Man accused of pointing shotgun at child faces additional charges
Arrest Reports, News January 27, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Bruce Lyle Gross, 63, of Hiawassee, is facing additional charges stemming from a recent arrest involving a shotgun and a four year old. Gross is accused of pointing a firearm at a neighbor and his four year old son during a dispute on Monday, Jan. 14. Towns County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident, charging Gross with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree. The suspected shotgun used in the crime was seized by law enforcement officers at the time of the subject’s arrest with the case forwarded to the criminal investigation unit of the sheriff’s office (more…)
Wanted Blue Ridge man faces additional charges in Towns County
Arrest Reports, News February 4, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on Sims Road in Hiawassee, Monday, Jan. 28, in reference to a unwanted subject.
Upon arrival, deputies located a male subject believed to be the unwanted suspect. Upon completing an initial investigation into the dispatched call, deputies arrested:
Derek Mitchell Mashburn, 25, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, on the following charges:
– One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
– Possession of Methamphetamine
– One Count Possession of Drug Related Objects
– One Count Giving a False Name to a Law Enforcement Officer
Upon further investigation, deputies determined that Derek Mashburn was additionally wanted on probation warrants from Fannin and Bartow Counties.
The Towns County warrants and charges will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Mashburn is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Love Triangle ends in Attempted Murder Charges
Arrest Reports, News November 10, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Wednesday, Sept. 26. Towns County deputies responded to a residence on State Hwy76, east of Hiawassee, in reference to a shooting.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers located a male subject in the residence, suffering from a gunshot wound. The male subject was identified as Jason Rewis of Hiawassee. Towns County EMS arrived on the scene, and transported the victim to a medical facility with a trauma unit. A Hiawassee Police Department Officer responded to Chatuge Regional Medical Center where a female gunshot victim, identified as Ginger Rewis from the same residence, had been transported by a private vehicle. The female was identified as the wife of the male gunshot victim found at the residence off of State Hwy 76. Officers took a male subject into custody at the hospital at the time who was determined to be the shooter.
The shooter was identified as Jacob Bowman, age 31 of Hiawassee Georgia. He was at that time charged with the following:
– 2 Counts of Felony Aggravated Assault in reference to the shooting incident.
The incident is believed to be domestic in nature. The gunshot victims were admitted to a medical facility, and they were listed in stable condition at that time.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, along with an investigator from Towns County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the reported shooting.
Upon further investigation into shooting incident, warrants have been issued for:
Jacob Bowman, 41, of Hiawassee, Georgia
– 1 Count of Attempted Murder
Ginger Rewis, 35, of Hiawassee, Georgia
– 1 Count of Attempted Murder
Warrants were served on both suspects, and they are being held in the Towns County Detention Center without bond.
The case will be referred to the Enotah Circuit District Attorneys’ Office for prosecution.
Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Towns County Sheriff warns Abrams win could lead to violence
Election 2018, News November 5, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton took a solid stand on social media in the days leading into the general midterm election, warning Georgia voters of what he believes will result in dire repercussions should Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams prove to be the victor on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Clinton – a self-professed Constitutional Conservative serving his third term as Towns County’s lead lawman – insists that the caravan of migrants swelling toward the southern U.S. border is nothing short of an orchestrated invasion.
“This is for real, folks,” Clinton cautioned, “This is an invasion that will end Georgia and America if it is not stopped. The left wants to destroy everything you and I love about our great state. Abrams and her out-of-state friends want to destroy everything we love about America.”
In a shared post on social media, the sheriff added, “Vote Brian Kemp Georgia’s next Governor and stop this extreme and dangerous socialist agenda.”
The sheriff stressed that the motive behind the migrant caravan is to add future backup supporters for the Democratic candidate’s socialist cause, claiming that violent MS-13 gang criminals are embedded within the mass of the estimated 12,000 foreigners.
“MS-13 is an extremely violent and brutal gang with no more respect for your front door or your family than they have for any nation’s borders or civil authorities,” Clinton warned.
“Abrams thinks the folks doing all this are good people and should be allowed to join her cause,” Clinton went on to explain, “Meanwhile, she believes that the law enforcement officers risking their lives to keep us safe are like terrorists.”
Clinton concluded with an expressive plea for Georgians to cast their vote for Republican candidate Brian Kemp in order to “stop this radical, extremist, socialist, anti-American, anti-Georgian, anti-farmer, anti-law enforcement, anti-unborn child, anti-liberty” agenda.
The sheriff later reiterated his outlook in a conversation with FYN on Nov. 2. “I am certain that Towns Countians are informed and are doing our part,” Clinton assured, “Let us all pray for a healing of our nation. While praying, vote.”
Sheriff Clinton is scheduled to address the Town County Republican Party on Thursday, Nov. 15, speaking on the encroaching caravan, gangs, guns, and the opioid epidemic.
Towns County GOP meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Towns County Civic Center in Hiawassee. Meetings are open to the public.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Hiawassee man charged with theft, possession of hallucinogen
Arrest Reports, News January 9, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of an unwanted subject at a local Dollar Store, later locating the male subject at a residence on Mauldin Circle in Hiawassee.
While the specifics surrounding the incident are unclear, the subject was taken in to custody shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3.
Michael Thomas Patrick
Michael Thomas Patrick, 54, of Hiawassee, was arrested by Towns County Sheriff’s Office for the following offenses:
- One Count Theft by Taking
- One Count Possession of Schedule III, V, IV – Hallucinogens
- One Count *Dangerous Drug Defined*
- One Count Drugs to be Kept in Original Container
Patrick was transported to the Towns County Detention Center. The case was forwarded to Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Patrick is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
While it is unknown which “dangerous drug” was recovered as a result of the incident, the term is defined as any other drug or substance declared by the General Assembly to be a dangerous drug; to include any of the following drugs, chemicals, or substances; salts, isomers, esters, ethers, or derivatives of such drugs, chemicals, or substances which have essentially the same pharmacological action; all other salts, isomers, esters, ethers, and compounds of such drugs, chemicals, or substances unless specifically exempted.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
Search warrant leads to drug arrests
Arrest Reports, News December 17, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Tuesday, Dec. 11, Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located on Hill Crest Spur in Hiawassee.
During the course of executing the search warrant, investigators seized a quantity of marijuana with a street value of $2,500. In addition, a quantity of prescription pills, cash, as well as drug related objects were seized.
As a result of the search warrant and investigation, the following suspects were arrested on the charges listed.
William Irwin Fitzgibbons, 67, of Hiawassee:
– 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Sale of Schedule II Drug Dilaudid
– 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Schedule 1 Drug LSD
– 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Marijuana (Felony)
– 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute
– 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Schedule I Drug THC
– 1 Count of Drug Related Objects
Bonnie Joy Fitzgibbons, 65, of Hiawassee:
– 2 Counts Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Sale of Schedule II Drug Dilaudid
– 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Schedule I Drug LSD
– 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Marijuana (Felony)
– 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Marijuana with intent to Distribute
– 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Schedule I Drug THC
– 1 Count Drug Related Objects
The investigation is active and ongoing. The case will be referred to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. (more…)
Scams costing local seniors thousands
City Police, News November 27, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith has been warning seniors of a rash of telephone scams that have cost local residents tens of thousands of dollars in recent months.
The latest Hiawassee victim fell prey to whom she believed was a representative from the Social Security Administration (SSA). According to Chief Smith, the caller convinced the senior that she was eligible for increased government benefits, and that personal information was necessary to begin the process. When all was said and done, the victim was drained in excess of $900, her funds transferred to a bank in Iowa. Fortunately, in this particular instance, the senior was reimbursed by her financial institute, but others aren’t always as lucky.
Smith cautioned that personal information should never be offered via telephone. “They’re not going to call you and ask for information they should already have,” the police chief explained.
Smith relayed that Caller ID cannot be trusted, as there are simple ways for thieves to skirt the system. Smith advised hanging up on suspicious callers, and dialing a known number in order to contact the agency in question. “That way you know that you’re talking to a legitimate person,” Smith said.
Smith referred to the scammers as professional criminals, adding, “These people are really good at what they do.”
Hiawassee Police Department states that there is a “good lead” on the suspect involved in the SSA scam.
Male and female charged in two Clay County stabbings
Arrest Reports, News September 21, 2018HAYESVILLE, NC – Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a fight near the intersection of Tusquittee Road and Cold Branch Road in the Tusquittee Community on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Whitney Ann Radford
Responding deputies located two subjects that had possibly been assaulted with a knife.
As deputies investigated the assault, two subjects reported by witnesses as being possible suspects were located, and immediately taken into custody.
The suspects were later identified as Jon Nathaniel Crowe. 44, and Whitney Ann Radford, 23, of Andrews, North Carolina.
One victim was transported by ambulance. The second victim was airlifted from the scene. The names of the victims have not been released at this time. Both victims are residents of Andrews.
Crowe was charged with two counts of Assault With a Deadly Weapon, two counts of Robbery With a Dangerous Weapon, Driving While Impaired, and Driving While License Revoked. Crowe was given a $150,000 secured bond.
Jon Nathaniel Crowe
Radford was charged with two counts of Simple Assault and Common Law Robbery. Radford was given a $11,000 secured bond.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Suspect arrested in Hiawassee boat theft
Arrest Reports, News December 24, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Saturday, Dec. 15, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence located off of Highway 288 Sunnyside Road in Hiawassee in reference to a reported theft.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the victim who reported a boat stolen from his property. Within a short period of time, upon investigation into the incident, deputies located the stolen boat at a residence located off of Tay Walk Way in Hiawassee.
Melvin Linn Masters, 40, of Hiawassee, was arrested and charged with One Count of Burglary and One Count of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property.
The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Masters is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
UPDATED: Clay County stabbing leads to two arrests
Arrest Reports, News September 20, 2018
HAYESVILLE, NC – Clay County Sheriff’s Office reported a stabbing in the Tusquittee Community on Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Two suspects were taken into custody.
Additional information is expected to be released by Clay County Sheriff’s Office today as the investigation progresses.
FYN will provide details on the incident as soon as they are made available.
Young Harris teen charged with multiple sex crimes
Arrest Reports, News February 16, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators served arrest warrants Friday, Feb. 15 on Dalton Travis Denmark, 18, of Young Harris. Denmark was arrested and taken into custody without incident.
Investigators secured warrants on Denmark upon completing an investigation into alleged incidents of sexual misconduct with a victim reported to be 13 years old at the time. Towns County Sheriff’s Office stated that the incidents were reported to have occurred at a location within Towns County between July and September of 2018.
Denmark was arrested and charged with the following crimes:
– One Count of Aggravated Child Molestation
– Two Counts of Statutory Rape
– Two Counts of Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes
The investigation is currently active and ongoing. The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Denmark is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Correction: FYN originally listed the month of arrest as January. It has since been corrected.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.