Augusta, GA
Local meth kingpin used mom as drug courier, feds say
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Six local residents are headed to federal prison after authorities busted a wide-ranging meth pipeline from Atlanta that was headed by a man who used his mom as a drug courier, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Lead defendant James Andrew McPherson, 30, of Hephzibah, was sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
His operation transported large quantities of highly pure methamphetamine for distribution in Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties, according to prosecutors.
McPherson or his couriers – including his mother – brought in the meth from Atlanta, then he split it into smaller quantities for the others to sell, according to prosecutors.
McPherson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine.

Authorities have been saying for years that Augusta is susceptible to rings like this, being situated along Interstate 20 with easy access to Atlanta. The Atlanta area itself is a major funnel for the pipeline, as shown by the discovery last month of a ton of meth hidden in a celery truck at a farmers market.
Other defendants sentenced in McPherson’s case include:
- Brandon Wayne Johnson, 43, of Hephzibah, sentenced to 87 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Marcus “Smoke” Smith, 32, of Augusta, sentenced to 151 months in prison after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
- Leslie Helinski, 54, of Augusta, the mother of James McPherson, sentenced to 130 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Tony Watson, 49, of Conover, N.C., sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Charity Porter, 25, of Augusta, sentenced to 37 months in prison after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.

“We applaud the work of our law enforcement partners in identifying and disrupting this meth-trafficking conspiracy,” said U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg. “Our communities are safer with these illegal drug distributors off the streets.”
Robert J. Murphy, special agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, agreed.
“Driven by greed, these drug traffickers’ activities posed a significant threat to the Augusta area and beyond,” he said.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Burke County Sheriff’s Office and McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Morning Show Co-Host
88.3 WAFJ in Augusta, Georgia, is looking for a Morning Show Co-Host to join our team. If you’re looking for stability, a wonderful community to call home and the opportunity to do live and local radio, you’ll find it all here. As the heritage Christian AC in the market, we have been encouraging the Central Savannah River Area for over three decades. This is a rare opportunity and one that you should inquire about if you are passionate about loving and ministering to listeners who become like family.
We need an engaging storyteller to join an existing partner on the morning show. The right candidate will know how to connect with our listeners through your faith and everyday life. This is not a voice-tracking opportunity. We are looking for someone willing to relocate and join us in actively serving our community. Great things are happening here, and we think you’ll enjoy being a part of them!
When applying for this position, you must have experience in broadcasting or podcasting. We are looking for a gifted communicator who loves Jesus and thrives in doing local ministry. If you meet those qualifications and are looking for a job that is fun, fulfilling and meaningful, then let’s chat.
To apply, send your resume, cover letter and demo to John Bryant at john@wafj.com.
We are part of the Radio Training Network family of stations. Radio Training Network, Inc. (RTN) is a religious broadcaster, and all positions at RTN are subject to a religious qualification, including all positions at WAFJ-FM and WBIJ-FM. As a religious broadcaster, RTN makes reasonable, good faith efforts to recruit applicants without regard to race, color, national origin or gender among those who are qualified for employment based on their religious belief or affiliation.
Augusta, GA
Former Richmond County deputy files complaint against district attorney
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A state bar complaint was filed against Augusta’s district attorney by a former deputy who sued the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office alleging racial discrimination.
The complaint by Quincy Cannon alleges violation of a rule requiring fairness to opposing party and counsel.
The filing says District Attorney Jared Williams selectively granted access to grand jury materials during an investigation by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
That’s an agency that accredits law enforcement officers in the state.
Cannon alleged Williams helped a third-party investigator get and use evidence from secret grand jury proceedings against Cannon, while denying comparable access to Cannon’s attorney.
Although Cannon’s case was presented to a grand jury, the panel chose not to pursue criminal charges.
Cannon’s lawsuit claims he was treated unequally to white deputies who were also investigated over use of force.
A suspect in a deputy shooting accused several other deputies, including Cannon, of assaulting him in an elevator at the sheriff’s headquarters.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Women Outlast Middle Georgia 53-47 – Augusta University
Cochrarn, Ga. – In what turned out to be a defensive battle, the Augusta University women knocked off Middle Georgia 53-47 in the first ever meeting between the two teams. With the victory, the Jaguars improve to 4-2 in Peach Belt Conference play and 8-4 overall. The Knights are now 3-3 in conference action and 10-3 overall.
In coach Celeste Stewart”s 100th game as head coach of AU, the Jaguars hit six free throws in the final two minutes for the winning margin.
Quinasia Abercrombie led all scorers with 17 points and four rebounds while Sierra Burns added 13 points in the winning effort.
The Jaguar defense held the Knights to just 33% shooting and out rebounded Middle Georgia by five.
The game was tied at 18 at the half before Augusta would surge to a three point lead by pouring 21 bounds in the third quarter. The fourth quarter would see both teams go back-and-forth before the Jags would grab the victory.
Midway through the final quarter, the Knights would grab a 44-43 lead, but it would not last long. A Burns three pointer would give AU the lead. Then, tied at 47, Augusta rattled off the final points from the free throw line with Elyse Autrey, Abercrombie and Burns all making their shots from the line. Autrey would finish with eight points for the game.
For the game, the Jaguars hit on 16 of 26 from the charity stripe while the Knights were just 7 of 21.
Nadiyah Byard grabbed 12 rebounds to lead AU.
The Jaguars will next be in action Wednesday night when they host Clayton State and 5:30 p.m.
Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags.
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