TCSO holds K-9 Demonstration for C.H.A.M.P.S. Camp

Pineland is hosting CHAMPS Camp, comprised of children involved in the various CHAMPS and Eagle Quest SAFE programs throughout the State. It is a leadership camp for up-and-coming 6th graders. CHAMPS Camp broadens the learning experienced by the children who benefit from the CHAMPS program throughout the school year. Benefits of the Camp include: Learning to constructively deal with peer pressure and in Building self-esteem and helping to put leaders in place for the upcoming school year. Thus, children completing the Camp are enabled to act as role models for other middle school-aged children faced with the same issues.

This evening, the children benefitted from a skills demonstration by the Troup County Sheriff's Office K-9 unit that is utilized for bomb detection & locating hidden firearms. Sheriff's Deputies also spoke about making contributions within the community to help keep our families and neighbors safe and secure. 

The Troup County Sheriff's Office has been a proud sponsor and organizer of the DARE and CHAMPS Camps since 1995. At that time, the Troup County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Sheriff's Association were instrumental in bringing both of these leadership programs into Troup County. These same programs are still carried on today, in order to groom the young leaders of tomorrow.

West Point Road Burglary - 6/12/12

TCSO Deputies responded (Tues., 6/12/12) to a residence inside the 3500 block of West Point Road in reference to a Burglary which had already occurred. According to the resident, her dogs which were normally kept inside the home were outside in the yard when she returned home for the evening. Further, she noted that the back door was not secured as she left it. The resident could also see that several items were missing from the residence. Retreating to a safe distance, the resident then notified 911 and waited for Deputies to arrive.

Once the residence had been cleared, it was discovered that among the items missing were: an Insignia 40" LCD Flat Screen TV, a .40 caliber Taurus handgun and a size six 14 kt gold family heirloom ring having three stones on it.

Sheriff Donny Turner urges you to notify the Troup County Crime Stoppers if you know the whereabouts of the missing property... (706)812-1000. You can remain anonymous! There is also a cash reward for information leading to an arrest(s) in this case! Thank you.

TCSO Patrol Makes 2nd Metal Theft Arrest This Week

Marcus Russell Storey

Misty Mitchell Kelley

On Thursday afternoon, Troup County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a location inside the 2300 block of Hamilton Road in reference to a report of Theft, currently in progress.

After receiving a description of the suspects and their vehicle, Deputies searched the area immediately surrounding the location very thoroughly. According to the complainant, the suspects had allegedly been loading scrap metal from the location into their tan (in color) pickup truck without permission.

A short while later, Deputies that were still patrolling the area had noticed a truck and subjects that matched the descriptions given by the complainant, turning onto a nearby road. The vehicle then pulled onto the shoulder of the roadway, allowing the Deputies to make contact with the occupants.

During this time, the driver admitted to being at the location when the initial call was dispatched. Subsequently, he also confessed to moving a large metal crate from a wooded area close by, which he planned on picking up after he returned to the location.

As a result, Marcus Russell Storey (age 29, of LaGrange) and Misty Mitchell Kelley (age 35, of LaGrange) were arrested, and both were charged with Criminal Trespass and Theft By Taking (Under $500.00).

Chase with TCSO Patrol Leads to Felony Arrest

At approximately 2:42 am, on Thursday, Troup County Sheriff’s Deputies engaged in a chase with a Jeep Cherokee observed traveling northbound on Hogansville Road (US Highway 29) in the area of Sivell Road without the use of its headlights.

The vehicle continued on Highway 29 in the direction of Hogansville, at a high rate of speed (around 100 mph). As the Jeep Cherokee approached Beasley Road, the driver lost control of the vehicle, striking a stop sign and two trees at that location.

The driver of the vehicle, Benjamin Oliver Askew (age 23, of Hogansville), was chased into the surrounding wooded area. He was captured by Deputies shortly thereafter.

As a result Askew arrested and charged with Having a Defective Headlight, Reckless Driving, Driving Without a Valid License, Failing to Report Striking a Fixed Object, Obstruction of an Officer, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude and Violating his Probation (Superior).   

TCSO Drug Unit Makes a Marijuana Manufacturing Arrest

On Tuesday afternoon (6/6/12), Troup County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit Agents arrived at a location inside the 600 block of Gray Hill School Road in reference to a subject manufacturing Marijuana there.

After receiving consent to search the property, Drug Unit Agents located three plants on the property. The Marijuana plants were confiscated and Larry Lee White (age 45, of West Point) was arrested and charged with Manufacturing Marijuana. Subsequently, White was transported to the Troup County Jail without further incident.

TCSO Patrol Makes Metal Theft Arrests

Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a location inside the 300 block of West Drummond Road in rural Troup County in reference to a report of a metal theft in progress. Upon arrival, the Deputies made contact with three subjects who had apparently arrived at the scene in a dark green pickup truck, just a few minutes earlier.

When asked by the Sheriff’s Deputies what their purpose for being on the private property was, one of the subjects stated that they “saw some scrap metal on the side of the road and started picking it up.”

The men further confessed that they had no one’s permission to be on the private property for this reason. Additional information was gathered from the property owner to attest to this report. Investigators processed the scene for available evidence and conducted interviews.

The three subjects: Otis Rutledge (age 41, of LaGrange), Christopher Antwain Harris (age 30, of LaGrange) and Carl Russell, Jr. (age 44, of Columbus) were arrested, charged with Theft By Taking and transported to the Troup County Jail.  

LOOKOUT: Stolen Dirt Bike from Maple Ln, Yamaha RT 100

Recently, a resident of Maple Lane reported that an unknown person(s) had taken his white (in color) 1986 Yamaha RT 100 motorcycle/dirt bike from his front porch without permission. The bike owner further stated that the motorcycle was distinguishable in that he had to weld the tail pipe at the frame.

Sheriff Donny Turner asks that you notify the Troup County Crime Stoppers if you have any further information regarding this crime... (706)812-1000. You can remain anonymous. If your tip leads to an arrest you could even receive a cash reward! Thank you for your help...

Join your friends from the Troup County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, from 10am - 2pm, at Yellowjacket Creek Beach and Recreational Area on West Point Lake for the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper's Clean Water Festival!

There will be boat rides, kayaking, fishing, water safety demonstrations, beach games & prizes, rainwater barrel painting, music and much more FUN!!! The best part of all... There will be FREE admission during this time!

So, join us for a good time at one of Georgia's cleanest lakes; and, learn the importance of keeping our community's water clean!

June is National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month! Your friends at the Troup County Sheriff’s Office remind you to keep safety first, throughout the Summer. You can get a few safety tips, along with a breakdown of the focus for each week in the month of June, as it relates to the realm of safety. Visit the National Safety Council’s website at

http://www.nsc.org/nsc_events/Nat_Safe_Month/Pages/home.aspx?VanUrl=nsm

You may also get some local safety guidelines by checking out our website at www.TroupCountySheriff.org. Hope you have a SAFE and happy Summer! 

TCSO Crime Stoppers Alert Map Updated

Same map is featured atop this blog

The Troup County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigative Division has a few cases that they would like to get your help in resolving. Take a look at this map for some of the active Crime Stoppers Alerts from TCSO. If you have information to pass along to our Investigators, please call the Troup County Crime Stoppers Hotline at (706)812-1000. Thank you!

Capsized Boat on West Point Lake - 5/30/12

Troup County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area of Horace King Park and the S.R. 109 River Bridge in reference to a report of a capsized vessel. The incident apparently occurred during a period of strong winds and inclement weather which moved through Troup County overnight (at approximately 1:30 am).

While in the area of the river bridge, a small john boat carrying two passengers (one male & one female) overturned during the stormy weather conditions. En route, the Deputies were informed by Troup E-911 that another subject had the two individuals from the capsized boat aboard his vessel.

After arriving at the Horace King Park boat access (ramp), the two passengers from the capsized boat were checked by medical personnel. The driver of the overturned vessel reported that when the storm came up, his boat began to take on water. Subsequently, the strong winds contributed to flipping the boat over.

Deputies returned to the location of the overturned vessel and retrieved the boat. Once back at the ramp, the owner of the boat was able to load it back onto his trailer and depart. No injuries, nor further damage, were reported at this time.

Beware of College Phishing Scam

Recently, scammers have discovered a new range of prey through Uloop. Uloop is an “online marketplace for college life”. It claims to have more than 2 million postings, while reaching more than 1,500 college & university campuses with their online classified ads. However, the service provided by Uloop has been taken advantage of by scammers across the globe. Uloop is not the culprit in this new younger adult-targeted scam. It is the “Home Concept” company, seeking a young adult to fill the position of Bookeeper by phishing for private information, that runs afoul in this scenario.

Over the last week, a college student presented the Troup County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division with what appears to be the format of the latest trickery. Responding to an ad for a “Bookeeping/Office Assistant Position”, the inquiring student in turn receives an email from someone claiming to be a “Representative” of an “Investment Company” that placed the classified ad.

The “Job Description” explains, in great detail, the services it provides through remodeling projects and new construction on homes and garages. The email goes on to say that the “Representative” plays the role of a “Medium” by linking suppliers and buyers, both inside and outside the United States, yielding the “Representative” a 20% profit.

Further, the “Representative goes on to say that he is constantly on the move organizing seminars, ultimately joining buyers and suppliers together. At this point, the “Representative” begins to bait the student into his deceit by explaining “that is why an Administrative Assistant is needed to complete billings, invoices and transactions to make this medium effective.” The “Representative” then offers 10% of processed transactions, plus a continuous $3,000.00 per month in total transactions. Sounds great, right?!?!?!

As we looked over the emails, a few “Red Flags” popped out at our Investigators. First, there are numerous misspellings and odd combinations of words that would make an entire paragraph (or email) read awkwardly, at best. This should tip the student off, right away, as to the entire classified job ad being a sinister hoax. We have seen this same type of pattern in many of the “Nigerian Email Scams”.

This particular phishing scam culminates in the “Representative” asking for personal information to ensure that the college student has a serious interest in working for his company (Liberty Home Concepts). He informs the student that there are several people interested in the same position with his company; therefore, he must test each applicant to see who is the most qualified.

The test includes a check being sent to the college student, to be deposited into his/her personal bank account for no less than 24 hours. The funds from the check are to be withdrawn “first thing tomorrow morning”, minus the 10% salary he promised the student would receive. Finally, the student is to send the rest of the funds in cash via MoneyGram Transfer to yet another individual.

After all is said and done, the college student has given up his/her personal information, banking information and made a financial transaction with funds from an unknown source. Scary to think it is still possible in our day and time, that this type of scam still occurs. Fact is, whenever phishing scammers fail to receive any “bites” in one “pond”… They simply move to another “phishing hole”.

Be vigilant! Pass this information along to college students in your family, and educate the younger ones following them in graduation over the next few years. If someone solicits you by email, or phone, for personal/banking information, do not respond! Delete emails with links to other (Unknown) sources. If you are looking for a job through an online source, ask for & check references on your prospective employer to ensure that they are on the up-and-up, before you begin corresponding with information about yourself. Finally, if you feel you have fallen victim to this type of scam, please call 911 to make a report. Should you have any further questions regarding a phishing scam, you can call the Criminal Investigative Division of the Troup County Sheriff’s Office at (706)883-1616.

Lookout on Stolen F-series pickup truck

Similar to stolen truck

LOOKOUT on Stolen Truck: '73 Ford F-series (similar to picture), black, 2-door, did not have front tires and did not run. GA tag #467GXZ. Call 911 if seen, or if you know of its whereabouts.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day, Troup County!

Sheriff Donny Turner and everyone at the Troup County Sheriff's Office would like to express our gratitude to those in the military who serve, have served... And, to those who gave all!!! Thank you for what you do to preserve our freedom.

If you are having a gathering with friends and family this weekend, or plan on doing any traveling, Sheriff Turner reminds you to be responsible... Don't drink and drive!

Latchkey Kids Safety Tips

School is out for the Summer! With that in mind, some children in Troup County will be staying at home alone while their parents are away, at work. Home safety preparations should already be in place for times when the entire family is at home together. However, Sheriff Donny Turner reminds you that danger has no clock or calendar! An emergency can occur at any time. Most often, it will happen when we are most vulnerable.

Children become vulnerable whenever the attention of a parent’s watchful eye is diverted; or, periodically, whenever the parent must leave their child to tend to other important activities for any length of time. Whether your child is a block away, on the other side of town or, even, in the next room… There are some safety procedures that you should communicate with your child before you leave him/her at home alone:

Ø  Make sure your child memorizes "911"!

Ø  Your child should also memorize your home address and phone number.

Ø  Prepare your child to give emergency responders their full name, your full name and the full names of all siblings who are also at home during the day in the event of an emergency.

Ø  Have an emergency contact phone list posted in a common area of your home with up-to-date information. You may also be able to program an “I.C.E.” (In Case of Emergency) list into your child’s cellphone.

Ø  Keep an emergency first-aid kit stocked-up and ready to use, if necessary. Make sure your child is familiar with how to use it.

Ø  Go over basic first-aid procedures with him/her.

Ø  Practice severe weather safety drills and fire evacuation safety drills with the entire family.

Ø  Limit the kind of cooking that should take place when a responsible adult is not present.

Ø  Teach your child to never open the door to a stranger.

Ø  Keep all doors and windows locked while you are away.

Ø  Instruct your child to stay inside the home while you are away, unless an emergency situation forces them to leave.

Ø  Tell your child that they are not to have any friends there, at home, until you return.

Ø  Use caller ID; and, never tell anyone that is not a trusted adult that they are at home alone.

Ø  It is best to keep them off the computer when you are not able to monitor their usage. If they must go online for any reason, make sure they use your established internet safety rules. Teach them not to update their "status" with information that would make them vulnerable to an internet predator.

Ø  If your child is forced to evacuate the home, establish a "Safe House" or trusted neighbor that they may retreat to.

Ø  Check frequently on your child. Let them know if you will be running late.

This list is, by no means, an all-inclusive check sheet that will cover every unsafe situation. It is, however, a series of guidelines that will allow you to sit down with your family and come to a comprehensive conclusion of safety steps to best fit into your family’s home emergency plans. Sheriff Donny Turner wishes you and yours a SAFE and happy Summer 2012!

TCSO K-9 Demonstration for West Point Seniors

The Troup County Sheriff's Office dropped in, by invitation, on the West Point Senior Center today for their "Wonderful Wednesday" program. Sheriff Donny Turner greeted the crowd and informed them of ongoing technical advancements on the horizon at the TCSO.

The Troup County Sheriff's Office K-9 Biko and his handler, Sergeant Nathan Taylor, then demonstrated the procedure for Felony apprehension of a fleeing suspect (a role facilitated by Deputy Chad Traylor).

Sheriff Turner would like to thank those who came out to enjoy the day with the Troup County Sheriff's Office, along with the staff of the Senior Center in West Point for their cordial invitation. A regular fixture in the Wednesday program at the Senior Center, the Sheriff's Office has also given helpful information on "How to protect yourself from becoming a victim of ID Theft", the Nixle program, Offender Watch, R U O K and other vital services provided at no cost to Troup County citizens. We all look forward to our next Wednesday trip!

Forger, Michael David Johnson CAPTURED!

Last week, Troup County Sheriff's Office Patrol received a "hit" from the new tag reader while in the area of East Crovat Street & Whitesville Road, indicating traffic violations thus prompting the Deputy to conduct a stop on the vehicle. After arresting the driver for those offenses, the Deputy removed the passenger and received consent to search the vehicle. As a result of the search, a tan-colored bag was located containing a clear plastic bag with a handful of pills inside. Further searching revealed a driver’s license and checks belonging to another individual. After making contact with the other individual, she confirmed that the checks and license had been taken without her knowledge or permission. The passenger was additionally checked for warrants – He had two pending Felony warrants in Troup County for Forgery and Failure to Appear.

At this time, the passenger, Michael David Johnson was also placed under arrest; and, both men were transported to the Troup County Jail. Johnson is presently being charged with Forgery (1^st  Degree), Forgery (2^nd Degree) and Failure to Appear. 

The Latest Credit Card Scam - 5/17/12

Sheriff Donny Turner wants to make you aware of another phone scam involving the information off of your credit card! TCSO investigators received a report on this scam, earlier today.

As it goes, a "Credit Card Company Representative" calls the victim claiming that the victim's card has been deactivated. To reactivate the card, the "Representative" asks for the 16 digit number from the card that has been "Deactivated" in order to set things straight.

The call from the "Representative" originates from a "Credit Union Center" via (land line) phone number in Atlanta & references another (mobile) number in Columbus for customer service.

Sheriff Turner advises citizens to NEVER give out any identification numbers over the phone, or to someone you are unfamiliar with. The credit card company should never need to contact you to get further personal information... And, the information requested of the victim in this scam would have already been known by the actual credit card company.

If you are contacted by someone whom you believe to be a scam artist, and you would like further information, contact the Troup County Sheriff's Office at (706)883-1616 to speak with an Investigator. If you feel that you have recently been a victim to this type of scam, please notify 911 to file a report.

UPDATE on American Legion Homicide

UPDATE ON TCSO HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION: Another arrest has been made in the American Legion homicide case, that Troup County Sheriff’s Investigators began working on April 29th. Renordo Deonte McKiver (age = 22, of Atlanta) turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday afternoon (5/15/12). He is presently being charged with Murder. There is nothing further to release at this time, as the investigation continues.

1st Realty of LaGrange says "Thank You" to Law Enforcement!

Jerry Johnson and the staff at First Realty of LaGrange have been longtime supporters of the men and women in Law Enforcement. Today, Jerry and the crew prepared an awesome luncheon complete with hot dogs, brunswick stew and all the fixin's in honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Week (National Police Week 2012 is May 13th - 19th, and National Peace Officers Memorial Day is on May 15th). Sheriff Turner and everyone at the Troup County Sheriff's Office is humbly grateful for our luncheon and the diligent efforts that went into cooking the feast for our Agency, LaGrange PD, GSP, Troup County Marshal's Dept. and all others! THANK YOU!!!