Augusta, GA
Cops seize enough drugs to kill 48M in top Ga. fentanyl bust
ATLANTA, Ga. – On Tuesday, federal authorities said they seized enough fentanyl in a recent drug bust to kill 48 million people. That’s more than four times the population of Georgia.
Authorities say it’s the largest fentanyl bust in Georgia history.
After searching three homes – one each in Atlanta, South Fulton and Douglasville – agents say they found more than 200 pounds of the fentanyl, along with hundreds of thousands of pills laced with methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana.
They also found machines that produced pills and “bricks” of drugs, approximately 30 firearms, bullet-proof vests, a silencer, and expensive jewelry including a Walter White diamond necklace. White is the fictional meth-making protagonist in the hit TV series “Breaking Bad.”
Authorities say the properties are all “associated” with Bartholomew Keeton Harralson, 47, of Atlanta. He’s a convicted felon who is now facing federal drug trafficking charges in the case. He was arrested at his South Fulton home.
On Tuesday, a federal grand jury indicted Harralson on charges of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities said Harralson’s operation had the ability to produce 25,000 pills an hour.
Agents also found a book during one of the seizures titled “How to Avoid Federal Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Charges.”
“The scale of this fentanyl operation—run by a convicted felon—posed a grave threat to our community,” Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said in a statement. “The presence of high-powered firearms alongside industrial pill-pressing equipment underscores the deadly convergence of drug trafficking and violence. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling these operations and holding dangerous individuals accountable.”
Harralson has a long and violent criminal history in Florida and Georgia, including aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, drug dealing, and other crimes.
When asked if Harralson is connected to a cartel, investigators said they couldn’t comment on that aspect of the ongoing investigation. Authorities said they expect more people to be charged in the drug operation who were working with Harralson.
If convicted, Harralson will serve at least 40 years in prison, and possibly life without parole.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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