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Underage Individual and Young Adults
Arrested on Drug and Gun Charges in
Sylvania
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
A 16-year-old and several
young adults found themselves
on the wrong side of the law last
Friday, December 8, as they were
arrested on charges related to
drugs and firearms. The minor
has been transferred to the Youth
Development Campus (YDC) in
Augusta, while the other adults are
currently being held in the Screven
County Jail.
The incident unfolded around
10:30 last Thursday when the
Sylvania Police Department received a dispatch to McDonald's in response to reports of several black males
brandishing AR-style guns. Corporal Carmon, who was among the officers responding to the call, encountered two
individuals standing near a white Ford Fusion in the fast-food restaurant's parking lot.
"I noticed a strong smell of marijuana emanating from the car," stated Corporal Camion. The young men were
promptly asked to exit the vehicle, leading to a subsequent search that uncovered more than an ounce of marijuana
concealed under the driver's seat. Additionally, a black backpack found in the trunk yielded further incriminating
evidence. In plain view on the rear seat was an AR-style rifle. Another rifle was discovered in the subsequent search.
Following the discovery, the suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Screven County Jail. They
now face charges including possession of a Schedule 1 dmg, specifically marijuana, as well as possession of drug-
related objects. In a more serious charge, the individuals were also accused of possessing a firearm during the
commission of a felony.
The arrests underscore the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to address concerns related to dmg possession
and firearm misuse in the community. The Sylvania Police Department remains vigilant in its commitment to
maintaining public safety and will continue to investigate incidents that pose a threat to the well-being of residents.
The legal proceedings for the arrested individuals will unfold in the coming weeks as they face the consequences
of the charges filed against them. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to
local authorities to ensure a safer environment for all.
Congressman Rick Allen's Staff to Provide Constituent
Assistance at Screven County Courthouse
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
To address the concerns and queries of constituents,
Congressman Rick Allen's staff will be conducting a
special session at the Screven County Courthouse
on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 12:30 to 2:00
p.m. This event aims to assist residents ofthe GA-12
district with various federal issues, including but not
limited to social security, veteran's affairs, Medicare,
and more.
While Congressman Rick Allen will not be in
attendance, his dedicated team is poised to engage in
one-on-one interactions with constituents, providing
valuable assistance and guidance. The session is
designed to offer personalized support, enabling
residents to navigate federal programs and services
effectively.
"I invite anyone seeking help with a federal
issue to take advantage of my office's one-on-one
services. If you need assistance, our team will
help," expressed Congressman Allen. This initiative
underscores the commitment of the Congressman
and his staff to ensuring that the concerns of GA-12
district residents are heard and addressed promptly.
Unlike a formal presentation, the office hours
will facilitate direct communication between
Congressman Allen's staff and the residents. This
approach allows for a more individualized and
focused interaction, ensuring that each constituent
receives the attention and support they require.
Residents are encouraged to bring any relevant
documentation or information related to their
concerns for a more efficient and productive
consultation. Whether it's assistance with social
security benefits, navigating veteran's affairs
programs, understanding Medicare, or any other
federal issue, the Congressman's team is ready to
provide the necessary guidance.
Obstruction Case Takes
a Turn as State Issues
Nolle Prosequi Due to
Insufficient Evidence
Attorney Commends Prosecution's Decision
and Highlights Procedural Error
Bv Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
In a surprising twist, the
Obstruction and Disorderly case
reported by the Sylvania Times
last week took an unexpected
turn when the State issued a nolle
prosequi, dismissing all charges
against the accused. The court
documents cited "insufficient
evidence to prove guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt" as the primary
reason for the dismissal.
Duff Ayers, the attorney
representing the accused, released
a written statement expressing
gratitude towards Screven
County State Court Solicitor
General Evelyn Flubbard for
her decision to dismiss the case.
Ayers commended Flubbard for
her independent investigation into
the facts and a thorough review
of applicable law, leading to the
conclusion that the accused did
not commit a crime.
Ayers had filed a motion the
previous week to dismiss the case,
pointing out a procedural error in
the charging process. The arresting
officer had allegedly failed to use
the correct paperwork when filing
charges against the defendant.
In his statement, Ayers stated,
"We commend Screven County
State Court Solicitor General
Evelyn Flubbard for dismissing
this case. Ms. Flubbard received
this case file late last week and
independently investigated the
facts and reviewed all applicable
law. She reached the right and
just conclusion: my client did not
commit a crime."
The attorney also acknowledged
the community's support,
emphasizing the impact the case
had on the accused and her family.
Ayers conveyed the family's
gratitude for the outpouring of
prayers and support, requesting
privacy as they navigate the
aftermath of what he described
as a "terrifying, traumatic, and
outrageous incident."
NASA visits
STEAM students
On Tuesday, December 5th Screven County Middle
School 6th and 7th grade STEAM students had the unique
experience of meeting with retired NASA employee, Mr.
John Halsema. Mr. Halsema shared with students what it
was like to work for NASA for 35 years, his varying jobs,
and his experiences with astronauts such as Senator John
Glenn. He also discussed the importance of science, math,
and engineering in our schools and how important it is for
our students, the next generation of explorers, to work hard
and follow their dreams.
ARREST MADE IN JENKINS
COUNTY BOMB THREAT
Mr. Flalsema with one of Mrs. McAfee’s 6th grade STEAM classes.
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Jenkins County, Dec. 11, 2023 — A minor, unsuspecting of the
consequences, found themselves at the center of a serious investigation after
an email warning of a bomb threat to the Jenkins County school was sent
to Superintendent Dr. J.R Heam. The incident prompted immediate
action, leading to the cancellation of school and subsequent law
enforcement efforts.
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 have identified the person
responsible for the threats made to our school and have that
person in custody.”
