Augusta, GA

3 arrested in smuggling attempt at Augusta State Medical Prison

Published

1 year ago

November 21, 2023

3 arrested in smuggling attempt at Augusta State Medical Prison

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Three people were arrested in connection with a scheme to smuggle marijuana and meth into Augusta State Medical Prison by drone, according to authorities.

It all unfolded around 11:40 p.m. Friday, according to Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens.

Officers encountered Gerald Jiminez, 28, and Joslynn Apaisa, 26, both of Grovetown, walking near the dead-end of Railroad Avenue at its border of Augusta State Medical Prison property, Kitchens said.

Sgt. Michael Felicies and Officer Brittany Nelson began conducting a field interview of Jiminez and Apaisa, according to Kitchens.

Jiminez was wearing a backpack, which upon being searched was found to contain a remote-control drone as well as two vacuum-sealed packages, Kitchens said.

One package contained over a pound of marijuana and one contained over a pound of methamphetamine, Kitchens said

The drone was outfitted with a hook-and-release mechanism and Jiminez had additional drone parts in a separate fanny pack, according to Kitchens.

While officers were speaking with Jiminez and Apaisa, 28-year-old Isreal Walters, of Augusta, arrived in a vehicle and said he was in the area to provide a ride to Apaisa, despite Jiminez’s vehicle being parked nearby, according to Kitchens.

Walters was then detained while the investigation continued.

Upon questioning, Jiminez and Apaisa admitted to being in the area with the intent of getting the narcotics onto the prison grounds by drone, according to Kitchens.

Further investigation revealed that Walters was familiar with the plan and may have been in the area acting as a lookout, according to Kitchens.

All three were charged with trafficking of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana with Intent to distribute and booked into the Columbia County Detention Center, according to Kitchens, who said more charges are possible.

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Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

3 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than 100 days since Hurricane Helene came through our area.

Now, those in the CSRA are still cleaning up the aftermath.

On Saturday, Rooting for Augusta helped the area get back to normal.

“Every once in a while, we have a horrific event that unites us all, and we certainly had it with the storm. Everybody can agree that it’s a good thing to plant trees back in the right spots,” said Dennis Trotter with Rooting for Augusta.

Rooting for Augusta gave away 700 trees as part of the event.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

14 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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