Augusta, GA
Deputies warn of phone scams impacting Augusta community
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Friday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to the public regarding a phone scam targeting the Augusta community.
The sheriff’s office says scammers are using tactics, including spoofing phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from the sheriff’s office, court services and other services.
The current scam involves callers impersonating sheriff’s office employees, demanding payment for services such as release from detention, electronic monitoring or other fees, according to deputies.
The sheriff’s office says in a recent case, a scammer posing as “Sgt. John Lewis” demanded over $300 for a leg monitor. The scammer later requested additional funds, directing the victim to provide payment via a bar code at a retail store.
The phone number, 706-821-1000, which is the official Richmond County Sheriff’s Office line, was spoofed during the scam to lend credibility to the fraudulent calls, deputies say.
Key reminders to avoid being scammed:
- The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says they will never demand payment over the phone.
- If you receive a call that seems suspicious, hang up immediately and contact the agency or business directly by looking up the official number on their website.
- Avoid providing money or personal information to unknown individuals, especially when payment methods involve gift cards, bar codes, wire transfers, debit cards or other non-traditional methods.
The sheriff’s office says to report the scam immediately to local law enforcement.
For questions or to report suspicious activity, contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1000.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly crash that happened on Mike Padgett Highway Saturday.
Deputies went to the 4600 block around 8:50 p.m. Officials say 70-year-old Charles Cummings of Augusta was pronounced dead at the scene at around 9:52 p.m.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene in connection with the fatal crash. An autopsy has been scheduled.
Investigators said the case remains active and ongoing.
No additional details were released, and the sheriff’s office says updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The second annual Juneteenth trail ride took place on Old Waynesboro Road in Augusta on Saturday.
The event featured trail rides with horses and ATVs, a mechanical bull contest and music.
People shopped at vendors, and there was entertainment for kids, including a petting zoo, inflatables and games.
“It’s really a privilege just to be able to have the opportunity to share my space, to share my area, and to share for an event with so much value, to give back to my community and a place to celebrate,” said Davon Wallace, chief of operations at Crimson Hills.
Wallace said they will be hosting more events, with a haunted trail coming in October.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.
According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.
When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.
Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.
Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.
A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.
No further details in the investigation have been released.
-
Detroit, MI12 minutes ago3 Isaiah Stewart Trade Packages That Would Make Sense for Detroit Pistons
-
San Francisco, CA24 minutes agoGiants Reach Franchise Milestone Never Before Seen in San Francisco
-
Dallas, TX27 minutes agoMavericks’ Potential 2026 NBA Draft Trade Down Target Revealed
-
Miami, FL39 minutes agoCould the Heat bring Duncan Robinson back in a Deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
-
Boston, MA42 minutes agoVolunteer rescuer seriously injured Friday helping unresponsive teenage hiker in NH – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO47 minutes ago7 injured in 3 overnight crashes across Denver, police say
-
Seattle, WA54 minutes agoKraken Acquire Panthers Wing Mackie Samoskevich | Seattle Kraken
-
San Diego, CA57 minutes agoHow to watch inaugural NASCAR San Diego street race live for free: Start time, lineup
