The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department Feb. 1-2, 2024.
Feb. 1
Jury Duty Scam
Deputy Johnson was dispatched to a local residence in reference to a scam. Upon arrival, Johnson met with the female complainant.
The female advised Johnson that she received a phone call and the person identified himself as Deputy Edwards from the Jones County Sheriff Office advising her that she had missed Federal Jury Duty and there was a warrant out for her arrest. The male caller advised the complainant that in order to clear the warrant, she would have to pay him a sum of money that would be refunded to her as soon as the judge saw she acted in good faith. The complainant advised the deputy she sent money to a cash app named “Governmentpay2023.”
The complainant also told the deputy that when she sent the money to the cash app, a different name came up on the app and she gave that to Johnson. The female complainant stated she sent more money via an Apple Pay app. Johnson gave the female a case card for the incident and forwarded it to investigations for further notice.
Feb. 2
Glowing red fog lights are illegal
Sgt. Carr was monitoring traffic on the Gray Bypass when he observed a vehicle with glowing red fog lights on it. Carr got behind the vehicle and ran the license plate through the GCIC/ NCIC system to check for valid insurance and registration. Carr’s in-car computer alerted him that the vehicle registration was suspended and had no insurance.
At that time, Carr activated his blue lights and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The Sgt. made contact with the male driver and advised him the reason for the stop. The driver told Carr that he had blue fog lights and had just changed them to red. Carr advised the male subject that the colored lights are illegal in the state of Georgia. The Sgt. then asked the male driver about the insurance and the male stated he was several months behind on the insurance due to money issues. At that time, dispatch notified Carr that the male’s license was suspended. The driver told Carr that his license was suspended due to not paying or showing up for a no insurance ticket in Eatonton. Carr secured the driver in handcuffs and Deputy Allen transported the male to the Jones County LEC. Upon arrival, Carr issued the male citations for driving while license suspended and no insurance. The male was then turned over to jail staff for booking.
