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.
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Brent McMillian is being appointed as the new director of athletics at Augusta University, President Russell Keen announced Monday.
McMillian will begin the role on June 8, 2026.
According to AU, McMillian brings 13 years of athletics experience to the position. He previously served as Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Engagement and Revenue Generation at Lipscomb University at Nashville.
“His vision aligns seamlessly with our goals for Jaguar Athletics: to champion student-athlete wellbeing, strengthen our competitive success, deepen community engagement, and build a vibrant, spirited campus culture,” Keen said. “His experience, combined with his personal connection to Augusta University, positions him to hit the ground running in a meaningful way.”
McMillian is a graduate of Greenbrier High School and attended Augusta University before completing his degree at the University of Tennessee.
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local restaurants hosted brunches for Mother’s Day, allowing neighbors to celebrate the day with the special women in their lives.
The Brunch House of Augusta on Greene Street hosted a brunch. The restaurant served berry pancakes and French toast, waffles, ham and cheese breakfast sliders and more breakfast foods.
One of the owners said the holidays are a great time for them to make connections with the community.
“We just had a group here come here that’s been coming here every year Mother’s Day for three years, every year basically since we’ve been open, they come in every year for Mother’s Day. We have people from out of town come and travel and visit us, so it’s definitely building that connection,” said Ashley Brown, co-owner of The Brunch House of Augusta.
Brown said they will be offering some specials for the upcoming Juneteenth holiday next month.
The Frog and the Hen also hosted a Mother’s Day brunch. The restaurant had about 350 people come in as of around 3 p.m.
They served foods like fried chicken, cheddar biscuits, French toast casserole and more.
The general manager said she enjoys seeing families come in for holidays like Mother’s Day.
“I feel like these are all my children here, so I feel like this day just in general, like I get to be the mother here, and so this is like I’m mother hen, so I get to take care of all this. I love supporting all the people as well and just being able to get the best food possible, the best chicken everywhere,” said Sheridan Roberts, general manager of Frog and the Hen.
Roberts said they often have to stop making reservations a few weeks ahead of the holiday due to the amount they receive.
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Dr. Russell Ray Moores, 91, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at home, surrounded by family in Augusta Georgia. Born on February 25, 1935, in Webster Grove, Missouri, to Floyd Russell Moores and Dorotha Campbell Moores, he lived a life marked by dedication to his family, education, and community.
Dr. Moores’ academic journey began at Arkansas State University and continued at the Medical College of Arkansas, where he graduated in 1958 at the age of 23. His post-graduate training took him to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York; Barnes Hospital in St Louis; and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he spent two years. Following his time at NIH and 2 years of active-duty service in the US Navy in Oakland, Ca., Dr. Moores joined the faculty at the Medical College of Georgia as a Hematologist/Oncologist. Over the course of an extraordinary 50-year career, he rose to the rank of Professor Emeritus before retiring at the age of 80. In addition to his academic contributions, he served as medical director for St. Joseph Hospice during the 1990’s and traveled extensively across the United States and abroad as a distinguished lecturer.
Dr. Moores was deeply committed to his Catholic faith throughout his life and was a founder of St Ignatius Antioch Melkite Catholic Church in Augusta. His passion for service extended beyond medicine and faith into numerous cultural and civic endeavors. He was the General Manager of the Augusta Opera during the 1970’s and played a pivotal role as a founder of the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival. A dedicated historian and genealogist, he served as president of the Augusta Genealogical Society for many years and was actively involved in historic preservation efforts. Dr. Moores also contributed his expertise as a member of both the original Coliseum Authority and the Board of the Parapsychology Lab in Durham N.C.
An individual with diverse interests and talents, Dr. Moores loved running and completed numerous marathons and ultra-marathons over his lifetime. He was an accomplished harpsichord player who also enjoyed studying foreign languages and had a deep appreciation for fine wine.
Dr. Moores is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Helen Dorothy Byrnes Moores; their children: Russell Jr., along with his wife Missey; Darryl; Cheryl Priessman; Sean, along with his wife Danielle; Christian, along with his wife Mary Ann; Duane; and Doreen Worden, along with her husband Greg; as well as grandchildren Damian, Aaron, Colleen, Noah, Scott, Austin, Ian, Alysha, Trevor, Clayton, and Addy; and 5 great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Marjorie Marilyn Anderson; but leaves behind countless cherished memories for those who knew him.
Special thanks are extended to Trinity Hospice and the Southern Touch Homecare for their outstanding care during Dr. Moores’ final months.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in honor of his legacy.
May Dr. Russell Ray Moores’ memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know him. A man whose life was defined by love for others and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in every sphere he touched. He was “practically perfect in every way”.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Fr. Mark Ross officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 P.M., at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com
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