Augusta, GA

3 more Richmond County lawmen arrested over use of force at jail

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2024

3 more Richmond County lawmen arrested over use of force at jail

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Three more lawmen were arrested Monday, joining two Richmond County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Friday after an incident that happened nearly two years ago.

On Thursday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division was made aware of an incident that occurred May 7, 2022, at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center between deputies and inmates where deputies responded to a call for assistance regarding unruly inmates.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says after review of body camera and surveillance videos, it was determined that the amount of force used in response to the call was unnecessary.

On Friday, officials said Johnny Atkinson, 45, was charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of battery and violation of oath of a public officer. Austin Birch, 27, was charged with one count of battery and violation of oath of a public officer.

Both were booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, according to the sheriff’s agency. They were later terminated.

On Monday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division charged Cpl. Daniel D’Aversa and Deputy Dantavion Jones with one count of battery (misdemeanor) and violation of oath of a public officer (felony) in connection with the incident.

They were booked into jail.

Retired jail Lt. John Whitaker was also charged with one count of aggravated assault (felony), one count of battery (misdemeanor) and violation of oath of a public officer. He was also booked into jail.

D’Aversa began his employment with the agency on July 29, 2006, and Jones began his employment on June 21, 2018. D’Aversa was most recently assigned to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

Jones was assigned to the Road Patrol Division. At the time of the incident, D’Aversa and Jones were both assigned to the Road Patrol Division.

Their employment with the agency was terminated Monday.

Officials say Atkinson began his employment with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office on June 20, 2018. Birch began his employment with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office on July 13, 2019.

Both were recently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, but at the time of the incident, they were assigned to the Road Patrol Division, the sheriff’s office says.

From left: Austin Birch, 27, and Johnny Atkinson, 45(wrdw)

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

1 minute ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

12 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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