Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, faces charges of possessing a firearm despite being a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Additional and more serious charges are possible as the investigation continues and prosecutors seek an indictment from a grand jury.

Routh appeared briefly in federal court in West Palm Beach, where he answered perfunctory questions about his work status and income. Shackled and wearing a blue jumpsuit, he smiled as he spoke with a public defender and reviewed documents before his initial appearance. The lawyer declined to comment after the court appearance.

The episode occurred Sunday afternoon when Secret Service agents stationed a few holes up from where Trump was playing golf noticed the muzzle of an AK-style rifle sticking through the shrubbery that lines the course, about 400 yards away.

An agent fired and Routh dropped the rifle and fled in an SUV, leaving the firearm behind along with two backpacks, a scope used for aiming and a GoPro camera, authorities said. Routh was later stopped by law enforcement in a neighboring county.

It was the second apparent assassination attempt targeting Trump this year.

On July 13, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Eight days later, Democrat President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, giving way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party’s nominee.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Miller County Middle School staff discovered a message sent to the school’s Facebook account that claimed a bomb was on campus. The Miller County Sheriff’s Office responded and requested GBI assistance. GBI bomb technicians cleared the school without finding anything of concern while other agents and intelligence analysts worked to identify who sent the message.

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, staff with the Spring Creek Charter Academy in Bainbridge, Georgia discovered an email sent to an administrator that claimed a bomb was on campus, similarly to the Miller County threat the day before. The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office responded and requested GBI assistance with investigating the message. The school was cleared without finding anything of concern.

After tracking the messages and conducting multiple interviews, investigators determined a twelve-year-old from Texas made both threats. There is no indication that the 12-year-old traveled to Georgia recently, nor is there any indication there was ever a legitimate safety risk at either school.

The success of this investigation is the result of the immediate response and coordination by local and state law enforcement and the involved school districts.

Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI Thomasville Office at 229-225-4090. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

After consulting with Texas authorities and the District Attorneys for the South Georgia and Pataula Judicial Circuits, the minor will be prosecuted for these threats by the State of Texas. Additional local charges may be brought if the investigation identifies any others who assisted or conspired in the making of these hoaxes.

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Cordele, GA (April 4, 2024) – The GBI has arrested and charged Lee Savage III, age 21, of Cordele, GA, Jayveon Royal, age 21, of Cordele, GA, and Kavien Butler, age 19, of Cordele, GA in connection to two unrelated homicide cases. 

Investigation #1 

The GBI arrested and charged Savage III on Thursday March 28, 2024, with Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault in connection to the death of Rondarrius Wedges, age 19, of Cordele, GA. 

The investigation indicated on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at about 10:00 p.m., Cordele Police Department officers responded to the 1000 block of Tulip Ave after several calls were made to 911 in which residents heard numerous gunshots. When officers arrived, they were flagged down by a group of people at a home. There, officers found Wedges with numerous gunshot wounds, sitting inside a car. Emergency lifesaving efforts were unfortunately unsuccessful, and Wedges died from his injuries. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist with the investigation along with the Cordele Police Department Criminal Investigative Division.  

Savage III was booked into the Crisp County Jail on unrelated charges. 

Investigation #2 

The GBI arrested and charged Royal on January 18, 2024, with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime in connection to the death of Davieon Lavant, age 30, of Cordele, GA. Butler was also arrested and charged in this case with Party to the Crime of Felony Murder and Party to the Crime of Aggravated Assault on February 16, 2024. 

The investigation shows on January 5, 2024, shortly before 1:00 a.m., officers with the Cordele Police Department were dispatched to Hilltop Apartments in the 200 block of W 24th Ave to a shooting call.  

When officers arrived, they located Lavant with gunshot wounds. Crisp County EMS arrived and took Lavant to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, life-saving attempts were unsuccessful, and Lavant died from his injuries.  

Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation were requested to assist in the investigation. During the course of the investigation, agents obtained information that led to an arrest.  

Royal and Butler were booked into the Crisp County Jail. 

The Cordele Police Department, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Community Supervision, and the Mid-South Narcotics Task Force assisted with these investigations. 

Both cases are being prosecuted by District Attorney Brad Rigby of the Cordele Judicial Circuit. 

As these cases remain active, anyone with information about these incidents should contact the Cordele Police Department at 229-276-2921 or non-emergency 911 at 229-276-2690, or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the GBI Tipline 1-800-597-8477, online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. 

CONTACT
Special Agent in Charge Joe Chesnut
joe.chesnut@gbi.ga.gov

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District Attorney Brad Rigby, Cordele Judicial Circuit, State v. Croshawn Cross, Crisp County Superior Court – Death of Crisp County Deputy Tyee Browne Statement from Sheriff Billy Hancock:

Today marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice for the tragic loss of our dedicated Deputy, Tyee Browne. We witnessed a pivotal moment as the suspect responsible for this heinous act has pled guilty to the charges brought against him.

This plea brings some closure to our community, the law enforcement family, and especially to the loved ones of Deputy Tyee Browne. While nothing can ever fully heal the wounds left by this devastating incident, the guilty plea acknowledges the severity of the crime committed and the pain it has caused.

I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have supported us during this challenging time – our community members, fellow law enforcement agencies, and the media. Your unwavering support has been a source of strength for us, and we are grateful for your understanding and patience as we continue to navigate through this process.

As we move forward, let us remember Deputy Tyee Browne for the dedicated and honorable officer he was. His memory will forever serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who leave their families each day to protect and serve our community.

Video Statement from Sheriff Billy Hancock Of Crisp County, GA

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Wayne County, GA (August 11, 2023) – The GBI has arrested and charged Michael Baker Jr., age 35, of Odum, Wayne County, GA, with three counts of rape and one count of aggravated sodomy. On Thursday, July 27, 2023, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Jesup Police Department requested the GBI to investigate a rape allegation made against Baker.

The investigation into the original allegation revealed additional victims, all alleging that while interacting with Baker, he provided them with a drink causing them to black out. During this time, Baker engaged in sexual activity with them.

During the investigation, Baker resigned from employment with the Jesup Fire Department.

Baker was booked at the Wayne County Jail.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Kingsland at 912-729-6198.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Contact Special Agent in Charge
Stacy Carson
stacy.carson@gbi.ga.gov

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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced today the appointment of U.S. Attorney David Weiss to serve as Special Counsel for the ongoing investigation and prosecutions referenced and described in United States v. Robert Hunter Biden, as well as for any other matters that arose or may arise from that investigation. Mr. Weiss was nominated by the former president in 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2018. In 2021, he was asked to remain as U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, where he led this ongoing investigation. On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Mr. Weiss requested to be appointed as Special Counsel, and today the Attorney General made that appointment.

“On Tuesday of this week, Mr. Weiss advised me that in his judgment, his investigation has reached a stage at which he should continue his work as a Special Counsel, and he asked to be so appointed,” said Attorney General Garland. “Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded it is in the public interest to appoint him as Special Counsel. This appointment confirms my commitment to provide Mr. Weiss all the resources he requests. It also reaffirms that Mr. Weiss has the authority he needs to conduct a thorough investigation and to continue to take the steps he deems appropriate independently, based only on the facts and the law.”

The Attorney General also said, “As Special Counsel, he will continue to have the authority and responsibility that he has exercised previously to oversee the investigation and decide where, when, and whether to file charges. The Special Counsel will not be subject to the day-to-day supervision of any official of the Department, but he must comply with the regulations, procedures, and policies of the Department … Today’s announcement affords the prosecutors, agents, and analysts working on this matter the ability to proceed with their work expeditiously, and to make decisions indisputably guided only by the facts and the law … I am confident that Mr. Weiss will carry out his responsibility in an even-handed and urgent matter, and in accordance with the highest traditions of this Department.”

Appointment Order of David Weiss

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers a Statement

Remarks as Delivered

Good afternoon. I am here today to announce the appointment of David Weiss as a Special Counsel, consistent with the Department of Justice regulations governing such matters. In keeping with those regulations, I have today notified the designated members of each House of Congress of the appointment.

In February 2018, after being nominated by the former president and confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Weiss was sworn in as the United States Attorney for the District of Delaware. Mr. Weiss had been a career prosecutor, having served previously in the office for more than a decade.

Beginning in 2019, Mr. Weiss, in his capacity as U.S. Attorney and along with federal law enforcement partners, began investigating allegations of certain criminal conduct by, among others, Robert Hunter Biden. That investigation has been recently referenced in federal criminal proceedings in the District of Delaware. And, as noted in those proceedings and other public statements by Mr. Weiss’ office, that investigation remains ongoing.

In February 2021, U.S. Attorney Weiss was asked to remain as U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware and, in that capacity, to continue to lead the investigation.

As I said before, Mr. Weiss would be permitted to continue his investigation, take any investigative steps he wanted, and make the decision whether to prosecute in any district.

Mr. Weiss has told Congress that he has been granted ultimate authority over this matter, including the responsibility for deciding where, when, and whether to file charges and for making decisions necessary to preserve the integrity of any prosecution, consistent with federal law, the Principles of Federal Prosecution, and Departmental policies.

In a July 2023 letter to Congress, Mr. Weiss said that he had not to that point requested Special Counsel designation.

On Tuesday of this week, Mr. Weiss advised me that in his judgment, his investigation has reached a stage at which he should continue his work as a Special Counsel, and he asked to be so appointed.

Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint him as Special Counsel.

This appointment confirms my commitment to provide Mr. Weiss all the resources he requests. It also reaffirms that Mr. Weiss has the authority he needs to conduct a thorough investigation and to continue to take the steps he deems appropriate independently, based only on the facts and the law.

Mr. Weiss will also continue to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware.

As Special Counsel, he will continue to have the authority and responsibility that he has previously exercised to oversee the investigation and decide where, when, and whether to file charges. The Special Counsel will not be subject to the day-to-day supervision of any official of the Department, but he must comply with the regulations, procedures, and policies of the Department.

Consistent with the Special Counsel regulations, at the conclusion of Mr. Weiss’ work, he will provide me with a report explaining the prosecution or declination decisions reached by him. As with each Special Counsel who has served since I have taken office, I am committed to making as much of his report public as possible, consistent with legal requirements and Department policy.

Today’s announcement affords the prosecutors, agents, and analysts working on this matter the ability to proceed with their work expeditiously, and to make decisions indisputably guided only by the facts and the law.

The men and women undertaking this investigation are public servants who have dedicated their careers to protecting the citizens of this country. The appointment of Mr. Weiss reinforces for the American people the Department’s commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters.

I am confident that Mr. Weiss will carry out his responsibility in an even-handed and urgent manner, and in accordance with the highest traditions of this Department.

Thank you.

Speaker

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland

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Thomasville, Georgia (August 3, 2023) – The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Thomas County, GA. On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, about 2:00 p.m., Thomas County Sheriff Carlton Powell requested the GBI to conduct an independent investigation into the incident that resulted in the death of Alfred Shawntez Cole, age 19, of Thomasville, GA.

Preliminary information in the investigation has revealed the following:

Agents with the Thomas County Drug Squad were in the area of Meadow Street in Thomas County, Georgia earlier in the afternoon of August 2 looking for another man wanted on active warrants for failure to appear. While searching for the other man, agents received a “BOLO” from another deputy who observed a beige Toyota Camry driving erratically. The two agents saw the car described in the “BOLO” in the area they were in and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver of the Camry, later identified as Alfred Cole, then sped up and attempted to get away. A short chase ensued, and the two vehicles ended up in an area off Meadow Street, with the Camry finally coming to a stop near the woods.

Cole got out of the Camry and during the incident, Cole pulled out a semi-automatic handgun. Two agents fired their weapons,hitting Cole. The agents were not injured during the shooting, and immediately began rendering first aid to Cole from the scene. Cole was taken to a local hospital where he died. Cole’s gun was recovered at the scene, previously reported by a law enforcement agency as stolen.

A GBI Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy.

This case is active and ongoing. Anyone with information aboutthis case is asked to call the GBI regional investigative office in Thomasville at 229-225-4090. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, it will be given to the Southern Georgia Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

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George Johnson, 79, went to jail in the 90s for extortion, among other charges. Now, he’s in jail again.

Warner Robins, GA (July 31, 2023) – On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, GBI agents secured arrest warrants for George Johnson, 79 of Warner Robins for the following offenses:

• Incest
• Sodomy
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child

On Monday, July 17, 2023, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office requested GBI investigative assistance with a child abuse complaint. A complaint was filed with the Houston Co. S.O. involving allegations that George Johnson, former Warner Robins Police Chief, abused a teenage female victim. Preliminary information obtained indicates that incidents occurred in Houston County and Pulaski County since 2022. Houston Sheriff Cullen Talton and Pulaski County Sheriff Danny Brannen requested the GBI conduct the investigation since the incidents involved two different judicial circuits. George Johnson was the WRPD Chief during the late 80’s and early 90’s.

Johnson was arrested on the morning of Thursday, July 27, 2023.

This case will be given to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

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NASSAU| Lindsay Shiver, the wife of a former college football star, has been arrested in The Bahamas for allegedly conspiring with her Bahamian lover and another man to murder her estranged husband, Robert Shiver police confirm.

Lindsay, along with her lover Terrance Bethel and alleged hitman Farron Newbold, was apprehended after local police discovered WhatsApp messages discussing the plot while investigating a break-in at a bar. The trio was flown to Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, and appeared in court on Friday.

According to a source close to the investigation, Lindsay began an affair with Bethel in the Shiver family’s home in The Bahamas. When Robert discovered the relationship and filed for divorce, Lindsay allegedly planned to murder him with Bethel’s help and enlisted Newbold as the hitman.

The police report stated that the trio agreed to murder Shiver on July 16, 2023, in Abaco. The plan was uncovered after the police found WhatsApp messages detailing the plot on the suspect’s phone, which was discovered during the investigation of the bar break-in. Lindsay, Bethel, and Newbold were subsequently arrested and jailed in Nassau.

During their court appearance, Lindsay, Bethel, and Newbold were not required to enter a plea and are being held in jail until their next court date on October 5. Lindsay and Robert met at Auburn University in 2007 and have three sons together. “So thankful for that fitness class 13 years ago that brought us together and all of the love, laughter, and life we have created ever since! I love you, babe.  Cheers to many more,” she wrote in a 2020 post alongside a collection of photos, including from their wedding day. 

The case has shocked the community and continues to unfold as the investigation progresses.

The trio is to return to court on October 8th, 2023.

We report yinner decide!

Article courtsey of: Bahamas Press

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Adel, GA (July 25, 2023) – On Friday, July 21, 2023, the GBI arrested and charged former Cook County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Trey Kenny, age 33, of Hahira, Georgia, with First-Degree Burglary, two counts of Eavesdropping and Surveillance, Theft By Taking, Second-Degree Criminal Damage to Property, three counts of Possession of a Firearm During a Felony, Stalking (misdemeanor), and Violation of Oath of Office.

On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office requested the GBI to investigate the actions of former Cook County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Trey Kenny. Preliminary information indicates that Kenny burglarized a home between June 30, 2023 and July 11, 2023.  During the burglary, Kenny committed multiple crimes which led to the current charges.

He was terminated from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office on July 7, 2023.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office at (229) 896-74711 or the GBI regional investigative office in Douglas, GA at (912) 389-4103.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

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