Saturday, May 16, 2015
Though as of this writing there's no official word from Savannah College of Art and Design, the music booking website Pollstar indicates that The Wailers and Rusted Root are booked for the SCAD Alumni Concert in Forsyth Park on Friday May 29. While the event is intended as entertainment for just-graduated SCAD students, the concert is always free and fully open to the public.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Concluding a year of intense political struggle over money and control, the City of Savannah and the Chatham County Commission today unveiled an agreement which will preserve the endangered City/County police merger at least until summer 2017.
While the term of the agreement is ten years, there is a two-year "phase in to formulate an evidence-based approach to future operations and cost share," the agreement reads.
The agreement takes effect July 1, and the first step is to jointly hire and pay a law enforcement consultant to "provide guidance in the collection, analysis and interpretation of relevant data."
Over the first year, a new Staff Committee, including the City Manager, County Manager, and Police Chief, will meet with the consultant to resolve ongoing issues of precinct composition and beat structure.
No immediate changes to precincts and beats will take place, the agreement says.
During year two is when potential issues may come to a head; that's when an "amended agreement and cost formula consistent with the Committee's recommendations" will have to be hammered out and made effective by July 1, 2017.
The thorny issue of who the Police Chief will answer to seems to have been resolved mostly in the City's favor. The Chief will "fall under the City's organizational structure," a vague phrase which would seem to indicate the Chief answers to the City Manager alone.
But the agreement says, "However, the County Manager will have full access to the Chief and will participate in the evaluation of the Chief jointly with the City Manager."
The County Manager will provide specific direction to the Chief in issues concerning the unincorporated area.
As for hiring and termination decisions related to the Police Chief, the County Manager's influence is limited to being consulted and rendering a written opinion "to the City Manager for consideration."
As was expected, the County will now take over complete control of the Counter Narcotics Team, which will report directly to the County Manager rather than the Police Chief. Under the tenure of former Police Chief Willie Lovett, the Counter Narcotics Team's mission was allegedly compromised by corrupt officers placed on the unit by Lovett.
Animal Control and the Marine Patrol will also now come under complete control of the County Manager.
In addition, the merger agreement addressed the ongoing funding disagreements over Recorder's Court.
While the term of the agreement is ten years, there is a two-year "phase in to formulate an evidence-based approach to future operations and cost share," the agreement reads.
The agreement takes effect July 1, and the first step is to jointly hire and pay a law enforcement consultant to "provide guidance in the collection, analysis and interpretation of relevant data."
Over the first year, a new Staff Committee, including the City Manager, County Manager, and Police Chief, will meet with the consultant to resolve ongoing issues of precinct composition and beat structure.
No immediate changes to precincts and beats will take place, the agreement says.
During year two is when potential issues may come to a head; that's when an "amended agreement and cost formula consistent with the Committee's recommendations" will have to be hammered out and made effective by July 1, 2017.
The thorny issue of who the Police Chief will answer to seems to have been resolved mostly in the City's favor. The Chief will "fall under the City's organizational structure," a vague phrase which would seem to indicate the Chief answers to the City Manager alone.
But the agreement says, "However, the County Manager will have full access to the Chief and will participate in the evaluation of the Chief jointly with the City Manager."
The County Manager will provide specific direction to the Chief in issues concerning the unincorporated area.
As for hiring and termination decisions related to the Police Chief, the County Manager's influence is limited to being consulted and rendering a written opinion "to the City Manager for consideration."
As was expected, the County will now take over complete control of the Counter Narcotics Team, which will report directly to the County Manager rather than the Police Chief. Under the tenure of former Police Chief Willie Lovett, the Counter Narcotics Team's mission was allegedly compromised by corrupt officers placed on the unit by Lovett.
Animal Control and the Marine Patrol will also now come under complete control of the County Manager.
In addition, the merger agreement addressed the ongoing funding disagreements over Recorder's Court.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
An investigation into the Thursday night shooting death of a 30-year-old Savannah man is underway by homicide detectives of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.
Central Precinct patrol officers responded to a shooting at 8 p.m. outside Heritage Place apartments on the 700 block of Lavinia Street to find Alonzo Lee Richardson with a gunshot wound.
He was transported to Memorial University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Central Precinct patrol officers responded to a shooting at 8 p.m. outside Heritage Place apartments on the 700 block of Lavinia Street to find Alonzo Lee Richardson with a gunshot wound.
He was transported to Memorial University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
The body found floating in the Savannah river on Wednesday morning has been identified and an autopsy has indicated no foul play in the death, police say.
The victim has been identified as Randall Lee Weller, 53. His family has been notified.
Officers responded about 8:30 a.m. to the 200 block of east River Street where passersby discovered the body of a white male in the river near the dock.
Marine Patrol removed the body from the water.
The victim has been identified as Randall Lee Weller, 53. His family has been notified.
Officers responded about 8:30 a.m. to the 200 block of east River Street where passersby discovered the body of a white male in the river near the dock.
Marine Patrol removed the body from the water.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
"A three-foot python and 50-pound African spur thigh tortoise are receiving care at Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s animal shelter after being captured in unusual places this week," a department spokesperson says.
Tallulah the tortoise was picked up near 32nd and Dieter streets, while wandering in the middle of the road Monday afternoon. Caa, the snake was recovered from an apartment bathtub on Largo Drive, late Wednesday night. Animal Control is not sure how the snake got there.
Tallulah and Caa are undergoing a mandatory five-day veterinary and behavioral observation by Animal Control. Tallulah will go to a licensed animal care facility and used for educational purposes. Caa will be available for adoption after the observation period.
Tallulah the tortoise was picked up near 32nd and Dieter streets, while wandering in the middle of the road Monday afternoon. Caa, the snake was recovered from an apartment bathtub on Largo Drive, late Wednesday night. Animal Control is not sure how the snake got there.
Tallulah and Caa are undergoing a mandatory five-day veterinary and behavioral observation by Animal Control. Tallulah will go to a licensed animal care facility and used for educational purposes. Caa will be available for adoption after the observation period.
Detectives of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the cause of death of a man whose body was pulled from the Savannah River Thursday morning.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., Downtown Precinct patrol officers responded to the 200 block of east River Street, where passersby discovered the body of an unidentified white male floating in the river near the dock.
Marine Patrol removed the body from the water. Detectives are working to identify the body. Forensics and the Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death. This is an ongoing investigation.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., Downtown Precinct patrol officers responded to the 200 block of east River Street, where passersby discovered the body of an unidentified white male floating in the river near the dock.
Marine Patrol removed the body from the water. Detectives are working to identify the body. Forensics and the Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death. This is an ongoing investigation.
Hours before the last schedule public meeting on the Kinder Morgan "Palmetto Pipeline," Ga. Gov. Nathan Deal was quoted in news reports as saying the state of Georgia would be against the pipeline in its current envisioned form.
"We're going to object from the state level and I think that process will then go to the courts for a judge to decide," Gov. Deal said to WRDW TV news.
"We've been in consultation with the head of DOT and agreement that the state is going to disagree to that pipeline," he said.
The Governor made the comment during a stop in Augusta this morning. The public meeting happens at 5 p.m. today at Augusta Tech's campus in Waynesboro.
The Palmetto Pipeline is planned to traverse South Carolina and Georgia and terminate around the Jacksonville, Fla., area. Eminent domain would be needed to secure rights to build the pipeline on various areas of private property along the planned route.
"We're going to object from the state level and I think that process will then go to the courts for a judge to decide," Gov. Deal said to WRDW TV news.
"We've been in consultation with the head of DOT and agreement that the state is going to disagree to that pipeline," he said.
The Governor made the comment during a stop in Augusta this morning. The public meeting happens at 5 p.m. today at Augusta Tech's campus in Waynesboro.
The Palmetto Pipeline is planned to traverse South Carolina and Georgia and terminate around the Jacksonville, Fla., area. Eminent domain would be needed to secure rights to build the pipeline on various areas of private property along the planned route.
Tags: Palmetto Pipeline , Nathan Deal
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Savannah/Chatham Metro Police Chief Joseph "Jack" Lumpkin today announced the suspension and likely termination of a corporal on charges of stealing cash, TVs, and computers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) undercover storefront, "and gave some of them to former Chief Lovett and perhaps others."
"Today I announce the suspension of one of our officers, Corporal Daryle McCormick, pending his termination following a nearly year-long investigation," said Chief Lumpkin.
"The details of this case are frankly troubling, and embarrassing. Not just to the individuals involved, but to everyone who wears a badge on this force. In this case, you will see we obviously failed the public," he said.
Cpl. McCormick became a Savannah Police officer in 1996, and in 2005 was assigned to a special task force coordinated by the Savannah Office of the ATF.
For the next nine years, he remained in this assignment and reported directly to former Chief Willie Lovett, now serving a prison sentence on federal extortion charges.
On June 16, 2014, Cpl. McCormick requested to return to the SCMPD full time. He was advised by Interim Chief Tolbert that she would address his request if he gave her a letter stating that he was leaving the ATF Task Force in good standing. Two days later, Interim Chief Tolbert was advised by the Resident Agent in Charge of the ATF that Cpl. McCormick had been removed from the Task Force following allegations of improper activity.
Chief Tolbert immediately placed him on administrative leave, and an investigation was launched by the SCMPD’s Office of Professional Standards for possible policy violations.
"Since this matter also was being investigated by the United States Department of Justice, federal agents asked the SCMPD on August 11, 2014, to place a hold on our investigation," Lumpkin said.
"We were recently advised by them that their investigation had proceeded to the point that we could resume our internal investigation. Our internal investigation is now complete."
The investigation found that Cpl. McCormick used Task Force funds to purchase a cell phone for former Chief Lovett, and continued to use these funds to pay for Chief Lovett’s cell phone bill at least five months after his retirement. He also provided former Chief Lovett with a personal computer, at Lovett’s request, the day before Lovett resigned his position.
The investigation also found that Cpl. McCormick used Task Force funds to purchase alcohol and other improper items for former Chief Lovett.
"The conduct of Cpl. McCormick and former Chief Lovett are reprehensible, and such actions will not be tolerated under my watch," said Lumpkin.
"We are cooperating fully with federal investigators, who are continuing their investigation. Once we have obtained additional information from federal authorities, we will brief the District Attorney’s Office and cooperate fully with that office to determine if charges should be considered on the State of Georgia level," he said.
"I have recommended that the City Attorney explore pursuing civil litigation to recover public money and property misappropriated by Cpl. McCormick, former Chief Lovett, and perhaps others associated with this case."
"Today I announce the suspension of one of our officers, Corporal Daryle McCormick, pending his termination following a nearly year-long investigation," said Chief Lumpkin.
"The details of this case are frankly troubling, and embarrassing. Not just to the individuals involved, but to everyone who wears a badge on this force. In this case, you will see we obviously failed the public," he said.
Cpl. McCormick became a Savannah Police officer in 1996, and in 2005 was assigned to a special task force coordinated by the Savannah Office of the ATF.
For the next nine years, he remained in this assignment and reported directly to former Chief Willie Lovett, now serving a prison sentence on federal extortion charges.
On June 16, 2014, Cpl. McCormick requested to return to the SCMPD full time. He was advised by Interim Chief Tolbert that she would address his request if he gave her a letter stating that he was leaving the ATF Task Force in good standing. Two days later, Interim Chief Tolbert was advised by the Resident Agent in Charge of the ATF that Cpl. McCormick had been removed from the Task Force following allegations of improper activity.
Chief Tolbert immediately placed him on administrative leave, and an investigation was launched by the SCMPD’s Office of Professional Standards for possible policy violations.
"Since this matter also was being investigated by the United States Department of Justice, federal agents asked the SCMPD on August 11, 2014, to place a hold on our investigation," Lumpkin said.
"We were recently advised by them that their investigation had proceeded to the point that we could resume our internal investigation. Our internal investigation is now complete."
The investigation found that Cpl. McCormick used Task Force funds to purchase a cell phone for former Chief Lovett, and continued to use these funds to pay for Chief Lovett’s cell phone bill at least five months after his retirement. He also provided former Chief Lovett with a personal computer, at Lovett’s request, the day before Lovett resigned his position.
The investigation also found that Cpl. McCormick used Task Force funds to purchase alcohol and other improper items for former Chief Lovett.
"The conduct of Cpl. McCormick and former Chief Lovett are reprehensible, and such actions will not be tolerated under my watch," said Lumpkin.
"We are cooperating fully with federal investigators, who are continuing their investigation. Once we have obtained additional information from federal authorities, we will brief the District Attorney’s Office and cooperate fully with that office to determine if charges should be considered on the State of Georgia level," he said.
"I have recommended that the City Attorney explore pursuing civil litigation to recover public money and property misappropriated by Cpl. McCormick, former Chief Lovett, and perhaps others associated with this case."
A contingent of feral dogs "with human accomplices has kept Animal Control and Islands Precinct patrol officers busy for more than six months and Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are expanding their efforts," a department spokesperson says.
Six of the errant dogs "who have enjoyed munching on food in garbage containers and sunning in neighborhood yards have been captured, but their numbers seem to be growing," police say. "Some of the dogs obviously are pregnant, adding to the woes."
“The biggest problem,” said Capt. Charles Hall, commander of Special Operations, which includes Animal Control, “is that the dogs are getting support from people. We have indications that some of our traps have worked, but the dogs have been released before we can get there. They also seem to be feasting on household trash left in lanes.”
The canines seem to roam from the Twickenham neighborhood through Gordonston, Winter Gardens and Victory Manor and down into the Live Oak neighborhoods, police say.
Residents report that the dogs have begun to recognize the sounds of the Animal Control trucks and hide before officers get there.
Hall, who has taken to patrolling the area in his own unmarked car, has seen members of the pack as far as the Truman Parkway.
“In the last three weeks we have focused and concentrated efforts, using patrol officers, Animal Control and even myself,” Hall said. “Fortunately, we’ve received no reports of the dogs being aggressive towards residents but we want to capture them before someone gets hurt. They are not inoculated or domesticated.”
Anyone who sees the dogs are asked to call Metro Animal Control at (912) 525-2408 or the Metro non-emergency number at (912) 652-6500.
Six of the errant dogs "who have enjoyed munching on food in garbage containers and sunning in neighborhood yards have been captured, but their numbers seem to be growing," police say. "Some of the dogs obviously are pregnant, adding to the woes."
“The biggest problem,” said Capt. Charles Hall, commander of Special Operations, which includes Animal Control, “is that the dogs are getting support from people. We have indications that some of our traps have worked, but the dogs have been released before we can get there. They also seem to be feasting on household trash left in lanes.”
The canines seem to roam from the Twickenham neighborhood through Gordonston, Winter Gardens and Victory Manor and down into the Live Oak neighborhoods, police say.
Residents report that the dogs have begun to recognize the sounds of the Animal Control trucks and hide before officers get there.
Hall, who has taken to patrolling the area in his own unmarked car, has seen members of the pack as far as the Truman Parkway.
“In the last three weeks we have focused and concentrated efforts, using patrol officers, Animal Control and even myself,” Hall said. “Fortunately, we’ve received no reports of the dogs being aggressive towards residents but we want to capture them before someone gets hurt. They are not inoculated or domesticated.”
Anyone who sees the dogs are asked to call Metro Animal Control at (912) 525-2408 or the Metro non-emergency number at (912) 652-6500.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating the second shooting event targeting the same person in less than a month "but they are getting little information from the victim himself," a department spokesperson says.
Germaine Redmond Grant, 24, was transported Monday night for treatment of a gunshot wound that grazed his head on the 1200 block of East 55th Street at Cedar Street. He was treated and released.
Officers responded to the scene at 5:21 p.m. to find him with the injury and multiple shell casings in the street.
On April 21, police responded to the 1300 block of East 55th to find a vacant, bullet riddled Dodge automobile upside down and similar shell casings.
"Investigating violent crimes detectives later identified Grant as the driver of the car at the time it had been attacked," police say. "In each case, Grant refused to provide information on the crimes."
He has a record of multiple charges since 2008 including drug, contempt of court, murder, aggravated assault and probation violation.
He was acquitted last month on murder charges in the March 2013 shooting death of Achmed Kiwann Williams who was shot to death on his porch of his residence on the 1100 block of East 55th Street.
Police Chief Joseph H. “Jack” Lumpkin Sr. pointed to the two recent shooting cases as examples of the way offenders remain unidentified and on the streets "because of reluctance of witnesses and even victims to identify them; or victims prefer to gain retribution themselves," police say.
“Our department spends a lot of time in the Edgemere neighborhood where innocent residents often are subjected to such dangerous activities,” Lumpkin said. “We have provided numerous methods for citizens to share information, including resources in which their anonymity is guaranteed.”
Germaine Redmond Grant, 24, was transported Monday night for treatment of a gunshot wound that grazed his head on the 1200 block of East 55th Street at Cedar Street. He was treated and released.
Officers responded to the scene at 5:21 p.m. to find him with the injury and multiple shell casings in the street.
On April 21, police responded to the 1300 block of East 55th to find a vacant, bullet riddled Dodge automobile upside down and similar shell casings.
"Investigating violent crimes detectives later identified Grant as the driver of the car at the time it had been attacked," police say. "In each case, Grant refused to provide information on the crimes."
He has a record of multiple charges since 2008 including drug, contempt of court, murder, aggravated assault and probation violation.
He was acquitted last month on murder charges in the March 2013 shooting death of Achmed Kiwann Williams who was shot to death on his porch of his residence on the 1100 block of East 55th Street.
Police Chief Joseph H. “Jack” Lumpkin Sr. pointed to the two recent shooting cases as examples of the way offenders remain unidentified and on the streets "because of reluctance of witnesses and even victims to identify them; or victims prefer to gain retribution themselves," police say.
“Our department spends a lot of time in the Edgemere neighborhood where innocent residents often are subjected to such dangerous activities,” Lumpkin said. “We have provided numerous methods for citizens to share information, including resources in which their anonymity is guaranteed.”
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