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!!!

RV Sinks at Whitetail Campground!

Over the weekend Troup County Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol Deputies responded to the Whitetail Campground boat access area in reference to an incident wherein a motor home, that had a boat attached to it, was sinking in West Point Lake.

Upon arrival, Deputies located the 14’ pontoon boat attached to a partially submerged 2001 Coachman Motor Home. The wreckage was approximately 20 yards from the shore line & boat ramp, underneath about 15 feet of water. Two men from the Sharpsburg/ Senoia area (ages 72 & 64, respectively) were involved in the incident. Both were taken ashore and checked for injuries with the assistance of Troup County Fire and Rescue.

The driver of the RV stated that he mistakenly pressed the gas pedal instead of applying the brake. As a result, both the motor home and the boat were thrust into the lake. Shortly thereafter, the Troup County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team secured a tow line to the submerged vehicle & boat, so that a local wrecker service could pull them from the water.

Neither man received an injury; and, both were allowed to leave from the scene to continue their visit at the Campground.

The 3rd Annual TCSO Car Show to Benefit Pineland was a big success!

Even though we had a wet start to the day, sunshine & hot rods dried things out quick enough to bring in the funds for Pineland! We deeply appreciate the registrants for bringing out their vehicles, vendors for the concessions, auction items, door prizes and other cool stuff... We are also grateful for those who volunteered to work at the car show on their day off by cooking the food, handling registrations, wrapping cars with 50/50 tickets, setting up & breaking down along with other key roles in today's car show. Thanks also goes to Chief Charles Nixon for taking the reigns in leading the organizational efforts for the event... Lieutenant Chad Mann was our DJ/Emcee and nearly all of the Divisions of the Troup County Sheriff's Office were represented in some form or fashion. If you came out, or supported our Car Show for Pineland in ANY way, "Thank you" for helping our 3rd Annual become another big success!

ALERT: Boaters on West Point Lake - Thieves Want Your Stuff!!!

Summer is quickly approaching, and the fish are biting... Do your plans include fishing, skiing or any other recreational activity on the Lake this weekend? Troup County Sheriff Donny Turner urges you to take only your important belongings and necessary equipment when leaving your vehicle unattended for ANY length of time, at ANY recreational or boating area on the Lake.

In the past week, there have been 4 reports of entering auto at various parking locations (boat ramps) on West Point Lake. In one instance, a rear driver side window was shattered on an SUV in order for theives to remove headrest DVD players, an iPod Touch, flip-style cellphone and a pocketbook.

Another incident involved a pickup truck with a toolbox mounted in the bed which had been left unsecured, while the vehicle's owner was boating on the lake. After he returned, he discovered that an electric hammer drill had been taken from the toolbox.

These are but two examples to remind you that, while you may be enjoying some free time with friends and family, criminals don't take time off from their busy schedules. Their goal is to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself... i.e. An unattended truck parked at a boat ramp with electronics and other valuables in plain view. They really love it when you leave your vehicle unsecured. LOCK YOUR DOORS! Do not leave any valuable in plain sight. Take only the necessary supplies and equipment, then make sure that you can carry those items with you on the lake!

Sheriff Turner has had Troup County Sheriff's Office Lake Patrol step up their presence and concentrated efforts around these areas to combat future incidents of Theft. You can also lend a hand by notifying 911 whenever you see suspicious activity occurring at West Point Lake. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the Troup County Crime Stoppers Hotline at (706)812-1000!

Vehicle recovered from West Point Lake - 5/10/12

On Thursday afternoon, the US Army Corps of Engineers reported a submerged vehicle located near the boat ramp at Whitewater Park on West Point Lake.

The Troup County Sheriff's Office Dive Team responded, and located the vehicle moments later. A black (in color) 1993 Nissan 240SX convertible was found beneath approximately 15 feet of water, around 45 yards from the boat ramp.

On recovery, no license plate was affixed to the vehicle. A check of the VIN number indicated that it may have been from the Decatur area. No further information is available, at this time. This investigation continues.