Augusta, GA
Ex-Augusta city commissioner sentenced to prison for destroying records in investigation
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — A former Augusta city commissioner was sentenced Tuesday to three years in federal prison after he was convicted of destroying records and lying about it to investigators.
Sammie Lee Sias, 68, had his punishment handed down by a U.S. District Court judge nearly a year after a jury him guilty last July.
Sias was serving on the Augusta commission in 2019 when the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI began investigating allegations that included Sias was misspending public money and was involved in other misconduct.
Sias deleted about 7,000 files relevant to that investigation from a laptop, according to prosecutors, and later told an FBI agent that he had turned out all records requested by authorities. Investigators later found evidence of the records Sias had deleted on the computer.
“This sentence not only will serve to deter Mr. Sias from committing any similar conduct in the future, but it will also serve to deter others in similar positions from betraying the community’s trust,” U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg, the top federal prosecutor for the Southern District of Georgia, said in a statement.
Sias’ fellow commissioners voted to request the investigation in 2019 after a former employee who had a long-term affair with Sias accused him of misconduct, the Augusta Chronicle reported.
Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Sias to pay a $5,000 fine and to serve three years on supervised release after he is released from prison.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – While the holidays can be an exciting time for people, some may experience seasonal depression.
The VA Augusta says the need for mental health resources is even more critical for those in the veteran community.
So, how can our veterans get help in Augusta?
The VA says the first step is to seek help — reaching out through the veterans’ crisis hotline or seeking help in person at one of the two VA medical centers in Augusta.
The VA says addressing mental health is more important than ever with rising suicide rates among the veteran community.
From the frontlines to the home front, the big question for many veterans coming home is what’s next.
VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator Alex Wright says he knows from experience the resources veterans need when they come off the battlefield.
“I’m a veteran myself. Deployed twice, so I know what it feels like to be a veteran and have certain needs. I get an instant piece of self-fulfillment by helping someone else in need,” said Wright.
The VA says the need is growing for mental health assistance as it’s tracking an increase in veteran suicides.
More than 6,000 veterans committed suicide in 2022.
Wright says several reasons are responsible for the high number.
“They come from a transition period. Veterans are coming directly from the military into civilian life, and also many veterans that come back play a part,” said Wright.
It’s a battle they’re trying to tackle one resource at a time.
“We do a lot of clinical coordination working with other mental health providers, making sure that patients come to their appointments and have somewhere to reach out to,” said Wright.
Wright says you’re not alone, but it starts with reaching out.
“It starts with getting care for yourself and also recognizing that we all can benefit from some care and some form of facet,” he said.
The VA says according to recent data, about 17 veterans commit suicide each day.
Coordinators with the VA are urging veterans to seek out the resources provided locally.
The VA helps with more than just mental health. They also help with resources like housing through their HUD/VASH Program or food assistance.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
CRAWFORDVILLE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person was airlifted to the hospital on Tuesday after a crash on Interstate 20, according to officials.
According to Wilkes County Emergency Services, the crash happened in Taliaferro County at mile marker 152.
The crash involved one vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was ejected, according to officials.
“Thank you to all the public safety personnel for your help today. We couldn’t have managed this scene without you,” said the Wilkes County Emergency Services on their Facebook page.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta fire crews responded to the 1600 block of Broad Street for a fire on Christmas evening.
The Augusta Fire Department says there were no occupants in the home and no injuries were reported.
Officials with the fire department says power was connected to the home, but they connected Georgia Power to disconnect it.
According to a News 12 crew on scene, at least four fire trucks could be seen, as well as multiple Richmond County Sheriff’s Office cars and EMS.
Early Christmas morning, the Augusta Fire Department posted some fire safety tips:
- Be cautious with battery-operated devices and chargers this holiday.
- Always use the correct charger, avoid overcharging and keep batteries away from flammable items.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place to prevent overheating or fire risks.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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