Warrant Taken for Robbery Suspect

An arrest warrant, based on evidence provided by the Monticello Police Department (MPD), was issued Monday, Feb. 24, for Michael Drake Smith of a Hillsboro address, charging him with robbery.

According to an incident report from the MPD the victim arrived at the MPD on December 13, 2013, and reported he had been robbed by two men at a trailer park on Hillsboro Street known as “The Dirty.” According to the victim he was approached by two men who knocked him off a ladder, wrestled him to the ground and stole $4,500 in cash from his pocket and his wallet. They also made off with a certified check made out to the victim in the amount of $30,000 and fled on foot.

Upon the victim’s reporting of the crime, a subsequent call to the issuing bank stopped payment on the check.

Earlier this month the victim identified Mr. Smith as one of the robbers when he was shown a photograph lineup by an investigator with the MPD. Mr. Smith was still at large upon this printing, and his partner in crime remains unknown and uncharged. Anyone with information concerning this incident, or any other criminal activity is encouraged to call the MPD at 706-468-6404.

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Also, during the period of February 18-25 the MPD reported the following two arrests:

•Olga Diaz, 50, Monticello—license violation.

•Heidi Christine Behrendsen, 22, Madison—possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

During this same period officers with the MPD responded to 80 calls for service including 13 stopping suspicious person/vehicle, nine alarm, seven subject needs officer, five each music/noise complaint and license check/road block, four accident, three each escort or convoy, juvenile complaint and trouble unknown, two each crowd disbursement, discharge firearms and threatening/harassing phone calls, one each fight, prowler report, burglary, assist motorist, intoxicated driver, direct traffic, fire, chase in progress, theft by taking, fall, extra patrol, welfare check, vandalism of property, argument, persons refuse to leave, attempt to serve warrant, lost property, utility department needed and identity fraud/theft.

Phone calls to the MPD to learn more about last Friday’s license checks went unanswered.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) reported the following recent criminal incidents. Anyone with information pertaining to these, or any other criminal activity, are encouraged to call the JCSO anonymous tips line at 706-468-JCSO:

•On February 22, a property owner on Whitaker Road in Shady Dale reported the theft of a Freedom Express Camper, a cooler, dove decoys, chain saw, air conditioner, drill motor, pick axes, shovels, skill saw, hydraulic jack, ropes and chains, golf clubs, tackle box, rods and reels, tool box with tools and a dog crate.

•On February 21 a resident on Ernest Gibson Road reported the theft of unspecified property.

•On February 19 a resident on Brazey Road reported the theft of wheels with new tires.

•On February 18 a resident on Starr Road reported the theft of several old automobiles.

•On February 17 a property owner on Hwy. 83 North in Shady Dale reported that he was missing six Black Angus cows.

Also, during the period of February 18-25 the JCSO reported the following arrests:

•Michael Shaine Smith, 30, Villa Rica—theft by receiving stolen property (two counts), possession of methamphetamine and forgery in the first degree.

•Desmond Nakano Mullins, 29, Monticello—obstruction of an officer.

•Marvis Armel Wyman, 33, Monticello—child support.

•Labarron Cosby Farrar, 36, Monticello—possession of cocaine and probation violation.

•Amber Symone Brown, 25, Monticello—possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

•Randy Lavon Eason, 42, Conyers—Jasper County Probate Court Bench Warrant.

•Marilyn Ann Armstrong, 41, Monticello—probation violation.

During this same period deputies with the JCSO responded to 169 calls for service including 59 stopping suspicious person/vehicle, 18 subject needs officer, 10 alarm, six each accident, sex offender check and attempt to serve warrant, five theft by taking, four each mechanical break down, pick up prisoner/subject and vandalism of property, three each dog disturbance, prowler report, livestock on road, intoxicated driver, private property, music/noise complaint, argument and persons refuse to leave, two each assist motorist, speeding auto, discharge firearms, threatening/harassing calls, checking location and license check/road block, one each fight, escort or convoy, chase in progress, shortness of breath, overdose, electrical wires down, trouble unknown, abandoned vehicle, stalking and 911 hang up.

In addition, during the period mentioned above the Georgia State Patrol reported the following two arrests:

•Oscar Perales, 36, Monticello—driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to maintain lane.

•Cirilo Sanchez Hernandez, 32, Shady Dale—no license, financial identity fraud, false identification, seat belt violation and window tint violation.

Furthermore, during this same period the Department of Natural Resources reported the following two arrests:

•John Thomas Hilley, 18, Monticello—possession of marijuana less than one ounce and furnishing/purchasing/possession of alcohol by person under the age of 21.

•Thomas Bert Line, 18 (address unspecified)—possession of marijuana less than one ounce.