Bad & Busted

09/05/2024

After 23 years, an Athens man has been charged with murder by the GBI and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for the death of Tara Louise Baker, a 23-year-old UGA law school student.

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Athens-Clarke County, GA (May 9, 2024) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), along with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), announces the arrest of an Athens man in the murder investigation of Tara Louise Baker. After 23 years, GBI agents have charged Edrick Lamont Faust, age 48, with murder, two counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, arson, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, and one count of aggravated so**my in connection with Baker’s death.

In September of 2023, the GBI Cold Case Unit partnered with ACCPD to conduct an in-depth review and analysis of the ongoing investigation into Baker’s death.

On January 19, 2001, around 11:20 a.m., Athens-Clarke County firefighters found Tara Louise Baker’s body responding to a fire at her Athens apartment. The investigation determined that the fire was intentionally set, and investigators spent over two decades seeking answers in the case.

At the time, Tara was 23 and a first-year law school student at the University of Georgia. She graduated from Lovejoy High School in 1995 and enrolled at Georgia College in Milledgeville.

"Tara Louise Baker was a hardworking student with a bright future ahead of her," says GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Tara's life was stolen from her in a horrific act of violence. While this arrest does not bring her back to us, I pray that it helps bring closure to the Baker family as they continue their healing journey. I am proud of the work of the GBI Cold Case Unit and the GBI agents and scientists that devoted their efforts over the last 23 years to find justice for Tara. I also want to express my gratitude to Athens Clarke-County investigators and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia State Patrol who have partnered with us in this case. While this arrest is the first step in finding justice for Tara, there is still more work to be done. The GBI and our partners will never stop fighting for justice for victims and their families."

“For many years, I have hoped the Baker family would find justice for the loss of Tara,” says Jerry Saulters, now Chief of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, who was an officer at the crime scene on January 19th, 2001. “This is a case that has lived with me throughout my career at ACCPD. I remember being there during that horrific time. Seeing this case now full circle, I appreciate the hard work of the detectives, from then and now. Knowing that the evidence collected at that time contributed to the arrest today gives me tremendous pride in all the officers who worked this case over the years.”

The following agencies & work units assisted the GBI Cold Case Unit and ACCPD:

- FBI Gainesville RA
- FBI Athens RA
- FBI Athens Safe Streets Task Force
- GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO)
- GBI – Division of Forensic Sciences
- Georgia State Patrol

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to submit a tip. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

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There will be a news conference in the coming days. More details to follow.

17/04/2024

DOUBLE ISSUE in stores this week. Still ONLY $1

23/03/2024

ACCPD continues the search for 18-year-old Dakious Echols and 22-year-old Desmontrez Mathis, both facing multiple charges including murder.

The investigation is active and ongoing. ACCPD is asking the public, particularly friends or individuals who know the subjects’ location, to contact Detective Johnson at 762-400-7060 or via email at [email protected] .

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons involved in this incident.

Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 706-705-4775.

11/03/2024

$2,000 Reward for Information Leading to the Location and Arrest of Jayden Brown and Dakious Echols in the Killing of 3-year-old in Hallmark Shooting

Full Press Release:
https://accgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/98017/Press-Release-2024-03080197-Update

ACCPD Investigating Fatal Shooting – UPDATE -
With the assistance of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI, at 6:37 PM on March 8th, 2024, ACCPD took Julian Cubillos, 17, Lawrenceville GA, into custody. Cubillos was later charged with two counts of Murder (Malice and Felony Murder), four counts of Aggravated Assault, and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, in connection with this incident.

After further investigation, ACCPD obtained warrants for Jayden Brown, 16, Athens, and Dakious Echols, 18, Athens. Both are charged with two counts of Murder (Malice and Felony Murder), four counts of Aggravated Assault, and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, in connection with this incident.

“I am sickened by this heinous crime, and my heart aches for the grieving family, friends, and loved ones who are suffering such a tragic loss,” said ACCPD Chief of Police Jerry Saulters. “The Athens-Clarke County Police Department will dedicate our full strength and resources to bring the killers to justice.”

The investigation is active and ongoing. ACCPD is asking the public and in particular, friends or individuals that know the subjects’ location, to contact Detective Johnson at 762-400-7060 or via email at paul.johnson@accgovcom.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $2,000 reward for information leading to the location and arrest of Jayden Brown and Dakious Echols. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 706-705-4775.

The original press release stated an adult was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. As an update, the adult was not injured by gunfire.

24/02/2024

DIEGO IBARRA -brother of accused murderer Jose Ibarra, was also arrested yesterday at the same apartment complex.

The DOJ just released the following statement:

The brother of the suspect charged with murdering a woman on University of Georgia’s campus—was charged tonight by federal criminal complaint with possessing a fraudulent green card and is currently being held in state custody.

Diego Ibarra, 29, of Venezuela, is charged by criminal complaint with possession of a fraudulent document. Ibarra’s initial appearance has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Ibarra faces a maximum of ten years in prison. Diego Ibarra is the brother of Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, of Venezuela, who is facing state charges for malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another in the death of Laken Hope Riley.

According to the criminal complaint and sworn affidavit, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was made aware of Ibarra’s undocumented presence in the United States on Feb. 23, 2024.

An Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) officer approached Ibarra earlier today because he matched the description of a suspect in the homicide investigation.

Ibarra presented the officer with a U.S. permanent resident card (also called a green card) as identification.

The card was determined to be fraudulent. Ibarra is a citizen of Venezuela and was processed for expedited removal but claimed a credible fear of return to Venezuela. He was consequently released from immigration custody pending adjudication of his claim for asylum on April 30, 2024.

According to the criminal complaint and sworn affidavit, since entering the country, Ibarra has been arrested three times by Athens law enforcement: on or about Sept. 25, 2023, Ibarra was arrested by ACCPD for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without a license; on or about Oct. 27, 2023, Ibarra was arrested by ACCPD for theft by shoplifting; and on or about Dec. 8, 2023, Ibarra was arrested by ACCPD for failure to appear for a fingerprintable offense.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with critical assistance from FBI, GBI, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, University of Georgia Police Department and Clarke County Sheriff’s Office.

24/02/2024

Jose Antonio Ibarra

Malice Murder
Felony Murder
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated Battery
False Imprisonment
Kidnapping
Hindering 911 Call
Concealing Death of Another

24/02/2024

Jose Antonio Ibarra has been arrested and being charged with the following in the murder of Laken Riley, nursing student in Athens. Authorities say Ibarra is 26 years old, not a student nor a US citizen. The two did not know each other.

Malice Murder
Felony Murder
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated Battery
False Imprisonment
Kidnapping
Hindering 911 Call
Concealing Death of Another

23/02/2024

ACCPD have a person on interest in custody in the murder of Augusta University (Athens campus) nursing student Laken Riley.

A heavy law enforcement presence is currently at the Cielo at Azulyk apartment complex, located on South Milledge Avenue and adjacent to the backside of the UGA intramural fields.

23/02/2024

Police questioning a person of interest now.

AACPD Mobile Command is set up at the Cielo Apartments across from Chevron on S. Milledge near Loop 10.

22/02/2024

The woman found dead on the UGA campus was not a current UGA student, said Jeff Clark, Chief of UGA Police at a press conference. She was a student of another school.

5PM FRIDAY UPDATE | ⚠️⚠️ A suspect in the homicide of Laken Riley has been taken into custody by the University of Georgia Police Department.

UGA says at this time, there are no indications of a continuing threat to the UGA campus related to this matter.

🙏

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1PM FRIDAY UPDATE | A PERSON OF INTEREST has been detained and now being questioned in the homicide of the 22-year-old Laken Riley on Thursday morning, on the campus of UGA.

—

FRIDAY UPDATE | UGA has confirmed the victim is 22-year-old Laken Riley. 🙏

—

9PM UPDATE | College of Nursing Campus at Athens confirms she was student. Classes have been cancelled at the College of Nursing campus at Athens on Friday. The two schools (UGA & Collere of Nursing at Athens) have a partnership program.

—

7PM UPDATE | UGA PD said no suspect at this time. Victim is a student but NOT a UGA student. There’s not been a homicide in the past 20 years on this campus and potentially never. They provided no new details in this news conference from what was sent out hours ago

While UGA PD says the victim wasn’t “technically” a UGA student she does participate in all things UGA. A very big part of campus life. The victim is enrolled in a program with partnership program at another university.

—

4:30PM UPDATE | UGA confirms foul play is involved in the student’s death. Classes have been canceled for the rest of the week. A news conference is scheduled for 7 PM tonight. The student has not been identified, but I’m told her sorority has notified their members of this horrific tragedy. 🙏


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⚠️⚠️This is what I have confirmed regarding a local and state investigation underway at UGA after a student was found dead, with visible injuries behind Lake Herrick just a short time ago.

UGA Police said they received a call just after 12 p.m. from a person who said their friend went on a run at the Intramural Fields this morning and never returned.

A search was put together by 12:20 p.m. and the female’s body was found in wooded area behind Lake Herrick at approximately 12:38 p.m.

The female was found unconscious, not breathing with ’visible injuries.’ The coroner was requested to the scene.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and UGA Police are actively investigating the death.

They’re asking people to avoid the area. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call UGA Police at 706-542-2200.

10/02/2024

01/02/2024

By Joe Johnson The stepmother of a child who died Tuesday in her Bethlehem home has been arrested for the 8-year-old girl's alleged murder, police announced on Wednesday. Natiela Barros, 34, was charged with murder and other crimes in connection with the child's death. Police said the girl died in a...

26/01/2024

𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐣𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐱 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

Three men remain in the Hall County Jail and one suspect is being sought following an online undercover child s*x sting conducted by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and two other law enforcement agencies.

“𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐝” was conducted Friday, January 12, and Saturday, January 13, 2024. During the two-day operation, undercover investigators from HCSO, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Floyd County Police Department made dozens of online contacts via social media platforms.

Four of those who communicated with undercover investigators traveled to a location in Hall County to meet with persons they believed to be under the age of 16 for the purpose of having s*x. Three of the suspects were taken into custody on site, while the fourth arrived at the scene and fled from authorities.

The suspects taken into custody and their charges are as follows:

Dwayne Larry Drake, 38, of Hull (jailed with no bond)
•Trafficking of a person for s*xual servitude
•S*xual exploitation of a minor
•Electronic exploitation of a minor

Billy Cason Elder, 34, of Watkinsville (jailed on a bond of $8,450)
•Electronic exploitation of a minor

Mohammed Sadiq, 30, of Winder (jailed on bond of $7,900)
•Electronic exploitation of a minor

The fourth suspect, identified as Jaquan Deavonte Clark, 23, of Braselton, is wanted for electronic exploitation of a minor; a warrant has been taken for his arrest.

The “Operation Good Shepherd” investigation remains active.

31/12/2023

It’s New Year’s Eve & if you go out and drink… please remember this…

UBER IS FREE FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE.
Please do not drink and DRIVE
The code is: NYEStella23

Also, AAA “tipsy tow” is also FREE on New Year's!
📲Just call 1-800-222-4357!

BE SAFE and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

30/11/2023

Oops. The Oglethorpe Co. section on page 2 of this week's issue has some mismatched names and photos. Here is the corrected photos/names. We will include the corrections in next weeks issue as well.

11/11/2023

UPDATE: PAMELA BOSWELL IS IN CUSTODY


***PERSON OF INTEREST***

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is asking that if anyone knows the whereabouts of Pamela Boswell please contact Inv. Brian Perrin at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office or call 911. Case # 2023-86029 & 2023-85759

27/10/2023

Band Director at Banks County Schools (Georgia) who was a former Band Director at Dekalb County Schools is charged with criminal attempt to entice a minor for indecent purposes.

Multiple requests by email/phone for a statement from the Banks County School Board, Superintendent and Public Relations Director/Communications have not been answered.

The Banks County Sheriff's Office said Jon Congdon's arrest was the result of an investigation requested by the Banks County School System on October 14, 2023 regarding an inappropriate relationship between an educator and student.

The BCSO said at first the relationship was "isolated, involving one juvenile victim."

The agency then updated the post to state:

"While the incident is believed to be the only occurrence this year, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office is thoroughly investigating any potential additional incidents.

If you know or are a previous victim, please visit the Banks County Sheriff’s Office or contact Investigator Alford with any additional information regarding this incident or others.

Investigator Alford can be reached by email at [email protected] or phone at 706-677-2248 ext. 4015 (Office) or 706-949-6668 (Cell)"

I've reached out to Dekalb County Schools for statement on the arrest. Congdon's profile lists he was the Band Director in Dekalb County from 1995-2007.

25/05/2023

MONROE - (CASH REWARD)

The Monroe Police Department needs the public’s assistance in locating JAQWON WILLIAMS. He is currently wanted for a shooting incident that occurred on GW Carver Circle. Williams is considered armed and dangerous. Please use caution and Do Not approach. If you have any information on this subject, please get in touch with Det. Mitch Studdard with the City of Monroe Police Department, or dial 911.

06/05/2023

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 - 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Hall County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Braselton man on Friday evening, May 5, for the murder of his parents.

Daniel Edward Rawlins, 39, is charged with two counts of malice murder in the deaths of Leanette Rawlins, 66, and William Rawlins, 67, at their home in the 5000 block of Union Church Road.

Deputies responded to the home at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, when another family member found William Rawlins unresponsive in the yard. Deputies located Leanette Rawlins, who was also unresponsive, on the porch of the house. Deputies searched the house and a barn apartment on the property for safety reasons before Hall County Fire Rescue assessed both victims, whom were deceased. The suspect, Daniel Rawlins, lives in the apartment on the property but was not there when authorities arrived.

The investigation, which included use of Flock cameras, provided information indicating the car Daniel Rawlins was driving was near Interstate 85 in Braselton. The search led deputies to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites off of Interstate 85 and Ga. Hwy. 211 in Braselton. Deputies and officers evacuated the hotel prior to arresting Daniel Rawlins without incident in a hotel room just before 7 p.m.

The Braselton Police Department, a Barrow County Sheriff’s Office unit and the Georgia State Patrol assisted with the effort at the hotel.

The victims’ bodies have been sent to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy. The suspected cause of the deaths is not being released at this time.

# # #

03/05/2023

05/10/2022

***UPDATED - Christopher Shaw is now in custody for his failure to register as a s*x offender. Additionally, he was located living within 1000 feet of a church, which is another registration violation. Shaw will face an additional charge for that offense as well.

Thank you to everyone who provided information and for sharing this post. We would also like to thank the Department of Community Supervision for their work in locating Shaw.

WANTED:
The Madison County Sheriff's Office is currently seeking any information regarding the whereabouts of Christopher Shaw. Shaw is currently wanted for Failure to Register as a S*x Offender. His last known address was on West Kellogg Dr. in Colbert. If you have any information regarding Christopher Shaw, please contact Lt. Steve Kimbel at 706-795-6212, by email: [email protected] or you can submit an anonymous tip via our webpage http://www.madisoncountysheriffga.org/

18/09/2022

31/08/2022

25/05/2022

****APPREHENDED****

***UPDATE - Disregard, the subject was located and apprehended. Thank you to those that shared this post.***
____________________________________________________________________

The sheriff's office is attempting to locate Joshua Maxwell, a white male, in his 30s, about 5'11" and 300 pounds, last seen wearing a black shirt with white writing on the front, and khaki colored pants. Deputies attempted to stop and arrest Maxwell in an incident in the Shiloh area of the county. Maxwell lead Deputies in a chase and ditched his vehicle at a location on Old Wildcat Bridge Road. If you see or have knowledge of Maxwell's whereabouts, contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (706) 795 2101. Maxwell is not believed to be armed or dangerous.

16/03/2022

A former Madison County deputy pleaded guilty Monday to killing a University of Georgia student in November 2019, and was sentenced to life in prison.

16/03/2022

25/01/2022

WANTED:
The Madison County Sheriff's Office is currently seeking any information regarding the whereabouts of Cory Fields. Fields is currently wanted for Failure to Register as a S*x Offender. If you have any information regarding Cory Fields, please contact Lt. Steve Kimbel at 706-795-6212, by email: [email protected] or you can submit an anonymous tip via our webpage http://www.madisoncountysheriffga.org/

28/12/2021

This morning at 0022 hours, deputies responded to a shooting on Boldercrest Cir. On arrival, 2 adults were found inside the home deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. 2 juveniles were also located in the home unharmed. The suspect, Peyton Moyer, who also lives in the home had already fled the scene in one of the victim’s vehicles. He was later located by Athens Clarke County Police and arrested after a short pursuit.

The victims have been identified as Ashley Schutza (Mother of the suspect) and Benjamin Smith (Step-father of the suspect).

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim’s.

This case is still under investigation.

24/12/2021

UPDATE: Suspect From Fatal Hit and Run In Custody
On December 27. 2021, Amanda Gerrett turned herself in at the Clarke County jail.

ACCPD Investigating Fatal Hit and Run

On December 22, 2021, at approximately 3:45PM, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian down on the sidewalk on North Avenue, just south of Strickland Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered the subject was deceased and the victim of a hit and run. Initial investigation indicates that the subject was walking northbound on the sidewalk when a vehicle that was northbound on North Avenue exited the roadway and struck the pedestrian as he was walking on the sidewalk. The vehicle continued driving, leaving the scene.

As a result of the investigation, ACCPD has identified Amanda Gerrett, 31, of Athens, GA, as the driver of the Hit and Run vehicle. Gerrett has warrants for her arrest for First Degree Vehicular Homicide, Felony Hit and Run, and Failure to Maintain Lane. Anyone with information regarding Gerrett’s whereabouts is asked to contact law enforcement by dialing 9-1-1.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Senior Police Officer Lewis at 762-400-7169 or via email at [email protected].

15/11/2021

Lewis Wendell Evans III is now in custody. He was taken into custody in Warner Robins late last night. Tyree Jackson was taken into custody yesterday.

Police continue the search for 3 inmates.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $5000.00 for information leading to the direct arrest of any of the wanted escapees.