Superior Court Motions

FEB. 26-28, 2024PLEAS FEB. 26State vs. Cedric Walter Whitehead – 20 years for the lesser included offense of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The first 10 years served in confinement and the remainder of sentence to be served on probation.

Real Estate Transactions

FEB. 23-29, 2024FEB. 23Fox Ventures 247 LLC to John Bitner and Nicole Bitner; parcel J3000018; $20,000.00 Frank G. Snover to Laurie Kay Farmer; 179 Country World Dr.; parcel J65B00134; $230,000.00FEB. 28Cheryl D. Jones to Gavin B. Giles; parcel J59A00327; $240,000.00

Georgia House targets illegal immigrants after Athens murder

Legislation requiring local law enforcement agencies to comply with a 2006 state law aimed at illegal immigration cleared the Republican-controlled Georgia House Feb. 29.

Cheering for the Hounds

Defendant to serve 30 days for contempt

A Jones County defendant took the argument for a probation modification too far and received a contempt of court charge and an additional 30 days to serve in jail.Ian Anthony Arender was on the Feb.

Probationer returned to prison for new crimes

Three probation revocations and new charges for theft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon equaled eight years to serve in prison for a Jones County defendant.Dakota James Harper, 28, was in Jones County Superior Court to enter a guilty plea for his most recent charges Feb. 28.

New sewage treatment plant online

The City of Gray’s monthly meeting of all committees included a discussion about partnering with Jones County for a Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax and good news about progress on the city’s wastewater treatment plant.The Feb. 26 meeting was called to order by Mayor Ed Barbee.

Georgia Senate panel approves referendum on sports betting, casinos

Casinos are back on the table in the General Assembly. The state Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee approved a proposed constitutional amendment late Thursday calling for Georgia voters to decide whether to legalize not only sports betting but casino gambling.

Howe pleads guilty, sentenced to 25 years for rape

An 18-year old Jones County man received a sentence of 25 years to serve following a plea of guilty to the charge of rape. Dakota Thomas Ryan Howe entered his plea in Jones County Superior Court Feb. 15.

Shooter receives 10-year sentence

One of two defendants in a 2022 case involving a shooting at a Jones County recreation center gym entered a guilty plea to the resulting aggravated assault charges and received a 10-year sentence. Tyshun A. Gilmore was in Jones County Superior Court Feb. 15 to enter his negotiated plea.