Sunday, September 27, 2015
McCarthy
The operation focused "on hotels in both precincts identified in backpage.com ads. The goal was to reduce occurrences of criminal activity that often accompanies prostitution. Six females and one male were arrested. There were four misdemeanor arrests and 3 felony arrests," police say.
Kyle McCarthy, 22, is charged with pimping and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Cierra Davis, 19, is charged with prostitution and probation violation. Deshara Franklin, 18, is charged with prostitution, possession of controlled substance, possession of tools for commission of a crime and possession/ delivery of controlled substance with intent to distribute. Brittany Shuman, 27, is charged with prostitution. Lessie Wommack, 19, is charged with prostitution and possession of a controlled substance. Sade Wise, 28, is charged with prostitution, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of drug related object for use and possession of a controlled substance. Tonya Stanley, 24, is charged with prostitution and escorting without a license.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Three people are in custody following a Thursday operation by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT).
"Undercover CNT agents conducted a search of two hotel rooms at the Econo Lodge hotel located at 500 East Highway 80 in Pooler," a CNT spokesperson says.
"The search resulted in the seizure of controlled substances, items commonly associated with drug use and distribution, items commonly associated with prostitution and various weapons. The management of the Econo Lodge was cooperative with law enforcement. The Pooler Police Department also assisted in the operation."
CNT arrested 31-year-old Norman “Panama Jack” Overton-Lane of Savannah, 20-year-old Amber “Lola Bunnii” Balentine of Richmond Hill and 24-year-old Heather “Shyan” Smith of Ellabell. Both Balentine and Smith were charged with Prostitution, a misdemeanor in Georgia. Smith was also wanted by the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office.
Overton-Lane was charged with Human Trafficking, Pimping and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Crime. Overton-Lane was denied bond during his arraignment in the Municipal Court of Pooler. Overton-Lane was currently out on bond at the time of yesterday’s arrest.
In June, he was arrested by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD) for various felony charges to include Sale of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Crime and Pimping.
"Recently SCMPD officers, assigned to CNT, attended SCMPD mandated training on human trafficking. The training educated law enforcement on identifying, investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases and provided information about statewide resources available to assist law enforcement in their investigations. The training was presented by the State of Georgia, Office of the Attorney General and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The training the officers received was instrumental in last night's operation," CNT says.
The investigation is ongoing and CNT expects to make additional arrests. "As such, the types of drugs and weapons seized during the operation are not being released at this time," CNT says.
If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or your local law enforcement agency.
"Undercover CNT agents conducted a search of two hotel rooms at the Econo Lodge hotel located at 500 East Highway 80 in Pooler," a CNT spokesperson says.
"The search resulted in the seizure of controlled substances, items commonly associated with drug use and distribution, items commonly associated with prostitution and various weapons. The management of the Econo Lodge was cooperative with law enforcement. The Pooler Police Department also assisted in the operation."
CNT arrested 31-year-old Norman “Panama Jack” Overton-Lane of Savannah, 20-year-old Amber “Lola Bunnii” Balentine of Richmond Hill and 24-year-old Heather “Shyan” Smith of Ellabell. Both Balentine and Smith were charged with Prostitution, a misdemeanor in Georgia. Smith was also wanted by the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office.
Overton-Lane was charged with Human Trafficking, Pimping and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Crime. Overton-Lane was denied bond during his arraignment in the Municipal Court of Pooler. Overton-Lane was currently out on bond at the time of yesterday’s arrest.
In June, he was arrested by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD) for various felony charges to include Sale of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Crime and Pimping.
"Recently SCMPD officers, assigned to CNT, attended SCMPD mandated training on human trafficking. The training educated law enforcement on identifying, investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases and provided information about statewide resources available to assist law enforcement in their investigations. The training was presented by the State of Georgia, Office of the Attorney General and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The training the officers received was instrumental in last night's operation," CNT says.
The investigation is ongoing and CNT expects to make additional arrests. "As such, the types of drugs and weapons seized during the operation are not being released at this time," CNT says.
If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or your local law enforcement agency.
Violent Crimes detectives of Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department are investigating a shooting at a Lewis Drive apartment late Thursday night.
"At about 11:49 p.m. Metro arrived at the scene where Rudlin Lopez Tello, 20, and Ruben Rios, 30, were suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Memorial University Medical Center. Rios was in critical condition. Tello sustained non-life-threatening injuries," a police spokesperson says.
Tello and Rios were "with friends outside of an apartment building when shots rang out. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation," police say.
The suspect is described as a tall slender black male. Investigators are working to determine whether other suspects were involved.
"At about 11:49 p.m. Metro arrived at the scene where Rudlin Lopez Tello, 20, and Ruben Rios, 30, were suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Memorial University Medical Center. Rios was in critical condition. Tello sustained non-life-threatening injuries," a police spokesperson says.
Tello and Rios were "with friends outside of an apartment building when shots rang out. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation," police say.
The suspect is described as a tall slender black male. Investigators are working to determine whether other suspects were involved.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Comedian John Mulaney will perform at the Savannah Civic Center on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. Go here or to www.savannahcivic.com for tickets.
Mulaney can currently be seen starring in FOX’s new comedy Mulaney, about a rising stand-up comic trying to take his career to the next level. He also serves as cre ator, writer and executive producer on the series.
Mulaney’s first comedy special, The Top Part, was released in 2009 and reviewed as "a finely-crafted piece of work" by THE HUFFINGTON POST. He released his second Comedy Central Special and Album New In Town in 2012, and upon review EW.com hailed Mulaney as “one of the best stand-up comics alive.”
Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. Go here or to www.savannahcivic.com for tickets.
Mulaney can currently be seen starring in FOX’s new comedy Mulaney, about a rising stand-up comic trying to take his career to the next level. He also serves as cre ator, writer and executive producer on the series.
Mulaney’s first comedy special, The Top Part, was released in 2009 and reviewed as "a finely-crafted piece of work" by THE HUFFINGTON POST. He released his second Comedy Central Special and Album New In Town in 2012, and upon review EW.com hailed Mulaney as “one of the best stand-up comics alive.”
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
An "archaeological mystery" was recently unearthed behind Savannah’s City Hall, a City spokesperson says.
"Contractors working for Georgia Power on the new ferry shelter landing on Rousakis Plaza found an intact jug buried six feet down in their construction site. The jug was ha nded over to the City’s Research Library & Municipal Archives department, which will be working with local experts to determine when the jug was made and what purpose it might have served," the City say.
Based on the location, "City staff thinks the jug might date back to when the port of Savannah was located along River Street, and it could’ve been an item that was imported or exported through the port," the spokesperson says.
"Inside the jug is a dark, oily substance that smells fishy, so perhaps it stored fish oil. The jug appears to feature a salt glaze and exhibits throw marks around the neck and base. There are no visible potter’s marks."
"Contractors working for Georgia Power on the new ferry shelter landing on Rousakis Plaza found an intact jug buried six feet down in their construction site. The jug was ha nded over to the City’s Research Library & Municipal Archives department, which will be working with local experts to determine when the jug was made and what purpose it might have served," the City say.
Based on the location, "City staff thinks the jug might date back to when the port of Savannah was located along River Street, and it could’ve been an item that was imported or exported through the port," the spokesperson says.
"Inside the jug is a dark, oily substance that smells fishy, so perhaps it stored fish oil. The jug appears to feature a salt glaze and exhibits throw marks around the neck and base. There are no visible potter’s marks."
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department has changed the name of its group violence reduction initiative from “Operation Ceasefire” to “End Gun Violence: Step Forward," a spokesperson says.
The name change was made to eliminate confusion between this initiative and the federal “Project Ceasefire” program. Project Ceasefire was created in 1999 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Georgia. The purpose of Project Ceasefire is to federally prosecute felons in possession of a firearm; imposing hard time for a long time.
"The Savannah-Chatham initiative to Step Forward: End Gun Violence is an approach that will target the most violent groups and gang members who are responsible for a majority of the shootings and homicides in our community," the spokesperson says.
"This approach tells gang and group members to lay down their weapons. It also gives them the option to seek help from community organizations to receive counseling, job training, and other services to help turn their lives around."
Step Forward: End Gun Violence is not only a partnership with the community organizations, but also neighborhood associations, the City of Savannah, the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and others.
Chief of Police Joseph H. Lumpkin, Sr. said, “We selected a name for this initiative that is simple and to the point. The only way we can reduce gun violence caused by groups and gangs in Savannah and Chatham County is by getting more members of this community to step forward: step forward and collaborate with the police, step forward and refuse to allow your family members to bring gun violence into your home, step forward and be a part of the solution. Our goal could not be clearer: end gun violence.”
The name change was made to eliminate confusion between this initiative and the federal “Project Ceasefire” program. Project Ceasefire was created in 1999 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Georgia. The purpose of Project Ceasefire is to federally prosecute felons in possession of a firearm; imposing hard time for a long time.
"The Savannah-Chatham initiative to Step Forward: End Gun Violence is an approach that will target the most violent groups and gang members who are responsible for a majority of the shootings and homicides in our community," the spokesperson says.
"This approach tells gang and group members to lay down their weapons. It also gives them the option to seek help from community organizations to receive counseling, job training, and other services to help turn their lives around."
Step Forward: End Gun Violence is not only a partnership with the community organizations, but also neighborhood associations, the City of Savannah, the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and others.
Chief of Police Joseph H. Lumpkin, Sr. said, “We selected a name for this initiative that is simple and to the point. The only way we can reduce gun violence caused by groups and gangs in Savannah and Chatham County is by getting more members of this community to step forward: step forward and collaborate with the police, step forward and refuse to allow your family members to bring gun violence into your home, step forward and be a part of the solution. Our goal could not be clearer: end gun violence.”
Detectives of Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department are investigating a shooting near Mastick and Wheaton streets that seriously injured a man Monday night.
"At about 10 p.m. Metro arrived at the scene where Albert Jackson, 29, was found suffering from a gunshot wound," police say. Jackson was transported to Memorial University Medical Center in serious, but non-life-threatening condition.
"Investigators believe Jackson and a friend were eating in a vehicle parked outside the residence when shots rang out from another vehicle on Mastick street. Circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation," police say.
The suspect may be driving what is described as a long black SUV.
"At about 10 p.m. Metro arrived at the scene where Albert Jackson, 29, was found suffering from a gunshot wound," police say. Jackson was transported to Memorial University Medical Center in serious, but non-life-threatening condition.
"Investigators believe Jackson and a friend were eating in a vehicle parked outside the residence when shots rang out from another vehicle on Mastick street. Circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation," police say.
The suspect may be driving what is described as a long black SUV.
Councilmember Tom Bordeaux, who isn't running for reelection this November, has endorsed Brian Foster for the Alderman at Large Post 2 seat.
“Having done the job for the last four years, I can tell you first-hand that no one is better-equipped to be City Councilman than Brian Foster,” said Bordeaux Tuesday night at a campaign event at the Morris Center downtown.
Foster’s supporters include Congressman Buddy Carter, former Congressmen Jack Kingston and Lindsay Thomas, State Representative Mickey Stephens, former State Senator Eric Johnson and former County Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis.
Other candidates in the unusually crowded field running for the Post 2 seat include Alicia Blakely, Travis Coles, Joe Steffen, G. Lind Taylor, and Clint Young.
“Having done the job for the last four years, I can tell you first-hand that no one is better-equipped to be City Councilman than Brian Foster,” said Bordeaux Tuesday night at a campaign event at the Morris Center downtown.
Foster’s supporters include Congressman Buddy Carter, former Congressmen Jack Kingston and Lindsay Thomas, State Representative Mickey Stephens, former State Senator Eric Johnson and former County Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis.
Other candidates in the unusually crowded field running for the Post 2 seat include Alicia Blakely, Travis Coles, Joe Steffen, G. Lind Taylor, and Clint Young.
One man is in custody following a joint operation between the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) and the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD).
"Just after 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, SCMPD responded to a burglary in progress in the 2100 block of East 60th Street. Upon arrival officers observed 24-year-old Raheem Collins, of Savannah, acting suspicious near a parked GMC pickup," a CNT spokesperson says.
"Officers detained Collins because they believed he was providing a false name and address. SCMPD requested CNT to the scene after officers observed items inside the truck that they believed to be connected with drug distribution."
CNT agents had the truck towed and were able to obtain a search warrant for it. Agents seized of a large amount of methylenedioxyphenethylamine (MDMA), heroin, and marijuana. Agents also seized two firearms and more than $1,100 in U.S. currency.
Collins is facing numerous felony drug and weapons charges to include Trafficking Heroin and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. "This arrest marks his 11th booking in Chatham County, second CNT arrest, 12th drug-related charge and his fourth gun-related charge," CNT says.
The seized narcotics has an estimated street value of up to $9,000. CNT’s investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
"Just after 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, SCMPD responded to a burglary in progress in the 2100 block of East 60th Street. Upon arrival officers observed 24-year-old Raheem Collins, of Savannah, acting suspicious near a parked GMC pickup," a CNT spokesperson says.
"Officers detained Collins because they believed he was providing a false name and address. SCMPD requested CNT to the scene after officers observed items inside the truck that they believed to be connected with drug distribution."
CNT agents had the truck towed and were able to obtain a search warrant for it. Agents seized of a large amount of methylenedioxyphenethylamine (MDMA), heroin, and marijuana. Agents also seized two firearms and more than $1,100 in U.S. currency.
Collins is facing numerous felony drug and weapons charges to include Trafficking Heroin and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. "This arrest marks his 11th booking in Chatham County, second CNT arrest, 12th drug-related charge and his fourth gun-related charge," CNT says.
The seized narcotics has an estimated street value of up to $9,000. CNT’s investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
This past Monday the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) and the Tybee Island Police Department (TIPD) conducted a search of a house located in the 1300 Block of Miller Avenue.
"CNT agents seized an unspecified amount of crystal methamphetamine, items commonly associated with drug distribution and more than $5,000 in cash," a CNT spokesperson says. "58-year-old Edward Losey of Tybee Island was arrested and charged with various felonies to include Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute."
CNT began its investigation into Losey "after receiving information from TIPD that he was possibly in possession of crystal methamphetamine," the spokesperson says.
"Losey is no stranger to law enforcement. Today’s arrest marks his 33rd booking in Chatham County, ninth drug-related charge and his third CNT arrest. Losey is currently under sentence for a previous CNT conviction," the spokesperson says.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
"CNT agents seized an unspecified amount of crystal methamphetamine, items commonly associated with drug distribution and more than $5,000 in cash," a CNT spokesperson says. "58-year-old Edward Losey of Tybee Island was arrested and charged with various felonies to include Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute."
CNT began its investigation into Losey "after receiving information from TIPD that he was possibly in possession of crystal methamphetamine," the spokesperson says.
"Losey is no stranger to law enforcement. Today’s arrest marks his 33rd booking in Chatham County, ninth drug-related charge and his third CNT arrest. Losey is currently under sentence for a previous CNT conviction," the spokesperson says.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
