Fugitive Is Sought for Arson

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating James Randall Spensley, 35, of Centerville, accused of arson in Jones County.

The alleged arsonist twice tried to set on fire the home of a Jones County deputy and Jasper County investigator.

Jones County Sheriff Butch Reece said the initial attempt at the residence did not amount to much and was at first thought to have been a juvenile prank. When arson was attempted a second time, authorities were called in. Jones County is offering a $2,500 reward in addition to anything Georgia Arson Control awards.

Mr. Spensley was out of jail on a $22,000 bond after being indicted in Jasper County on five counts including criminal attempt to commit aggravated child molestation, computer pornography, obscene internet contact with a child, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and obstruction of an officer.

He was originally arrested as part of “Operation Hidden Thunder” in September of 2016. The purpose of “Operation Hidden Thunder” was to arrest persons who communicate with children on-line and then travel to meet them for the purpose of having sex. On-line child predators visit websites on the internet, find children, begin conversations with them, introduce sexual content and arrange a meeting with the children for the purpose of having sex.

In addition to his original charges, Mr. Spensley currently faces two counts of arson, and will face numerous other counts. Sheriff Donnie Pope said he could be looking at 130 years.

Local deputies were looking into some accounts of theft in the last week but nothing major. Persons arrested locally include:

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•Jonathan Larry Lam, 18, Monticello—possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

•Michael Scott Fuller, 18, Newborn—possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

•Thomas Ethan Davis, 25, Mansfield—probation violation.

•Christina Elisabeth Dunn, 38, Eatonton—possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and drugs not in original container.

•Sherry Dale Braley, 47, Conyers—probation violation.

•April Leanne Fuller, 25, Monticello—Jasper County Superior Court bench warrant.

•Robin Caitlin Pierce Motes, 22, Monticello—probation violation.

•Amber Jade Grizzard, 24, Monticello—disorderly conduct.

•Eric Cameron Ghrist, 32, Fayetteville—possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, drugs not in original container and

purchase/possession/manufacture/distribution or sale of marijuana.

•Thomas Edward Davidson, 47, Forsyth—possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

•Stephen Brock Sawyer, 38, Monticello—driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, open container of alcohol and driving while license suspended or revoked.

•Desmond Raymond Whitlock, 27, Monticello—possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

•Jessica Leigh Tanner, 29, Monticello—pedestrian under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

•Jalisa Renae Justice, 27, Milledgeville—possession of Schedule II controlled substance.

•Lynqueon Laquail Farley, 31, Eatonton—possession of Schedule I controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule I controlled substance (two counts) and possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

•Terrance B. Blackwell, 30, Covington—possession/manufacture/distribution of a controlled substance.

•Tyler Gage Pasco Hall, 23, Monroe—probation violation.

•Joseph Eli Lanford, 34, Covington—probation violation.

•Brandon James Wilson: 20, Covington—possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

•Paris George Clendenin, Jr., 39, Monticello—simple battery.