Augusta, GA

Cops seize enough drugs to kill 48M in top Ga. fentanyl bust

Published

6 months ago

June 11, 2025

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.

Over the weekend, Richmond County deputies made the biggest meth bust in Richmond County...

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.

Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced the arrest of three suspects after an...

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

Aerospace program milestone reached at Thompson Farm in Augusta

Published

2 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Aerospace program milestone reached at Thompson Farm in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students at Richmond County Technical Magnet School achieved a milestone by launching their 500th non-kit rocket.

Students launched rockets at Thompson Farm in Augusta. The launch is part of the school’s aerospace program that has been part of their STEM curriculum since 2014.

The Augusta Fire Department collaborated with the group for the launch.

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Augusta, GA

Savannah woman attacked with acid, recovering at Augusta burn center

Published

14 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Savannah woman attacked with acid, recovering at Augusta burn center

SAVANNAH, Ga. – A woman is recovering in Augusta after being attacked with acid earlier this week in Savannah.

Around 8:16 p.m. Wednesday, she was walking around Forsyth Park and a man hiding in the shadows near Whitaker Street suddenly came out and attacked her with an unknown chemical.

The liquid melted through her clothing and headphones.

The victim has been identified as Ashley Wasielewski, of Savannah, according to sources close to her family.

First responders located and treated the victim on scene before transferring her to a local hospital. Wasielewski has now been transferred to a regional burn center for advanced treatment. Sources close to the family said the burn center is in Augusta.

Sources close to the family said Wasielewski is stable after suffering second-degree burns.

Photos of the victim before and after an acid attack in Forsyth Park(N/A)

Savannah police say they don’t believe the attacker was known to the victim.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Augusta, GA

Red Kettle Campaign short $100K of goal as it enters its final days

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Red Kettle Campaign short 0K of goal as it enters its final days

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta’s Red Kettle Campaign is working to close a $100,000 gap before Christmas Eve.

With just 11 days left in the 2025 Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army of Augusta is urging the community to rally together.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the largest fundraiser of the year for The Salvation Army.

The campaign funds programs and services that support neighbors in need throughout the entire year.

Every penny donated through the Red Kettles stays in the Augusta area, ensuring local impact.

Proceeds from the campaign directly support the Center of Hope. In addition to providing a safe place to sleep, the Center of Hope operates a soup kitchen that serves approximately 200 meals every day.

In the past year, the Salvation Army has assisted more than 900 local residents through its rent and utility assistance program.

“The Red Kettle represents so much more than a simple donation—it represents hope for families right here in our community,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta.

“Every dollar dropped into the kettle helps provide shelter, meals, case management, and stability for our neighbors who need it most. With just days left in this campaign, we are asking the CSRA to show up in a big way.”

The Salvation Army of Augusta is encouraging community members to donate when they see a Red Kettle. For those who are cashless, donations can be made online at donateaugusta.org.

If you would like to volunteer for the Red Kettle Campaign, visit ringforhope.org.

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