Augusta, GA

Augustan gets life plus 19 years for molesting 12-year-old girl

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2023

Augustan gets life plus 19 years for molesting 12-year-old girl

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man who molested a 12-year-old middle school student was convicted Friday after a five-day jury trial in Augusta, according to District Attorney Jared Williams.

Kendrick Evans, 39, of Augusta, was found guilty of aggravated child molestation, child molestation and tampering with evidence, according to Williams.

He was sentenced to life in prison plus 19 years after the verdict was announced midday Friday.

MORE FROM NEWS 12:

Police arrest suspect in Aiken child molestation case
SLED investigates shoot-out with Augusta fugitive that hurt 2

“The defendant was 36 when he started preying on this 12-year-old child,” Assistant District Attorney William Hammond of the Special Victims Unit said after the trial. “He took advantage of the victim’s vulnerable family situation to manipulate and groom her for his depraved sexual desires.”

Hammond brought evidence that Evans had met the child via social media.

Over the course of months, he engaged in sex acts with this minor, according to prosecutors.

On at least one occasion, he picked her up from the school bus stop and dropped her off at her middle school after his acts.

After law enforcement got involved, the victim was able to lead investigators to the defendant’s home, and she even identified him by his nipple piercings, according to Williams.

When asked by law enforcement to remove his nipple rings for evidence, the defendant went to the restroom and flushed them, prosecutors said.

“Predators like Kendrick Evans are why we created the Special Victims Unit,” Williams said after the verdict. “Prey on children, we will put you in prison.”

The DA’s Special Victims Unit was established in December 2021 to address crimes against women and children, sex trafficking, and crimes against the vulnerable and elderly.

It is led by 20-year veteran prosecutor Deshala Dixon, who assisted in the trial along with victim advocate Cristina Kalpa, legal assistant Patsy Smith and DA Investigator Tom Brown.

Source link

Augusta, GA

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

Published

51 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -One person is dead after being struck by a vehicle on US 1 in Aiken County.

The South Carolina High Patrol and Aiken County Coroner’s Office said a pedestrian was walking south on US 1 near Bogeyville Road around 7:18 Sunday night when a 2021 Chevrolet Camero hit them.

The driver of the Camaro was not injured.

The woman was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, according to Coroner Darryl Ables, where she died from her injuries at 8:35 Sunday night.

The victim’s name will be released at a later time.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

13 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.

Source link

Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

24 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.

Source link