WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Five people were arrested in a large multi-county drug bust Thursday, according to Burke County deputies.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, executed four search warrants as part of an ongoing drug investigation.

In Burke County, search warrants were executed at 1489 Hephzibah-Keysville Road and 2670 Farmers Bridge Road. In Richmond County, warrants were executed at 2305 Poteet St. and 2023 Smith Drive.

During the operation, investigators recovered:

• 4.5 pounds of marijuana.
• 15 grams of fentanyl.
• 50 Oxycodone pills.
• Two guns, one of which was reported stolen.
• $35,078 in cash.

Authorities arrested:

• Randy Williams on charges of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime.
• Leah Owens on charges of charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of synthetic narcotics and possession of a controlled substance.
• Gregore Gordon on charges of trafficking fentanyl and possession of marijuana with intent.
• Georgina Robinson on charges of trafficking fentanyl and possession of marijuana with intent.
• Marquez James on charges of trafficking fentanyl, possession of marijuana with intent, theft by receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Williams was booked into Richmond County jail and the others were booked into Burke County jail.

“This operation highlights our ongoing commitment to combatting illegal drug activity in our communities,” Sheriff Alfonzo Williams said. “We are grateful for the collaboration with our law enforcement partners in Richmond County and remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Experts from the Carl Vinson School of Government tells Augusta a charter review should happen. 

But it could take a year and a half and cost up to $200,000.  

“It’s worth it because in the 28 years we’ve never had any formal review typically governments do it every seven to ten years, so this just makes sense and I think we’re at a crossroads right now in our government,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom. 

City leaders getting expert advice on changing the charter but we’re told any changes would only be recommendations and would have to be approved by state lawmakers. 

“I think it’s time we look at the charter and consider it, my concern is to make sure it’s open to the public,” said State Representative Karlton Howard.  

Experts telling commissioners to get the public involved the mayor and commissioners could make the appointments to an independent charter review committee.  

“We are the elected representatives, and we have to pick someone to represent us in the matter,” said Frantom.  

 But others oppose having city leaders pick a committee and feel the experts at school of government should recommend charter changes    

“Any type of appointments by a commissioner or the mayor would lead to this charter review being a political stunt basically,”  said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.  

“Everything in life is political in some manner and it’s going to be political in some form,” said Frantom.  

“We need to draft this charter in a way that does not speak to anyone’s personal political preferences including my own,” said Johnson.  

City leaders are in favor of reviewing the city charter, but already there’s disagreement on how to get it done.  

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – More than $240 thousand in federal grant money is on its way to Augusta-Richmond County to strengthen fire safety.

Georgia Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff made the announcement Wednesday, July 17.

This money is coming from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The money can be used for professional training, wellness and fitness programs, equipment, personal protective equipment, and facility upgrades.

“Firefighters across Georgia put their lives on the line to keep families safe,” Sen. Ossoff said. “Senator Warnock and I will never stop championing Georgia’s heroic fire departments, and these resources will help them respond to emergencies that threaten lives and property.”

“I’m proud to have played a role in getting this critical funding secured. Our firefighters and EMS responders are some of the best and bravest among us, and every fire department throughout Georgia, especially in our rural communities, ought to have the resources and support they need to protect our communities,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

Last month, Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which will re-authorize key grant programs — like the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program — that provide Federal funding to Georgia’s fire departments.

Since taking office, Sens. Ossoff and Warnock have delivered dozens of Assistance to Firefighters Grants to cities, counties, and agencies across the state— including Columbus and West Point; Augusta and Twin City; Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, Middle Georgia, Southwest Georgia, and Coastal Georgia.

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