Augusta, GA
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.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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