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.

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...

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

TCSO's M4 Training

Troup County Sheriff Donny Turner believes that training, on all levels (i.e. In the classroom, on Patrol, at the firing range, etc.), is necessary to condition Officers in any degree of experience to be the absolute best that they can be, while on the job.

Next month's edition of LGTV 19's "On the Job" will feature a segment on our Tactical Firearms Training & Gun Safety in Your Own Home, with TCSO's Firearms Training Instructor Captain Byron Hadley.

Our hope, at the Troup County Sheriff’s Office, is that this training will bring Troup County citizens peace and safety when they call upon us to perform our duties. Although we hope that training with the M4 Carbine never has to be played out in a true-to-life scenario, reality dictates that we must be prepared for anything!

Wanted Harris County Subject Captured After Crime Stopper Tip Received!

Heraldo Rivera Robinson

On 11/9/11, Troup County Sheriff’s Office Investigators received an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip, indicating that a subject wanted for Burglary and Failure to Appear in Court (both charges) by Harris County was inside a residence in the 100 block of Mitchell Avenue of LaGrange.

Upon arrival, TCSO Deputies and Investigators immediately located & identified the subject and placed him under arrest. Heraldo Rivera Robinson was then transported to the Troup County Jail without further incident, pending extradition to Harris County.

Sheriff Donny Turner would like to say thank you to our citizens for being observant, and notifying the Troup County Crime Stoppers Hotline at (706)812-1000. As in this case, everything flowed as it should in order to preserve the safety and peace in our community. Good job!!! 

Major Changes are coming in our Weather!

What a difference a day makes! According to the National Weather Service, after clouds and a few scattered afternoon showers, wind and much cooler weather moves into Troup County...

REMINDER: 1st Nationwide TEST of the EAS System today!

REMINDER: 1st Nationwide TEST of Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be @ 2pm. It will only last for 30 secs.

Today is Election Day!

(Click the pic for local election newspaper article)

Many will be headed to the polls today! Be considerate of others; and, be prepared for lines and crowded parking conditions. Before you vote, it would be advisable to familiarize yourself with the basic steps in the process and to answer any preliminary questions you may have... Visit the Voter Registration page of the Troup County Government's website for this information: http://troupcountyga.org/services.html

TOMORROW: 1st Nationwide EAS Test!

(Click the pic to watch YouTube video from FEMA)

TOMORROW: The 1st Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be conducted at 2pm (EST) by FEMA (US Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).

Although the EAS is frequently used by State and local governments to send weather alerts and other emergencies, there has never been a national activation of the system. The purpose of the November 9th Test is to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system and identify incremental improvements to better serve our communities in the preservation of life and property.

For more information on the Nationwide EAS Test, please visit FEMA's website: www.fema.gov

This would also be a great time to put your family's/office's/school's emergency plan to the test! Visit : ready.georgia.gov for more information.

International Fraud Awareness Week, 2011

Employee theft is becoming an issue across the nation in our tough economic times. Small Business revenues are already down; additionally, employee-related theft can really hit a struggling company where it hurts the most... Its “Bottom Line”

At no time is this issue more relevant than during International Fraud Awareness Week (the week of November 6^th through the 12^th, 2011). A study done by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) reported that businesses across the world lose an estimated $2.9 trillion annually (or, about 5% of annual revenue for each individual company) to fraud committed by their own workers. About 30% of those victimized companies had fewer than 100 employees. The median loss for businesses of all sizes was just over $160,000. Even more disheartening were findings about those who allegedly perpetrated the crimes against their own companies--as many as ¼ had been at the organization for 10 years or more.

Sheriff Donny Turner and the Criminal Investigative Division of the Troup County Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage all businesses to take steps in order to protect themselves against the chance of fraud-related theft occurring in our working community. Here are just a few suggestions which might help:

·         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.

·         Have your IT department (if not done by you personally) keep your computer’s browser, anti-virus and anti-spyware up to date with the latest version of security software.

·         Use the computer’s built-in firewall; and, ensure that your computer’s operating system (i.e. Windows 7, Vista, XP, etc.) is set to automatically download and install updates.

·         Guard your personal information when conducting business transactions online. Remember, once the “Send”/“Submit” button has been clicked, you cannot take it back!

If you feel that you, or your business, have recently been the victim of Fraud, notify 911 to have a Troup County Sheriff’s Deputy (or the proper law enforcement agency in your jurisdiction) dispatched to take your report.   

Troup vs. LaGrange Football Game

Sheriff Donny Turner and your friends at the Troup County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone attending tonight’s Troup and LaGrange High School football game that, the foundation for good sportsmanship begins with the parents of our players, cheerleaders and band members… All students can learn the best practices to support their team, while respecting the efforts put forth by their opposition, by observing the good conduct displayed by responsible adults. Regardless of the outcome in tonight’s game, keep in mind that we all live in the same community. Any time that we can all gather and safely enjoy a ballgame, is a win for ALL Troup County citizens! Have fun… See you at the game!

Help TCSO Identify This Check Fraud Suspect!

Sheriff Donny Turner and the Investigators at the Troup County Sheriff's Office are asking for your help in identifying the person in this series-of-progression images taken from Corley Drugs (New Airport Road, near LaGrange) surveillance video. Should you recognize the Check Fraud suspect, please notify the Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706)812-1000.

Weekend Weather

According to the National Weather Service, after a few clouds and gusty start, the weekend should be nice for enjoying the great outdoors! Winds today could gust as high as 20mph... Could need the blanket and benchwarmer tonight at the football game.

LOOKOUT: Michael Scott Gray - Wanted for Rape

Michael Scott Gray - Age 22, of LaGrange.

LOOKOUT: Michael Scott Gray. White Male, Height: 5' 6", Weight: 150 lbs, Hair: Brown and Eyes: Blue. Gray is currently wanted for Rape. Last seen @ 1083 Youngs Mill Rd. Call 911 immediately if seen. 

TCSO Arrest of Utah Fugitive

John William Taylor, age 42.

Sheriff Donny Turner announces the arrest of John William Taylor (age 42), a fugitive from justice out of St. George (Washington County), Utah.

Taylor is wanted in Utah for Aggravated Child Molestation. On Tuesday afternoon, he was picked up at a residence in the 4000 block of Mooty Bridge Road (near LaGrange) by Troup County Sheriff’s Office Investigators and Agents from the United States Marshals Service.

John William Taylor is presently being held in the Troup County Jail, awaiting/pending extradition to Utah.

1st National Test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS): 11/9/11

Watch the FEMA video explaining the Test!

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test on the 9th of this month (11/9/11) @ 2pm (EST). The test may run up to 3 and a half minutes in length.

Although the EAS is frequently used by State and local governments to send weather alerts and other emergencies, there has never been a national activation of the system. The purpose of the November 9, 2011 Test is to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system and identify incremental improvements to better serve our communities in the preservation of life and property.

For more information on the Nationwide EAS Test, please visit FEMA's website: www.fema.gov

Pickup Truck Stolen from the W. Lakeview Drive area

(Truck similar to stolen vehicle)

Sheriff Donny Turner and Troup County Sheriff's Office Investigators are asking for your help in locating a truck reported as stolen on 10/28/11. A 1998, green Chevrolet K1500 pickup truck was last seen in the 200 block of West Lakeview Drive (off of Roanoke Road - S.R. 109) before it was noticed to be missing. Please call the Troup County Crime Stoppers Hotline if you know of the truck's whereabouts, or if you have any further information regarding this alleged crime... (706)812-1000.

Sims and Perkins Roads Fire - 11/1/11

Sims Road and Perkins Road (near the intersection) were re-opened to thru-traffic after Tuesday's brush fire that burned out of control. The Troup County Fire Department and Troup County Sheriff's Deputies responded to cordone off the area and get the fire under control. The only concern, thereafter, was heavy smoke throughout the rest of the evening.