Augusta, GA
Investigation underway after odor detected at TechNet Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A criminal investigation is underway at TechNet Augusta, according to officials at the event.
In a video posted Wednesday on social media, officials said there is an odor in the Oglethorpe Ballroom at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.
Lieutenant General Susan Lawrence, president and chief executive officer of AFCEA International, says officials and local authorities are working to fix the situation.
Lawrence states the affected areas have undergone tests for hazardous materials, but authorities say it is safe to proceed with the conference. “
We will continue to cooperate with the local authorities on this ongoing criminal investigation,” said Lawrence.
Authorities say this is an alleged “willful act.”
AFCEA International says since this is an ongoing investigation, they’re not commenting at this time.
The three-day conference brings together cyber industry experts – largely with high-security clearances – for communication, networking, education and problem-solving. It’s put on by the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association in cooperation with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and industry experts.
Even though it’s a pretty specialized event, it’s a huge boost to the economy.
Last year alone, it brought nearly 6,000 attendees to the city, with more than 3,700 traveling from outside Georgia and South Carolina.
As of Wednesday evening, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says they have not received any information on this investigation.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.
Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.
While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.
Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.
The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.
The following individuals were indicted:
(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)
- Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon


- Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
Augusta, GA
South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.
However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.
Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.
“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”
Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.
As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.
The state remains in an extreme drought.
“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
-
Boston, MA10 minutes ago
JetBlue to pull out of N.H.’s largest airport amid capacity crisis, officials announce – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO16 minutes agoDenver area events for May 15
-
Seattle, WA22 minutes agoFriday Roundtable: Free Summer Shuttles
-
San Diego, CA28 minutes agoSix concerts to fill your musical soul this week in San Diego County
-
Milwaukee, WI34 minutes agoFive teenagers arrested following police pursuit in Milwaukee
-
Atlanta, GA40 minutes ago2 Giant Pandas Are Headed to This US Zoo. Meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang
-
Minneapolis, MN46 minutes agoBauhaus Brew Labs in northeast Minneapolis set to close next month
-
Indianapolis, IN52 minutes agoIndy 500 qualifying format, schedule, entries, how to watch this weekend