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Lead defendant in Richmond County meth-trafficking conspiracy sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison

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Lead defendant in Richmond County meth-trafficking conspiracy sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison


AUGUSTA, GA:  A Georgia jail inmate who led an Augusta-area methamphetamine-trafficking ring has been sentenced to greater than 20 years in federal jail.

Magnum Jelani Neely, 38, of Millen, Ga., an inmate at Dooly State Jail, was sentenced to 278 months in federal jail after beforehand pleading responsible to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 50 Grams or Extra of Methamphetamine, mentioned David H. Estes, U.S. Legal professional for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court docket Chief Decide J. Randal Corridor additionally ordered Neely to pay a $2,500 wonderful and to serve 5 years of supervised launch upon completion of his jail time period. There isn’t any parole within the federal system.

“Magnum Neely orchestrated a large-scale meth distribution operation from behind bars whereas serving a 10-year state sentence for violent crime,” mentioned U.S. Legal professional Estes. “This investigation dismantled that drug-trafficking operation, and substantial federal sentences maintain these drug sellers accountable.”

As described in court docket paperwork and testimony, brokers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in November 2021 joined investigators from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Workplace and the Burke County Sheriff’s Workplace in figuring out Neely as coordinating a methamphetamine trafficking operation from inside jail. Neely used contraband cell telephones to contact couriers exterior jail to ship medicine to patrons each inside and outdoors Georgia prisons. The Georgia Division of Corrections assisted within the investigation, and Neely and three co-conspirators had been indicted in April 2022. All 4 defendants admitted guilt.

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The three co-conspirators embody:

  • Patricia Gregory, 45, of Augusta, was sentenced to 87 months in jail and fined $2,000 after pleading responsible to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 50 Grams or Extra of Methamphetamine;
  • Fanesia Smith, 39, of Augusta, was sentenced to 48 months in jail after pleading responsible to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 50 Grams or Extra of Methamphetamine; and,
  • Yvonne Smith, 58, of Augusta – mom of Fanesia Smith – awaits sentencing after pleading responsible to Misprision of a Felony for figuring out of, and serving to to hide, the felony exercise of the conspiracy.

“DEA is absolutely dedicated to tirelessly pursuing criminals who promote medicine, whether or not they’re promoting them on the streets or from inside a jail,” mentioned the Particular Agent in Cost of the DEA Atlanta Discipline Division Robert J. Murphy.

“We admire the assist of our native and federal companions in guaranteeing that justice will probably be served on this particular person for his function in jeopardizing the secure operations of our services, and most significantly, the protection of the general public,” mentioned Georgia Division of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Workplace, the Burke County Sheriff’s Workplace, and the Georgia Division of Corrections, and prosecuted for the USA by Assistant U.S. Legal professional Jeremiah L. Johnson



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Augusta, GA

All flights canceled for the day at Augusta Regional Airport

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All flights canceled for the day at Augusta Regional Airport


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – All remaining flights are canceled for Tuesday at Augusta Regional Airport as a winter storm moves through the region.

News 12 meteorologists have declared a First Alert Weather Day for Tuesday with a forecast of bitter cold and up to 3 inches of snow.

At Augusta Regional, there are at least six canceled arrivals as of Tuesday morning and five canceled departures. See the arrival and departure board at https://flyags.com/travelers/find-a-flight/arrivals-and-departures/.

By late afternoon, the airport announced the rest of the day’s flights would be canceled.

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Hundreds of inbound and outbound flights at the Atlanta airport have been canceled or delayed.

Most fliers out of Augusta Regional Airport change planes in either Atlanta, a Delta hub, or Charlotte, an American Airlines hub.

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CSRA winter weather: A survival guide

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  8. Winter weather myths debunked to keep you safe
  9. If your pipes freeze or break, follow this advice from experts
  10. How to get help with your heating bill in the CSRA
  11. What to know if you’ll be driving in subfreezing weather
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  13. How to stay warm on a budget and beat the cold weather
  14. Trouble from burst pipes can linger well beyond a freeze
  15. Keep your pipes from bursting in freezing weather
  16. How to prepare your home for major freeze

Other travelers from the CSRA drive to Atlanta to fly directly out of that airport.

More than 500 flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were delayed Monday night. At last check, there are 168 cancellations and 140 delays for Tuesday, according to FlightAware.

The airport workers are ready regardless.

“When it gets too cold out here on the road or ramp, we have to make sure that we’re putting down the ice, because when you’re driving the equipment, you don’t want to slide or cause accidents,” said Deonte Wilson, Delta aircraft loading agent.

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Augusta, GA

Ga., S.C. leaders share reactions as Trump takes office

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Ga., S.C. leaders share reactions as Trump takes office


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Some of Georgia’s and South Carolina’s most high-profile lawmakers shared their reactions as President Donald Trump took the oath of office for his second term.

Vivian Bishop, former head of the Muscogee County Democratic Party and wife of Congressman Sanford Bishop was invited as a member of the Congressional Wives Organization, as spouses of the members of Congress often attend such events.

“His comments was what I expected they would be; a lot of rhetoric, so I wasn’t very impressed with the presentation,” said Bishop over the phone, as she spoke with News Leader 9 shortly after the ceremony. “This is his second time around, and I just see more of what we had the last time he was in office.”

Bishop added that it was evident the Democrats were outnumbered, as she estimated it was around a ratio of 20:1.

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“I expected for more democrats to be in attendance, there were very few,” said Bishop. “I think it was important for them to be there and hear what he had to say today. He’s been talking about making changes and all these things that are going to create problems for us in the future.”

Gov. Henry McMaster shared his support on X, calling Trump’s inauguration “a powerful reminder that America’s best days are ahead of us.”

The state’s two U.S. senators, Sen. Tim Scott and Sen. Lindsey Graham, also issued statements on Trump again taking office.

Members of South Carolina’s House delegation also shared their reactions on social media:





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Augusta, GA

Local organization raising money to honor MLK with statue

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Local organization raising money to honor MLK with statue


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one local organization is raising money to install a statue in his honor.

Global Race Unity has spent the past few years fundraising, including Monday during a Martin Luther King Day celebration.

We spoke with some of the leaders there on why this statue is so important.

“We want to keep the life and legacy of Dr. King alive,” said Reverend Dr. Larry Fryer/CEO of Global Race Unity Inc.

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Getting closer to their goal, but not quite close enough – yet.

“We’ve been awhile at it, but we are hoping now as we continue to pick up momentum to see that we get this done,” said Fryer.

So far they have $183,000 raised of their $250,000 goal.

It’s been a long process. Gaining traction and giving hope they could have the memorial done in the next few years.

“It’s been over 10 years. It’s slow,” said Fryer. “It shouldn’t be and we are encouraging people to please donate.”

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So they offer opportunities to donate at events and celebrations across the CSRA like the one at Abeline Church.

Once all of the money is raised, Global Race Unity plans on placing the Martin Luther King Jr. statue close to 10th and broad near the Augusta welcome sign.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is known to be a day of service and a time to come together in the...

“Not only are we looking to keep his life and legacy alive, but we also want to encourage people about the importance of being there for each other, about being educated about the things that are positive in our community where we have had a lot of death and violence,” said Fryer.

Having a consistent reminder of where we came from and who we could be.

“By having Dr. King’s life and legacy before all of us, it keeps it alive, even for young people who don’t even know who he was,” said Fryer.

For more information on how to donate to Global Race Unity visit their website here.

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