Latest news with #GeorgiaBureauofInvestigation
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9 hours ago
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Albany man receives two life sentences for 1988 cold case rape and kidnapping
The Brief Reginald Colwell was sentenced to two life terms plus 20 years for kidnapping, raping, and assaulting a woman in a 1988 cold case. The conviction was based on DNA evidence from a preserved sexual assault kit, matched to Colwell in 2019 through a federal initiative. Colwell's life sentences are subject to 1988 parole eligibility guidelines due to the crime's occurrence date. DECATUR, Ga. - An Albany man has been sentenced to two life terms plus 20 years in prison after being convicted of kidnapping, raping, and assaulting a woman in a 1988 cold case, prosecutors announced Tuesday. A DeKalb County jury on May 20 found 58-year-old Reginald Colwell guilty on charges of kidnapping, rape, and aggravated assault for the December 30, 1988, attack. Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams, who presided over the trial, handed down the sentence on Tuesday, ordering the terms to be served consecutively. The backstory According to investigators, the 20-year-old victim reported the rape to DeKalb County Police after being attacked while leaving her apartment on Weatherly Drive in unincorporated Stone Mountain. As she locked the front door, a man wearing a ski mask held a knife to her throat and forced her into nearby woods, where he sexually assaulted her and threatened to kill her if she resisted. The victim fled to a nearby neighborhood once the attacker ran off, and a resident helped her call her boyfriend, who took her to the police station. Officers recovered her purse and other items scattered in the woods and transported her to Grady Memorial Hospital for a sexual assault examination. Although DNA testing was not available at the time, the sexual assault kit was preserved by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. In 2015, DeKalb County joined a federally funded effort through the Bureau of Justice Assistance's National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which aimed to process long-untested rape kits. In 2019, testing from the victim's case produced a CODIS match to Colwell. A court-ordered DNA sample confirmed the match. Prosecutors said Colwell had been living in DeKalb County at the time of the attack. What's next Because the crime occurred in 1988, Colwell's life sentences fall under the parole eligibility guidelines in place at the time. The Source The DeKalb County District Attorney's Office provided the details on the case. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office provided the mug shot and arrest record.
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11 hours ago
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Haralson County man arrested for child sexual exploitation following GBI cybertip
The Brief Bradley Curtis Kingsley was arrested on multiple felony charges related to child sexual exploitation after a cybertip from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Investigator Nicole Wilson identified Kingsley through the GBI's Internet Crimes Against Children system and executed a search warrant, finding active child sexual abuse material and hidden electronic storage devices. Sheriff Stacy Williams emphasized the priority of protecting children and praised the work of Investigator Wilson and the assistance from Deputy Melinda Flood and K-9 Maxim in the investigation. TALLAPOOSA, Ga. - A 63-year-old Haralson County man has been arrested on multiple felony charges related to the sexual exploitation of children, following an investigation that began with a cybertip from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. What we know Bradley Curtis Kingsley of Tallapoosa was taken into custody Tuesday after investigators with the Haralson County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at his residence. Authorities say the arrest stems from a case that began in May, when investigators received a tip from the GBI's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) system. The tip included multiple videos of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts that had been uploaded to a Verizon account. Investigators specializing in Crimes Against Children and ICAC cases identified the account holder, confirmed his location, and matched the content to an IP address associated with an upload. Warrants to search Kingsley's home were then obtained and executed with the assistance from the Murray County Sheriff's Office, including K-9 Maxim—an electronic storage detection dog—and his handler. During the search, investigators found a laptop with active child sexual abuse material playing on the screen. After several hours of collecting evidence, K-9 Maxim located nine additional hidden electronic storage devices inside the residence. What's next Kingsley has been charged with multiple counts of felony sexual exploitation of children. What they're saying "One of my biggest priorities when I took office was to protect kids," Sheriff Stacy Williams said. "These cases are difficult for everyone involved. I am proud of the work that Investigator Wilson has done as she continues this important work. We remain dedicated to helping and protecting all children." The Source The Haralson County Sheriff's Office provided the details for this article.
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11 hours ago
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Two years on: The mysterious disappearance of Ebony Nicole Varner
The Brief Ebony Nicole Varner has been missing for two years since last seen near Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Interstate 285 in Doraville. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Doraville Police continue to treat her case as active, considering her safety at risk. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Doraville Police or submit anonymous tips to the GBI. DORAVILLE, Ga. - Tuesday marks two years since 39-year-old Ebony Nicole Varner was last seen near Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Interstate 285 in Doraville. SEE ALSO: Missing 39-year-old Doraville woman may be in danger, GBI says What we know Varner was reported missing after she was spotted around 9:20 a.m. on June 3, 2023. Authorities with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Doraville Police Department continue to treat her case as an active investigation. What we don't know While officials have not publicly disclosed why they believe Varner may be in danger, the GBI has stated it considers her safety at risk. By the numbers Varner is described as being approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds. Authorities have not said what she was wearing at the time of her disappearance. What you can do The Doraville Police Department is urging anyone with information about Varner's whereabouts to call them at (770) 455-1000. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the GBI by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), visiting or using the "See Something, Send Something" mobile app. The Source The Georgia Bureau of Investigation provided the latest details for this report. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.
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14 hours ago
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Manhunt underway for Quintavis Holt in Wilcox County double homicide
The Brief Quintavis Holt, 39, is wanted for two counts of malice murder, aggravated assault, and firearm possession during a felony in connection with a double homicide in Pineview, Georgia. The victims, Nathadius Kenta Lawson and Charleston Calix, were killed in a shooting on May 25 at a home on Depot Street. Authorities consider Holt armed and dangerous, and the public is urged to provide any information on his whereabouts to the GBI or Wilcox County Sheriff's Office. PINEVIEW, Ga. - Authorities are searching for a man wanted in connection with a double homicide that occurred in Wilcox County over Memorial Day weekend. What we know The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced on Monday that Quintavis Holt, 39, of Pineview, is wanted on two counts of malice murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Investigators say Holt is considered armed and dangerous. The backstory The charges stem from a deadly shooting just after midnight on May 25. According to the GBI, several people had gathered at a home in the 200 block of Depot Street in Pineview when someone opened fire. Two people were struck and died at the scene. The victims were identified as Nathadius Kenta Lawson, 36, and Charleston Calix, 40, both of Pineview. What we don't know The GBI is conducting the investigation at the request of the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office. What they're saying "We urge everyone in the community to be vigilant. Quintavis Holt is considered armed and dangerous. Violent and senseless crimes like this have no place in Wilcox County. We will not rest until he is taken into custody and behind bars where he belongs," Wilcox County Sheriff Jeff Wessel wrote to the sheriff's office Facebook page. What's next Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for prosecution. What you can do Anyone with information about Holt's whereabouts is urged to contact the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office at (229) 467-2322. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at or through the "See Something, Send Something" mobile app. The Source The details in this article were provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office.
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a day ago
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GA parents accused of waiting to report 6-month-old's death while possessing cocaine
Two people are facing charges in the death of their six-month-old baby, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On September 28, 2022, the GBI was requested by Baxley police to investigate the death of Dustin Sauls, 41, and Cierra Chancey's, 36, six-month-old child. According to the GBI, the Blackshear parents delayed reporting the child's death and had cocaine at the time. TRENDING STORIES: Deputies says 'you can't outrun guilt' after GA mother of 3 killed in hit-and-run Atlanta Motor Speedway is getting a new name Amazon opening sorting center in west Georgia, bringing 1,000 jobs On Friday, the pair was arrested and booked into the Appling County Jail. Sauls and Chancey are charged with one count of concealing the death of another and possession of cocaine. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Baxley Police Department at 912-367-8305 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas at 912-389-4103. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 1-800-597-8477. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
