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Sylvania Times
VOL.2 NO. 45 December 6, 2023 | LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY | Sylvania, Georgia $1.25
Editorials ...11 | Church News ...3 | Sports ...4-5 | Obituaries ...6 | Legals ...7 | Farm & Land...10 | Comics 8 | Booking Log ...6
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Controversial Arrest Sparks
Outrage in Screven County
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
A Screven County taxpayer finds herself at the
center of a brewing controversy after being arrested
on charges of obstructing law enforcement and
disorderly conduct, despite discrepancies between
the official account and body camera footage. The
incident, which unfolded on November 2, 2023, has
raised questions about the conduct of law enforcement
officers, particularly Corporal Jonathon E. Simpson
of the Sylvania Police Department.
The Sylvania Police were initially dispatched to
a Plum Street address in response to a trespassing
complaint. According to reports, the suspect, who had
custody of a minor child staying at the residence, was
allegedly asked to leave by the homeowner. The call
to law enforcement was made when the defendant
persisted in remaining on the property.
Leaked body camera footage reveals a troubling
sequence of events. The video captures the suspect
standing at the front of the home, engaging with
another officer in what appears to be a calm manner.
Corporal Simpson instmcts the suspect to: go over
there”, but the situation takes a drastic turn when
he approaches her, raising his voice and ultimately
wrestling her to the ground.
At a mere 115 lbs and 5 foot 8 inches tall, the
suspect contrasts sharply with the arresting officer,
Cpl Simpson, who stands at approximately 6 foot
2 inches tall and weighs roughly 250 pounds. The
discrepancy in physical size has fueled public outrage
as the video shows Simpson using force to subdue the
suspect.
The arrest report filed by Cpl Simpson contradicts
the footage, claiming he "gently put [his] hand on the
suspect's arm in an effort to escort her to the front of
the car." The video, however, shows a more forceful
approach, with Simpson pushing the suspect down by
the neck and employing a wrestling move to restrain
her.
Background information reveals a concerning
history of employment for Cpl Simpson. While he
began his tenure with the Sylvania PD in February
2021, hispast includes terminations from the Savannah
State University Police, Rincon Police Dept., Tybee
Island Police Dept., and Effingham County Sheriffs
Office. The dismissals cite various reasons, including
unsatisfactory conduct, inappropriate social media
posts, and racially motivated content.
Despite the extensive training documented by
the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council,
questions arise about the effectiveness of the training
and Efforts to obtain a statement from the Sylvania
Police Department regarding the incident have gone
unanswered.
The suspect has been charged with disorderly
conduct and obstruction of a law enforcement officer,
subsequently bonding out of jail. As the community
grapples with the fallout from this incident, calls
for transparency and accountability within the
police department are intensifying. The controversy
surrounding this arrest underscores the importance
of scrutinizing law enforcement actions and ensuring
that they align with the principles of justice and
fair treatment for all residents. “We do not condone
this sort of behavior from our officers. Whereas
I can’t comment on this case because it is an open
investigation. Be rest assured, our commitment is
still to protect and defend the public. Be rest assured,
we will address these issues,” explained Sylvania
Police Chief Shane Burke. Disciplinary action has
been taken.
ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE
Please note that roads will close Saturday, December 9th 2023 at 1
p.m. for the Christmas Extravaganza.
Road closures will be from the Walgreens/ Napa intersection to S.
Hull St. and from. First Baptist Church/ Pojos to the FUMC Parking Lot.
** ALSO!!! Please note that parking will not be available at FUMC
Church or the parking lot adjacent to the church next to Moats on
Saturday, December 9th, 2023 due to a private event!
We kindly ask that all merchants assist us to the best of their ability by
not parking in the areas designated above after 1 pm on Saturday.
Please also help us and the City Police and Fire Department by asking
your patrons to try not to park in this area after 1 pm and/or if they
are parked in the immediate downtown parking areas to have their cars
moved by 1 pm to allow for ease of set up for the event!
We appreciate the consideration! We are planning a great event that
will bring lots of familiar and a few new faces to our downtown. This
event is a great opportunity for our downtown merchants to share how
amazing their businesses are as well as our thriving downtown with
those who would maybe not visit otherwise.
Thompson Strickland Waters Funeral
Home Hosts Heartwarming Memorial
Service for Families
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
In a poignant gathering of solace and remembrance, Thompson
Strickland Waters Funeral Home hosted a moving memorial
service this past Sunday for the families they served throughout the
year. The event was a heartfelt occasion, allowing the community
to come together to honor and remember their departed loved
ones.
Michael Danis, the funeral home manager, and a licensed
funeral director opened the ceremony with a moment of silence
dedicated to those whose lives couldn't be commemorated through
a traditional memorial service due to the challenges imposed by
the pandemic.
"This is our first remembrance service since the pandemic in
2019.1 would like to welcome everyone with a moment of silence
to remember those persons we couldn't honor through a memorial service due to the pandemic," expressed Danis.
The service unfolded as an uplifting and comforting experience for families facing the holiday season without their loved ones.
Wes Withrow delivered a heartfelt sermon, providing solace and words of encouragement to those in attendance. The Famdale 5,
composed of Michelle Stubbs, Wes Withrow, Tina Withrow, Jamie Smith, and Charlotte Lambert on the piano, filled the venue
with the joyous melodies of Christmas carols.
A touching moment occurred as each family present was invited to pick up an ornament and place it on the remembrance tree,
symbolizing the enduring presence of their departed family members in their hearts and memories. The gesture fostered a sense
of unity and shared support among the attendees.
The memorial service concluded with the sharing of light refreshments, providing a time for the community to connect and find
solace in one another. Michael Danis expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that made the event possible, acknowledging
the contributions of Kay Strickland, Gary Weaver, Mary Joyce Florist, Sylvania Florist, and the Sylvania Times.
The Farmdale 5, captured in a photo by S. Saxon, encapsulated the spirit of the event, showcasing the unity and strength found
in community bonds. Michelle Stubbs, Wes Withrow, Tina Withrow, Jamie Smith, and Charlotte Lambert's musical talents and
heartfelt performance added a poignant touch to the commemorative service.
SHEPHERD’S NOOK & SYLVANIA TIMES
WILL BE OPEN THIS SATURDAY
2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
125 North Main St., Sylvania, GA
New Subscriptions Only $29.95
(one day only)
Look for the 20% off coupon for The
Shepherd’s Nook on page 3!
COME JOIN US FOR THE EXTRAVAGANZA!
ENTERTAINMENT
SCHEDULE
Z PM-. Studio 23 Dance
Academy
[Row QfluCtf M0*tj SY fttn
3345 PM3 SCA Wi id cat Majorettes
[Row Deuetf Moati St ACU
4 PM: SCES5TH Grade CHORUS
(Cl IY HAtL STAGE)
4:30 PM (until6:jopm)
live music by: Jackson Cannaoy and
Will Bacon
(City HallStace)
5 PM:Sweater Cookie Contest
(City Hali Stage)
G:4S PM: Light Parade
THANK YOU TO Oil R 5 PO N SO R:
Planters EMC
