Putnam County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff Howard Sills exits a boat after recovering the body of Shirley Dermond from the waters of Lake Oconee.

Sheriff Howard Sills exits a boat after recovering the body of Shirley Dermond from the waters of Lake Oconee.

New evidence discovered in Dermond slayings

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, May 4, 2023
This week marks the nine-year anniversary of the slayings of Russell and Shirley Dermond, residents of the quiet and prestigious gated Great Waters community in Putnam County.
Kervin Joel Alicea-Lopez

Kervin Joel Alicea-Lopez

More charges, another arrest in Hwy. 44 shooting

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, April 20, 2023
New developments in the investigation of an early-February shooting of a driver on State Route 44 have led to another man being arrested and additional charges filed against the original suspect, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.
Danny Rodriguez Rivera, 37, of Lena Lane, Eatonton, was arrested on April 8 and charged with one count of making false statements (felony) – Greene County, one count of making false statements (felony) – Putnam County, and one count of driving without a license (misdemeanor), according to jail reports.

Danny Rodriguez Rivera, 37, of Lena Lane, Eatonton, was arrested on April 8 and charged with one count of making false statements (felony) – Greene County, one count of making false statements (felony) – Putnam County, and one count of driving without a license (misdemeanor), according to jail reports.

Man arrested in connection with shooting on Highway 44

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, April 13, 2023
An arrest has been made in connection with an early February shooting in Putnam County, but no one has been charged for the shooting itself, Putnam County Sheriff Howard R. Sills said. The victim, 67-year-old Ralph Rella, was a night manager at the Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee.
Christopher Hill

Christopher Hill

PCSO, EPD combine efforts to stop drug sales

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, April 6, 2023
For the past several months, Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell and Putnam County Sheriff’s Lt. Harry Luke have been investigating drug sales in the city and some in the county. Five “street dealers” were arrested last week and warrants were issued for more, according to Luke.
Marguerite Elizabeth Crumbley was pulled from the F-250 she used to lead authorities on a high-speed chase through Morgan, Jasper and Putnam counties. CONTRIBUTED

Marguerite Elizabeth Crumbley was pulled from the F-250 she used to lead authorities on a high-speed chase through Morgan, Jasper and Putnam counties. CONTRIBUTED

Multi-county pursuit ends with arrest in Eatonton

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, March 16, 2023
A Greensboro woman was arrested on a laundry list of charges in Eatonton on March 12, following a police chase involving several law enforcement agencies at speeds approaching 100 mph.
Locust Grove Police Chief Derrick Austin, right, talks with LGPD Lt. Brandon Morris outside of the Putnam County Coroner’s Office Sunday afternoon. LYNN HOBBS/ Staff

Locust Grove Police Chief Derrick Austin, right, talks with LGPD Lt. Brandon Morris outside of the Putnam County Coroner’s Office Sunday afternoon. LYNN HOBBS/ Staff

Body found in Cedar Creek; suspect in custody

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Traffic on U.S. 129/Gray Highway slowed considerably as drivers crossed the bridge over Cedar Creek Sunday afternoon and noticed many blue lights flashing along the roadside and under the bridge.
Malik K. White

Malik K. White

Authorities called for gun in backpack

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, February 2, 2023
A student took a handgun to Putnam County Middle School, but upon arrival, she immediately reported it to her teacher, and authorities were called. The girl discovered the small .22 Derringer in her backpack on her way to school Wednesday, Jan.
Photo provided by LawAndCrime.com. CONTRIBUTED

Photo provided by LawAndCrime.com. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County case airs Saturday on 48 Hours

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Scenes Saturday night on television network CBS will look familiar to local residents as the show 48 Hours will feature a case from Eatonton and Putnam County. Promos that appeared on TV this week have included shots of Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney T.
Charlie Robert Rodriguez Diaz

Charlie Robert Rodriguez Diaz

Christmas Eve family time results in arrest

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, January 5, 2023
A Putnam County father was arrested on Christmas Day on charges related to abusing his children. Putnam County jail reports reveal Charlie Robert Rodriguez-Diaz, 49, of Walnut Way, Eatonton, was arrested shortly after 9 a.m. Dec.
Johnathon Edward Baldwin

Johnathon Edward Baldwin

Shoplifter caught red-handed in store

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, December 22, 2022
An Athens man who was caught shoplifting in the Eatonton Walmart reportedly thought he couldn’t be arrested because he was still inside the store. He is now currently behind bars in the Putnam County jail, according to jail reports.
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