Augusta, GA
Online sting for child predators nets 3 local residents
GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Three local residents were arrested in an online sting operation to catch sex predators.
The arrests stemmed from “Operation Sweet Tee,” conducted by the Grovetown Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Three local residents were arrested:
- Rubicel Castro-Cruz , 33 of Edgefield.
- Anthony Daquan Harley, 30, of Aiken.
- James Charles Waller, 31, of Evans.
Each was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children and committed to the Columbia County Detention Center, according to police.
From Thursday evening through early Sunday, undercover agents and investigators engaged with more than 1,000 individuals, via the internet, according to police.
Of those, 157 verified adults expressed a desire to meet for sexual activity, despite being told they were conversing with a child, according to the Grovetown Police Department.
Of that number, 12 stated they would be willing to travel to meet with the so-called child for sex and offered payment in exchange, police said. Some of the individuals engaging in the chats lived as far away as Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The investigation continues and additional charges are expected. Multiple electronic devices and two vehicles were seized as part of the operation.
In addition, an out-of-state registered sex offender was identified as one of the individuals attempting to arrange a meeting for sex with the so-called child, and a warrant has been issued for them as well.
Investigators are working to positively identify the remaining individuals engaged in the solicitation and additional charges and arrests are expected.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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