Augusta, GA
12 On Your Side Investigates: Victim speaks after parole denied for Augusta child psychologist
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A victim of a convicted Augusta child psychologist is speaking out after the Georgia Parole Board reversed its tentative decision to grant parole to Dr. Kenneth McPherson, who was accused of sexually abusing young patients.
Zachary Potts, who first contacted 12 On Your Side in 2021, said the parole denial proves that victims have power in the justice system.
McPherson had been tentatively granted parole back in August before the board changed course and denied his release.
“They need to really, they need to go ahead and speak up if something is not right about their case,” Potts said. “Or if they don’t feel like they got enough justice done to it.”
Years-long fight for justice
Potts and his grandmother first reached out to 12 On Your Side Investigates because McPherson had been out on bond for more than a decade without a court date.
His grandmother expressed frustration at the time, saying McPherson was “still out there walking the streets. Not even registered as a pedophile.”
After our investigation began, McPherson suddenly found himself facing a judge. Though Potts’ grandmother died before seeing the case resolved, he believes she would have been proud of his continued advocacy.
Letter to parole board makes impact
Potts said he was unaware of McPherson’s tentative parole until contacted by 12 On Your Side. He then wrote a letter to the parole board opposing the release.
“I mean, it’s in files, but they don’t actually know what, what really happened down here,” Potts said.
While the exact reason for the board’s reversal remains unknown, Potts believes his letter and those from other alleged victims influenced the decision.
More from 12 On Your Side Investigates:
Potential housing violation discovered
An investigation into McPherson’s proposed release address revealed it was within 1,000 feet of a neighborhood swimming pool and park, which appears to violate Georgia sex offender laws.
12 On Your Sides Investigates uncovered that during the course of our investigation, and victims asked that we share this information with the parole board in a letter.
We did send a letter with what we found and included links to our other reports as well, though it’s unclear if it factored into the denial decision.
McPherson has one year remaining on his sentence, meaning the parole denial will not keep him incarcerated significantly longer. However, victims connected to the case said the principle matters to them — they don’t want him released even a minute early.
Potts encouraged other victims to speak out if they feel the system has ignored them, as he felt ignored during the years he waited for justice.
“My Aunt Kelly was talking about, you need to call Meredith Anderson,” Potts said. “It was years ago. We should have, we should have called years ago, really, when this was going on, and maybe something could have been done sooner.”
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Salvation Army of Augusta collects heat relief supplies
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is collecting supplies to help community members who lack access to cool spaces or water during the ongoing heat.
The organization is asking for donations of bottled water, reusable bottles, sunscreen, fans and similar items.
What to donate and where to drop off
Jonathan Raymer, major and area commander for the Salvation Army of Augusta, said the need will carry into July.
“It’s not going to get any cooler in July, right? We all live here. And so those are supplies we can definitely use going into next month,” Raymer said.
Raymer said donated items will go directly to people in the community who are in need.
“Any of those kind of things that you are able — or maybe you have some in excess of — if you want to donate those, we can use those for sure for those people in our community who are in need for that,” he said.
Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, the Kroc Center or any Salvation Army Family Store. Or you can buy an item on the organization’s wishlist.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
16-year-old wanted in aggravated assault case in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a 16-year-old wanted in connection with an aggravated assault.
Deputies responded to the 2300 block of Travis Pines Drive on May 18 after reports of shots being fired into a home, according to an incident report.
Investigators say Kawung Bentley Jr. is wanted in connection with the alleged shooting.
According to deputies, two people inside the home said they were lying in a bedroom when gunshots came through the bedroom window. One of the occupants said she ran to the bathroom and hid in the tub.
The other occupant told deputies he saw four males creeping around outside the residence before grabbing his weapon.
The occupant said the suspects then drove away in a Durango.
Deputies found four bullet holes in the bedroom window and about two bullet holes on the outside of the home near the window.
They also found two bullet holes in the rear window of a black Dodge Charger.
Investigators recovered two shell casings in the roadway in front of the home, along with a bookbag.
Anyone who comes into contact with Bentley is asked to call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Louise Franklin Sheehan Obituary Jun 26, 2026 – Platt’s Funeral Home
Enjoy me while I’m here but when I’m gone don’t make a fuss! Just have a party and celebrate. And don’t say all that stuff about me in the newspaper! Everyone doesn’t need to know everything I’ve done and been! Say what’s most important to me. And she elaborated…
Louise Franklin Sheehan, 87, passed away peacefully at home on June 26. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Wilcox Sheehan. Her parents Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Franklin. Her sister Patricia Green. Her brother Peter Franklin.
Louise, in her words, was a devoted and loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother to her children and was happy to be the same and WAS through the years to many other children who wanted and/or needed the same. Her family was unquestionably her life. She was a dear friend to many. She never met a stranger. She helped many strangers in need, some who would become dear friends.
Louise is survived by her children Marie King (Sam), Patricia Beck (John), John Sheehan, Franklin Sheehan. Her grandchildren Aurelia Beck, Katie Schantz (Evan), Mary Darby Garren, Sadie Beck, Georgia Beck (Barry Sonders), Jack Beck (Anna Mae). Great grandchildren Magnolia Beck, Theodore Beck, Otis Beck and Maya Schantz. Also survived by her close in laws, sister in law Beth Sheehan and her brother in law and sister in law Joe and Nancy Sheehan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
We would like to give the utmost thanks and love to her long term devoted care givers who have become family: Nichole Lane, Latonja Williams and Faina Blackwood. And to Tameka Blackwood who came as needed. Truly our angels on earth.
Louise, a life long devoted Saint Mary’s on the Hill parishioner, had a passion and long term devotion to supporting numerous Catholic Children missions. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the children’s charity of your choice in her honor if you desire.
A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
Louise was most known for her kindness. In her honor, go extra on kindness today and always to family, friends and strangers.
Arrangements are being provided by Platt’s Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 733-3636. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.
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