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I-TEAM: ATF raids business of man linked to Burke County sheriff

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I-TEAM: ATF raids business of man linked to Burke County sheriff


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The business that’s used as the Burke County Sheriff’s Office auto shop was raided by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Last year, the I-TEAM conducted an investigation of Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams’ connection to the owner of the business, Daniel Cates.

Cates Firestone had already been at the center of a federal investigation.

Cates and Grady Brandon Mobley pleaded guilty in a decades-long illegal gambling operation — where hundreds of thousands of dollars in winnings were illegally funneled through businesses, including $250,000 funneled through Cates Firestone.

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Cates was sentenced to three years of probation. Mobley was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay more than $200,000 in restitution.

Now, Cates finds himself headed back to court after this most recent search of his business.

Court records show Mobley violated his probation on May 2 for using and possessing alcohol – along with getting arrested.

The I-TEAM obtained federal court documents and found Williams was a character witness for Mobley, lobbying for a lesser sentence and calling him a “model citizen.”

Campaign records show both the Mobley and Cates families were big contributors to Williams’ campaign for sheriff.

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U.S. Probation Services and ATF conducted a search of Cates’ Burke County residence and at Cates Firestone, 508 W. Sixth St. in Waynesboro on May 29.

Authorities haven’t released information about what they were looking for in the recent ATF raid. The I-TEAM has requested search warrants from federal court, but they are not public record yet.

But a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Cates is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on Wednesday for a probation revocation hearing.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Museum of History offers free America 250 exhibits this weekend

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Augusta Museum of History offers free America 250 exhibits this weekend


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Museum of History is hosting a series of exhibits tied to America’s 250th anniversary, including a LEGO display featuring notable moments in American and Augusta history.

The LEGO exhibit includes a bald eagle and a replica of Atlanta’s Capitol, among other items. A separate special exhibit is located in another wing of the museum, and smaller exhibits are displayed throughout the building.

Nancy Glaser, executive director of the Augusta Museum of History, said the goal is for visitors to leave with an appreciation for the country and a positive experience.

“How great America is, probably more than anything,” Glaser said. “A big smile on their face that they had a good time. It’s fun. It’s just fun. We want people to enjoy themselves when they’re here. So it’s just not about our train and not just about Augusta history, which is important, but it’s about the bigger picture. And that’s one of the things that we’re able to present right now.”

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The America 250 exhibits are free to view this weekend.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Salem Ridgeyaks win second straight in Augusta, 7-4

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Salem Ridgeyaks win second straight in Augusta, 7-4


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WDBJ) – For a second straight game, the Salem Ridgeyaks bats blew up like…well..the fourth of July.

Andrews Opata hit his 5th home run of the season in the first inning, as Salem led wire-to-wire over Augusta, 7-4.

Opata also stole his Carolina League-leading 36th base of the season in the win for Salem (31-47). D’Angelo Ortiz’s 2 RBI double in the 4th pushed the Salem lead to 4-0. Ortiz finished 2-3 with three RBI’s on the night, while Louis Andujar went 3-4, scoring two runs and also plating two runs.

Salem pitcher Christian Foutch (ND, 6.18 ERA) pitched 4.2 strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out 8. Yermain Ruiz (W, 2-3, 9.87 ERA) picked up his first win since May 29th, going 4.1 innings while striking out another 4 batters.

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Salem’s series at Augusta continues through Sunday.

Copyright 2026 WDBJ. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Annual fan drive returns as dangerous heat settles over Augusta

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Annual fan drive returns as dangerous heat settles over Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As a heat wave settles over Augusta, the Psi Omega Foundation is working with Richmond County Marshal’s Office to deliver fans as a part of their annual fan drive.

Eugene White, president of the Psi Omega Foundation, said his personal connection to the community drives the effort.

“I’m the son of someone. I’m the grandson of someone,” White said. “And so when we think about our elders who may have struggled, that really drives home our desire to build a tenacious community.”

Fans available, no questions asked

White spent the day delivering fans across Augusta. Around 140 fans were available for donation.

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Lt. Monica Meyers of the Richmond County Marshal’s Office said this year’s conditions have been more severe than previous summers.

“This year I noticed that the humidity has been higher, the heat index has been higher,” Meyers said. “And with that said, we know that research shows us that the elderly and seniors are less likely to run their AC during the summer months because they’re trying to save their budgets, because they are on fixed budgets and low income.”

Doctors say anyone can be at risk for heat-related illness when the heat index reaches the 90s or above.

How to get a fan

The Marshal’s Office said fans are available to anyone, no questions asked. Meyers said residents can call the Richmond County Marshal’s Office at 706-821-2368 or visit the substation at 3050 Deans Bridge Road in Augusta.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

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