an escalating drag war within the facility.” The Core Civic leadership team has pledged full cooperation with the GDC as they work to uncover the details surrounding the incident. The tragic death of Alonzo Wright, Jr. has raised concerns about safety and the presence of contraband within correctional facilities. Officials have yet to confirm whether the alleged drug-related conflict directly contributed to the violence, but the incident underscores the challenges of maintaining security and order in such environments. This is a developing stoiy, and more details are expected as the investigation continues. The victim, Alonzo Wright, Jr., was serving a sentence at the local prison, Core Civic, for car theft and possession of a firearm. Wright had two years left of his sentence. Photo contributed. Fire Destroys Home on Wood Lane -Joe Brady. Editor On Sunday, January 12, at approximately 8:30 p.m., fire crews responded to a structure fire at 149 Wood Lane, located behind Huddle House. The property, owned by Marlon and Brenda Sapp, was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene. Crews battled the blaze for nearly two hours before it was brought under control. Despite their efforts, the single-dwelling home was declared a total loss. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Photo by Debbie Hearn. Bradley Gaiser Sentenced to 15 Years Following Guilty Plea -Joe Brady. Editor Bradley Gaiser, who has been in custody at the Jenkins County Jail since September 2023, has pled guilty to aggravated stalking and battery stemming from a June 2023 incident. The charges, which originated in both Burke and Jenkins counties, led to a combined sentence of 15 years: 8 years in prison followed by 7 years on probation. Details of the Case The charges against Gaiser included serious allegations of stalking and physical violence. His plea avoids a prolonged trial process and brings closure to the case for the victims and their families. Gaiser’s incarceration began in September 2023, and he will remain in custody to serve his prison sentence before transitioning to probation. According to GA Code § 16-5-91 any person convicted of aggravated stalking is guilty of a felony and, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year and no more than ten. “A person commits the offense of aggravated stalking when such person, in violation of a bond to keep the peace posted pursuant to Code Section 17-6-110, temporary restraining order, temporary protective order, permanent restraining order, permanent protective order, preliminary injunction, good behavior bond, or permanent injunction or condition of pretrial release, condition of probation, or condition of parole in effect prohibiting the behavior described in this subsection, follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent of the other person for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the other person.” Under GA Code § 16-5-24 a person convicted of aggravated battery carries a maximum of 20 years. As Gaiser begins his sentence, local officials hope the outcome serves as both accountability and a deterrent for future incidents. Victim advocacy groups in Jenkins and Burke counties continue to emphasize the importance of supporting those impacted by domestic violence and stalking, photo from JCT Archives. Armed Suspect Sightings Reported at Local Businesses in Jenkins County -Joe Brady. Editor Authorities are investigating two incidents involving an armed suspect reported at local businesses on Monday evening. The first incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. when Jenkins County 911 received a distress call from employees at Cash Now. According to the employees, the store had already closed for the day, and the doors were securely locked when an unidentified individual appeared at the front entrance. The suspect, described as wearing all black clothing and a black mask covering his face, attempted to open the locked door. Employees also reported seeing the individual holding what appeared to be a long gun. Unable to gain entry, the suspect fled the scene on foot. Witnesses did not observe the suspect entering or leaving the property in a vehicle, and the direction of travel remains unknown. Later that evening, at approximately 10 p.m., Jenkins County Sheriff’s deputies responded to another report involving an amied individual, this time at the Dollar General on the 23 Bypass. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported a man inside the store with a firearm. Fortunately, in both incidents, no money was stolen, and no injuries were reported. The Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office and Millen Police Department is actively investigating the events and have urged the public to come forward with any information that might assist in identifying the suspect (s). This story is developing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. JENKINS COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER SWING BED PROGRAM RECOVER FASTER, CLOSER TO HOME Swing bed is a short-stay rehab program offering 24-hour skilled nursing care, bridging the gap between hospitalization and full recovery. Patients receive customized treatments and therapies, including onsite physical, occupational & speech therapy as well as pulmonary rehabilitation. MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM • We welcome patients from outside of the area to our Swing Bed Program. • The program is not a long-term care solution. The majority of our patients stay in our facility for 1 to 2 weeks. • The Swing Bed Program is a part of Medicare insurance. Patients must have Medicare Part A insurance to qualify for this program. For details or to see if you or your loved one qualifies,call 478-982-422lor go to jenkinsmedicalcenter.com under “Services”
