TCSO's Recent Crimes of Interest

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Three Cases of Entering Auto in Neighborhoods Off of Teaver Road - 12/21/11



A series of Entering Auto incidents were reported on Wednesday morning (12/21), within close proximity of one another. The incidents were reported in neighborhoods lying off of Teaver Road. Respectively, the incidents occurred inside the 100 blocks of Darden Road, Oak Drive & Maley Road.

TCSO Deputies responding to Darden Road were informed by the property owner, there, that an unknown person(s) had entered his two vehicles without his permission. Once inside the cars, the unknown subject had opened the dash consoles and rummaged through them for valuables. Contents were removed and placed on the passenger seats. Nothing appeared to be missing at the time.

After arriving at the Oak Drive location, a resident told TCSO Deputies that an unknown person(s) had entered his three vehicles, without his permission, during the previous overnight hours. Again, dash consoles had been opened and rummaged through for valuables. Contents from the consoles were lying on the passenger seats and floorboards. However, nothing was reported as missing at this time.

When speaking with the property owner at the Maley Road location, TCSO Deputies were informed that an unknown person(s) had entered her vehicle and removed her purse (containing currency, checks and various other personal items) without permission. Once again, the dash console had been rummaged through and left open. Nothing appeared to be missing, from that area, at this time. A short while afterwards, the property owner was able to locate her missing purse on a neighbor’s front lawn. All the contents had been emptied onto the ground, nearby. Missing were the property owner’s checkbook, an envelope containing an undisclosed amount of cash and a few other items.

Troup County Sheriff’s Office Investigators processed all of these scenes and vehicles for further evidence. Although, the cases may share some similarities, there has not been any connection made among them.

Now, Sheriff Turner is asking for your help in identifying those responsible for committing these alleged crimes. If you have any information to pass along to Investigators, please call the Troup County Crime Stoppers Hotline with your tip at (706)812-1000. Your identity will remain anonymous, and personal information will be kept strictly confidential. A tip leading to an arrest(s) in the cases of Entering Auto may result in a cash reward.    

NWS: Chance for Severe Weather for this afternoon

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
432 AM EST THU DEC 22 2011
TODAY AND TONIGHT...
A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE OVER PORTIONS OF NORTH
AND CENTRAL GEORGIA THIS AFTERNOON.

.SYNOPSIS...
A SURFACE FRONT HAD STALLED ACROSS NORTHWEST GEORGIA THIS MORNING.
STRONG LOW PRESSURE OVER TEXAS THIS MORNING WILL MOVE NORTHEAST
ACROSS GEORGIA TODAY.

.PRIMARY HAZARDS...
THE PRIMARY HAZARDS WILL BE CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING...ALSO AN
ISOLATED TORNADO IS POSSIBLE. THE MOST FAVORABLE AREA FOR SEVERE
THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NORTH AND WEST OF A COLUMBUS TO COMMERCE
LINE THIS AFTERNOON.

.DISCUSSION...
INSTABILITY WILL BE MARGINAL WITH THIS LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM.
HOWEVER...THE INSTABILITY COMBINED WITH STRONG WIND SHEAR AND
WARM TEMPERATURES COULD SUPPORT A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH
AND ISOLATED TORNADO POSSIBLE.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The South Loop is now officially OPEN!

The new 6.1 mile stretch of Pegasus Parkway is now complete!
(Front row, L-R): Troup County Engineer - James Emery, Troup County  Commission Chairman - Ricky Wolfe, Commissioners - Richard English, Morris Jones and Buck Davis. (Back row, L-R): GDOT District Engineer - David Millen, Moreland Antobelli Associates Engineering Firm, CEO - Tom Moreland and Troup County Manager - Mike Dobbs. 

Chips Moman prepares to cut the ribbon, marking the official opening of  the Chips Moman Highway!

The ribbon was cut to the Chips Moman Highway, on 12/19/11, by the Highway Man himself!
The new South Loop is, now, officially OPEN!!! Sheriff Donny Turner encourages motorists to use caution while all motorists familiarize themselves with the new roadways. Leave in plenty of time to arrive at your destination, without the need for excessive speeding. Observe the speed limit signs, traffic signals and all other safety devices as you travel to and from home, work and Christmas Parties… And, as always, BUCKLE UP!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Operation Identification



Sheriff Donny Turner and everyone at the Troup County Sheriff's Office wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

After searching for hours to find that special gift for the one you love, ensure that your efforts won't be for naught (or, "the naughty").

Log your valuables into a FREE Operation Identification Inventory Booklet! Grab one for you, and the one you are gifting. Then, if an item is lost/stolen, TCSO has a great place to begin an investigation.

Pick up your free Inventory Booklet, today! The Troup County Sheriff's Office is located at 130 Sam Walker Drive in LaGrange... Or, call for more information on Operation Identification: (706)812-1000.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Burglary on South Thompson Road (near Pine Mountain) - 12/7/11

Stolen JVC compact VHS camcorder

Actual Ring stolen in this case of Burglary 

Sheriff Donny Turner and Investigators of the Troup County Sheriff's Office are asking for your help in resolving a case of Burglary, reported inside the 200 block of South Thompson Road (near Pine Mountain).

On 12/7/11, TCSO Deputies responded to a residence, at that location, in reference to an alleged Burglary which had already occurred. The resident told Deputies that he stopped by the residence after seeing a delivery truck leaving from his house.

Reportedly, after placing the package inside the home, he heard his weather radio's alarm sounding from a rear bedroom. Once inside the bedroom, he also noticed his wife's (brown) wooden jewelry box was missing.

Upon entering his living room, he observed the sliding glass door (at the rear of the residence) had been left open. A quick check of items inside the room revealed that his flat screen TV was also missing.

Investigators arrived to process the scene, interview witnesses and record a list of the missing items. Some of the items listed were: an Element 32" LCD Flat Screen HDTV (with remote), one JVC compact VHS camcorder, a jewelry box (brown in color - made of wood) and four drawers containing several miscellaneous pieces of jewelry, along with some collectible coins.

If you have any further information that would be helpful in finding the missing items, or in resolving this case of Burglary, please call the Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706)812-1000.

Stolen Vehicle on Highway 54 (West) - 12/10/11

1980 C10 Chevy Truck similar to stolen vehicle
On December 10, TCSO Deputies responded to a residence inside the 3500 block of Highway 54 (West), near Hogansville, in reference to a report of Theft By Taking.


Upon arrival, the property owner told Deputies that he had returned home to discover that his brown 1980 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale pickup truck (similar to picture) was missing. He also noted that the GA tag is: BRN 1250. The truck, additionally, had duct tape on the passenger side window.

If you have seen this truck recently, or if you know of the truck's whereabouts, Sheriff Donny Turner asks that you notify the Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706)812-1000.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

TCSO’s Undercover Drug Operation Nets an Ecstasy Arrest

Nikita Orlando Shells (Age 24, of LaGrange)

Sheriff Donny Turner announces an arrest resulting from a Troup County Sheriff’s Office undercover operation targeting the selling of Ecstasy, in Troup County.

During the course of their Investigation, Troup County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit Agents were able to purchase an amount of suspected Ecstasy (MDMA) from Nikita Orlando Shells (age 24, of Royal Court in LaGrange).

Subsequently, the substances purchased were sent to the Georgia Crime Lab for testing and positive identification. As a result, warrants were obtained and an arrest was made. Shells is being charged with Selling Ecstasy (2 counts), along with additional charges of Selling a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Selling Cocaine (2 counts) and Trafficking Cocaine by other Agencies. He is presently being held in the Troup County Jail without bond.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Entering Auto on Mount Zion Church Road



Sheriff Donny Turner reminds citizens that thieves are looking for free gifts from YOU this Holiday Season. If you leave your car unsecured, and your valuables unprotected, you might as well gift wrap them and say goodbye.

One such criminal opportunist, allegedly, entered a vehicle on Mount Zion Church Road late last night (12/12/11). Shortly after midnight, residents reportedly heard a noise (similar to someone attempting to gain entry) at the door to their residence.

A resident, checking into the suspicious noise, had turned the carport light on and had opened the blinds to the door. He told TCSO Deputies that he, then, observed a black male wearing a black t-shirt fleeing from the residence on foot.

The resident, further, noticed that the driver's side door to his vehicle was not closed all the way. A glance into the vehicle indicated that nothing was missing at that time. This case has since been turned over to Investigations.

If you have any further information that could help us solve this crime, please notify the Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706)812-1000!

Friday, December 9, 2011

National Drunk Driving & Drugged Driving Prevention Month



Going to a Christmas party this weekend? Sheriff Donny Turner points out that December is National Drunk Driving & Drugged Driving Prevention Month. We encourage citizens to recommit to preventing the loss of life by practicing safe driving practices and reminding others to be sober, drug free, and safe on the road.

The Troup County Sheriff's Office, along with MADD (Mother's Against Drunk Driving), offer these suggestions for your pre-party planning:

*Plan safely, designate your sober driver(s) before the party begins!
*NEVER serve alcohol to ANYONE UNDER 21!!!
*In the last hour of your gathering, allow everyone to begin "drying up". Serve non-alcoholic drinks.
*Don't let friends drive drunk! Be prepared for those who need to stay overnight.

The Holidays should be a time to enjoy with family and friends! Sheriff Turner adds to "Give the gift of SAFE & sober driving this year... And, ALWAYS buckle up! Every trip, every seat, every time."

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Do you know what your Teenager watches when you aren't around?

What are the most dangerous TV shows your children are watching without you?

Do you know a teenager who finds no wrong in underage drinking/partying? Or, maybe one who displays vulgarity? One who finds harmful things "funny"? Some of these behaviors could be the result of their beliefs as to what is acceptable, or normally expected from their peers. But, do their peers base their opinions on popular TV shows? You may be surprised as to what teens are watching, when you're not watching them!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Entering Autos in adjacent neighborhoods off of Ramp Road



Sheriff Donny Turner reminds Troup County citizens to secure your vehicle(s) when leaving unattended for any length of time... Whether you park inside your driveway for the evening, leave your vehicle in the lot outside your business during the Christmas party or at the parking deck of the local movie theater - Keep in mind that the criminal opportunist is always on the prowl.

On December 5th & 6th, TCSO Deputies responded to two separate cases of entering auto in nearby neighborhoods off of Ramp Road. In both instances, the vehicles were left unattended overnight and unsecured at the victims' residences.

An unknown person(s) had taken a Compaq 17" laptop computer from one of the vehicles, and an XM Radio receiver from the other. At this time, the two cases have not been connected with each other.

However, Sheriff Turner asks that if you have information regarding the cases of Entering Auto (or on the missing property) please notify the Troup County Crime Stoppers Hotline at (706)812-1000. If your information leads to an arrest(s) in either of these cases, you may receive a cash reward.

NWS: Wind Advisory, from Noon - 8pm!


NWS: Wind Advisory from Noon - 8pm. With winds of 20 - 35 mph & saturated grounds, trees and limbs may be blown down. Drive with caution!

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EST THIS EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PEACHTREE CITY HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EST THIS EVENING.

* LOCATIONS MOST OF NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA SOUTH AND EAST OF DALTON TO ROME.

* WINDS...SUSTAINED WINDS INCREASING TO AROUND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH.

* TIMING...FROM AROUND NOON TO 8 PM THIS EVENING.

* IMPACTS...WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. TREES OR TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN. SECURE LOOSE OUTDOOR OBJECTS.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Rain on the roadway


Sheriff Turner reminds you to slow down today, on our roadways. With the rain we had this morning and the possibility of more yet to come, we could get some ponding on the streets and routes throughout the County. Other things to remember: Use headlights when your wipers are in use (GA State Law), allow the proper distance between yours and other cars ("3 second rule" - But, keep in mind, that it takes longer to slow down/stop on a wet road), be extra careful around any school bus, drive slowly through shallow puddles (don't traverse through puddles of uncertain depth) and... As ALWAYS, BUCKLE UP!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Updated "Events" on TCSO Website!

www.TroupCountySheriff.org
Stay on top of what's happening with the Troup County Sheriff's Office in your community! Visit our website at www.TroupCountySheriff.org. You will find the "Events" calendar page under the "About Us" tab...

TCSO Shoplifting Arrests - 12/4/11

Nicole Deshanon Brooks

Coltina Michelle Whitehead (aka "Tine Bates)

Over the weekend, two suspects were arrested for Shoplifting. The suspects had allegedly been spotted, by witnesses, while in the process of loading their vehicle with merchandise taken without payment from the Dollar General, near Pine Mountain.

Troup County Deputies responded to the location inside the 9000 block of Hamilton Road, around 3 pm, on Sunday afternoon. The store employees were able to show Deputies video surveillance footage of the suspects taking items from inside the store, and exit without paying for them. Deputies were also given a description of the suspects, and the vehicle they were last seen driving, by witnesses at the scene. A lookout was placed through Troup County E-911.

Shortly after the lookout was given, Patrolling Troup County Deputies located the suspects and their vehicle near the intersection of Highway 219 and Bartley Road (travelling North, toward LaGrange). When conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle, a passenger exited acting nervously and continuously talking on her cell phone.

Upon approach, several trash bags filled with T-shirts (still in original packaging) and a plastic bag containing a new comforter could been seen in plain view inside the vehicle’s back seat. A brief interview with the driver revealed that there were various other miscellaneous items stowed in the trunk of the vehicle. The driver opened the trunk to confirm this statement.

Based upon the video footage from the Dollar General, the description of the subjects and their vehicle along with its contents and interviews conducted during the traffic stop, Coltina Michelle Whitehead (aka “Tina Bates”, age 39 of Pine Mountain – Passenger) and Nicole Deshanon Brooks (age 42, of LaGrange – Driver) were placed under arrest and transported to the Troup County Jail. Both are being charged with Theft By Shoplifting. There may be other charges to follow from other Agencies, as this case continues under investigation.

Items recovered during the traffic stop included: A comforter, shoes, boots, T-shirts, jeans, socks, undergarments, soap, purses, soft drinks and miscellaneous hygiene items. Nothing further to report, at this time.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Be prepared for re-routing on your drive home this evening!


Sheriff Turner reminds citizens that travel through LaGrange, en route to their homes after work, to be prepared for re-routing around the parade (which begins at 6pm). According to our friends at LaGrange PD, Hunnicutt Avenue will close at 3 pm, then North Greenwood Street will close @ 5:45 pm. Finally, Police will reroute traffic from Vernon and South Greenwood streets over to Miller and Mulberry Streets to Whitesville Road in order to bypass the procession during the parade. Stay safe, be patient and... As always, BUCKLE UP!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Parade Safety



Bundle up if you plan on freezin’ this Holiday Season, at any of the local Christmas parades! As you take-in the sights and sounds of the marching bands, social clubs and decked-out floats, Sheriff Donny Turner points out that there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. If you will joining the crowd in attendance at the parade:

*      Make sure you keep your children close-by. Do not allow them to wander!
*      Make sure that your children know important names and numbers (911) before you leave for the parade.
*      Keep children away from moving floats, animals and any unruly groups within the crowd.
*      Employ the “Buddy System” when walking to and from your vehicle while at the downtown event.
*      Prepare for spending a time out in the cold weather! Bring the necessary blankets, jackets, gloves, chairs and hats.
*      Be ready to get out of the way quickly if a float should go astray.

Additionally, if you are IN THE PARADE:

*      Secure all loose float attachments (especially, any children riding on board).
*      Do not allow legs, feet or any clothing to dangle near moving wheels and machinery.
*      Have a responsible adult to supervise any groups that ride your float.
*      Keep an adequate distance between yours and all other floats.
*      Watch out for all pedestrians!

Above all, have a SAFE Holiday Season and a very Merry Christmas! For more helpful safety tips, visit the Troup County Sheriff’s Office online at www.troupcountysheriff.org.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Help TCSO Locate a Missing/Stolen 4 Wheeler!

NWS: Little-to-No Snow for Troup County, 11/29/11

(Graphic is courtesy of The National Weather Service, in Peachtree City, on Facebook)
The NWS says that the blue area will be the only area that could see ANY accumulation. We may see a shower, or two, of snow; but, NO accumulation is expected. TCSO will keep you advised, thru NIXLE, if any changes should occur...

Monday, November 28, 2011

TCSO Meth Arrests during Thanksgiving Week

Dale Thomas "DJ" Burge, Jr. - Age 39, of Hogansville


Casey Levi Washington - Age 17, of Franklin, GA

Sheriff Donny Turner announces arrests made by the Troup County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit over the week of Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, 11/23/11 a search warrant was executed at 84 Old Hammett Road (near Hogansville) after a two month-long Investigation revealed that illegal drugs were being possessed and sold from that location.

Upon execution of the search warrant, Drug Unit Agents made contact with Dale Thomas Burge, Jr. (last name pronounced “BURG”) – also known as “DJ”. Burge was in the process of weighing and packaging a bag of Methamphetamine for resale from a bedroom inside the residence. Along with digital scales, plastic bags and various smoking devices and syringes were located in the home. “DJ” Burge was placed under arrest, at this time.

Drug Unit Agents also arrested another subject at the scene, Casey Levi Washington, after he was found to be in possession of a small bag of Methamphetamine and two syringes.

Both subjects were then transported to the Troup County Jail, without further incident. Dale Thomas “DJ” Burge, Jr. has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, three counts of Selling Methamphetamine and two counts of Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility (over the course of the ongoing Investigation). Casey Levi Washington has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine.

NWS: Special Winter Weather Statement for 11/29/11

(Screenshot Photo courtesy of The Weather Channel at www.weather.com)


LIGHT SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE LATE TONIGHT AND EARLY TUESDAY ACROSS NORTH AND PARTS OF CENTRAL GEORGIA...
A STRONG COLD FRONT MOVING INTO WEST GEORGIA EARLY THIS MONDAY MORNING WILL MOVE ACROSS THE REST OF NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA TODAY. MUCH COLDER AIR WILL MOVE INTO THE REGION BEHIND THE FRONT TONIGHT. AT THE SAME TIME MOISTURE WILL MOVE INTO WEST GEORGIA LATE TONIGHT AND ACROSS THE REST OF NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA EARLY TUESDAY MORNING.
AT THIS TIME THERE WILL BE ENOUGH COLD AIR IN PLACE AS THE MOISTURE MOVES INTO WEST GEORGIA LATE TONIGHT TO PRODUCE A LIGHT RAIN AND LIGHT SNOW MIX... HOWEVER THIS WILL CHANGE OVER TO ALL LIGHT SNOW BY DAYBREAK TUESDAY. THE LIGHT SNOW WILL SPREAD INTO NORTHEAST GEORGIA TUESDAY MORNING... WITH A RAIN AND SNOW MIX ACROSS CENTRAL GEORGIA. THE PRECIPITATION WILL END ACROSS THE ENTIRE AREA BY MID AFTERNOON TUESDAY.
SURFACE TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN ABOVE FREEZING... AND WITH GROUND TEMPERATURES WELL ABOVE FREEZING... ANY SNOW THAT FALLS WILL MELT ON IMPACT. THE EXCEPTION WILL BE THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS... MAINLY ABOVE 2500 FEET... WHERE UP TO 1 INCH OF SNOW COULD FALL BY NOON TUESDAY... MAINLY IN THE GRASSY AREAS.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Drive Safely This Thanksgiving!


Sheriff Donny Turner and your friends at the Troup County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens who will be taking to the highways to visit with relatives for Thanksgiving that, your family’s gathering would not be the same without you!

According to statistics from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, during the Season of Thanksgiving in 2009, 303 people died in traffic crashes nationwide, including 115 during daylight hours and 187 roadway travelers in the night time.

Will you be leaving for the relatives’ home after work? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that night time is one of the more dangerous times on the road, because seatbelt use is traditionally lower. Of the 187 passenger vehicle occupant deaths at night during the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday period, more than half (54 percent) did not have their seatbelts fastened!

The Troup County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety amid this holiday travel period. We will use routine Deputy patrols and safety belt checks to aggressively urge seat belt compliance for that small percent of Georgians who do not buckle-up.

Sheriff Turner adds “Be responsible while travelling! If you plan on drinking during the Holidays, don’t drive… And, as always, remember to buckle up! Every seat, every trip, every time...Day and Night!”
You can find these safety tips, along with helpful information on the many different programs offered by Sheriff Turner at our website: www.troupcountysheriff.org! Have a SAFE and Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

TCSO Arrests Two Suspects for Forgery in First Degree - 11/16/11

Stancio Darnell Reed (age 33, of Peachtree City)

Christian Kevin Darling (age 20, of Columbus)

Troup County Sheriff Donny Turner announces that two men, allegedly passing counterfeit currency at two local service stations, have been arrested and charged with Forgery (in the First Degree).

Earlier today, two subjects entered the Money Back Store (2860 Upper Big Springs Road, in LaGrange) with the intent to pass nine counterfeit twenty dollar bills as legal currency.

After leaving the store, the clerk notified Troup E-911 with a description of the two men. A lookout was placed on the subjects and their vehicle. In the meantime, the two had arrived at the Pure Station (1708 Hamilton Road at South Davis Road) in LaGrange with the same intent.

Leaving this location, the vehicle was recognized by a LaGrange Police Officer as matching the car in the lookout previously given by 911. When conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle, Troup County Sheriff’s Office Investigators were also notified. A subsequent search of the vehicle produced the counterfeit currency.

As a result, Stancio Darnell Reed (age 33, of Peachtree City) and Christian Kevin Darling (age 20, of Columbus) were arrested and charged with Forgery in the First Degree by the Troup County Sheriff’s Office. Further charges are pending on the two men from other Law Enforcement Agencies. Both men are presently being held at the Troup County Jail. 

TCSO Cancels LOOKOUT on Diverse Power Burglary Suspects

Diverse Power Burglary Suspects - 10/8/11

Johnquavious Jamal Russell (age 17, of LaGrange)

Troup County Sheriff Donny Turner announces that two suspects in a case of Burglary, which occurred on 10/8/11 at Diverse Power (1400 South Davis Road, in LaGrange), have been identified. As a result an arrest has been made.

17 year old, Johnquavious Jamal Russell of LaGrange has been arrested and charged with one count of Burglary by the Troup County Sheriff's Office. Other charges on Russell are currently pending from other Law Enforcement Agencies.

The second suspect is a 16 year old juvenile. After being placed into custody, the teen was transported to the Regional Youth Detention Center.   

Troup County under a Tornado Watch thru 7 pm


The National Weather Service of Peachtree City has issued a Tornado WATCH for Troup & surrounding Counties thru 7 pm, tonight.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Reminder of Teaver, Fling and Newton Roads' Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Go to the original NIXLE Reminder. Click here!

The Teaver, Fling and Newton Roads' Neighborhood Watch Meeting is tonight at 7:00 pm. We will meet in the Family Life Center of Teaver Road Baptist Church (215 Teaver Rd). At the meeting, we will pinpoint crime in the neighborhood on TCSO's NEW Recent Crimes of Interest interactive map, discuss Holiday Safety at home & abroad and watch a 9 minute video on the Troup County Criminal Justice System. It is an informative look for those who have never experienced anything beyond an arrest. Find out where a case goes from there... Hope to see you at Teaver Road Baptist Church!

The Next 36 Hours


Don't forget to stick the umbrella in your vehicle this morning! According to the National Weather Service, the next 36 hours look soggy and warm for Troup County. Although we need the rain, we may also get some thunder & lightning mixed in with the showers. The best chance for precipitation is tonight-into-Wednesday morning. After the front moves through, the weather should turn very gusty and a bit cooler!

Your Holiday Safety and Security Online


Your safety and security, over the Holidays, is paramount to everyone at the Troup County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Donny Turner points out that your first line of defense in protecting your livelihood this Holiday Season is “Understanding the risk”!

More than 10 million people per year become the victim of Identity Theft, according to the FBI. That number is astounding! You should consider that every time you fill out an online application, make an online purchase or join a social media website. There are other ways of falsely claiming another’s identity, but those methods are the fastest growing means. Keep that in mind following “Black Friday”. More American’s will be online shopping during “Cyber Monday” than, perhaps, any other time of the year!

Prepare ahead!:
1.      Know the websites that you will be visiting are secure! Shop only the online places that you are familiar with (i.e. Best Buy, eBay, Overstock.com, etc.).
2.      Avoid clicking links sent to you in a mass email. These can be deceptive, by guiding you to another hyperlink which is embedded into the wording for a familiar website. The link may indicate one web address, but take you to another (hacker’s/spyware) website.
3.      Secure your passwords – A good password cannot be easily guessed (i.e. child’s name, your birth date, your favorite sports team, or any other based on personal information and interests). Throw in upper and lowercase letters with numbers and/or punctuation to confound those who may try to guess your password… And, don’t use the same password twice.
4.      As you get ready to check out/make a purchase from a website, make sure the “http” in your browser changes to an “https” - this will let you know the website is encrypting your information. Look for the little lock in the bottom right hand corner of your browser and click on it to make sure that the security certificate installed on the website actually belongs to the store at which you are shopping.
5.      Ensure that your PC’s firewall is “On” and that your operating system (i.e. Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, etc.) is set to automatically install necessary updates. If you have an anti-virus program, check to see that it is also up-to-date.
6.      Keep an eye on your banking statements. Guard your personal information when conducting business transactions online. Remember, once the “Send”/“Submit” button has been clicked, you cannot take it back! If anything appears suspicious, don’t hesitate to check up on it. Then, follow up by notifying 911 to have a TCSO Deputy (or Law Enforcement Agency in your jurisdiction) arrive to make a report for alleged criminal activity.
7.      Log Off, or shut down, your computer when you are not using it.
8.      Most importantly – it may sound a bit cliché, but – If an offer sounds too good to be true… Then, most likely, it is a hoax used to gain your personal & financial identity!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Veteran's Day is Friday



Sheriff Donny Turner would like to thank our military men and women, whose selfless sacrifice makes it possible to protect and serve at home! This Veteran's Day, show those who serve our Country abroad, in the Armed Forces, how much you appreciate their hard work and time away from their own families.

Also keep in mind, in observance of this special Day, Troup County Government Offices will be closed on Friday (11-11-11). However, students and faculty in the Troup County School System will still be expected to attend classes on Veteran's Day.

WARNING: NACHA email Scam


Just in time for the Holidays... If you should receive an email with the subject line "Rejected ACH Transfer", please read the information below and pass along to others.

The Troup County Sheriff's Office contacted the NACHA organization, from which it appears that this email originated, in regards to the source of the transaction.

The company has an automated message stating "If you received an email purportedly from NACHA... Disregard and DO NOT CLICK THE LINK, as it will attempt to infect you computer with a virus." NACHA will NOT contact you regarding any transactions for online purchases.

Sheriff Donny Turner reminds citizens that something which appears to be as innocent as an email that is looking after YOUR best interest, could have a darker and more sinister motive lying beneath the surface. Be protective of your personal and financial information while conducting business or purchasing online. Then, delete any suspicious emails that come from, or have a subject line, which refer to transactions made on your behalf. DO NOT CLICK onto the links inside of any email that arrives from an unrecognizable source, to your inbox.

Again, please consider passing this along to anyone who may not perceive this email as a threat to their identity by computer hijackers. If you feel that you may have been a victim of an ID Theft, or Fraud, please notify 911. A TCSO Deputy, or other law enforcement representative from your jurisdiction, will respond to make a report and begin an investigation.