On 08/29/2022 around 2200 hours night shift received a call of a suspicious person who may be committing a theft at a closed business in our city. The first officer arrived on scene and quickly was able to determine that a trailer had been stolen from the business. Another officer who was close by and also responding to the same call saw a truck with a trailer hooked up to the rear of it that was pulled over not far from the business. Both officers got out with the subject driving the truck and through their investigation were able to determine that the subject had stolen the trailer from the closed business. The subject was in possession of several burglary-type tools and also had damaged another trailer at the same business.
The subject was identified as Corry Davis, age 28, of Florida. Davis was arrested and transported to Jackson County Jail where officers charged him with Felony Theft by Taking, 3 Counts of Criminal Damage to Property and Possession of Tools for Commission of a Crime.
Great work by our C-Team officers and by the complainant who called in the suspicious activity.
On Thursday August 25, 2022 at approximately 10:22 p.m. a teenager left her job on Hwy 53 North to travel home. The residence is on the Jackson Trail Road area after you cross the 4 way stop on Hwy 11. After turning onto Hwy 124 in Braselton, she noticed a vehicle following her very closely. She would speed up and the vehicle would speed up and then the person in the vehicle turned on the flashers, continuing to follow her and pulling beside her also. Then the vehicle passed her and pulled in front of her, brake checking her. She called her father to tell him she was being followed and at that time her mother called Jackson County 911. The vehicle continued to follow her even as she turned into the neighborhood. The victim’s father intervened and the suspect was taken into custody by deputies.
Volodymyr Ionashku, age 24 of 160 Panther Court Hoschton was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Unlicensed, and Failure to Maintain Lane. This is an ongoing investigation with more charges anticipated.
Please talk to your teenagers and advise them to be mindful of their surroundings at all times, even as they are driving, especially at night. This victim did exactly as she should have in calling her father and then the mother calling 911 to have Deputies respond.
Citizens are encouraged to notify their local law enforcement agencies of any suspicious persons, crimes or other relevant information by calling 911 or the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 367-8718. Also please remember that you can provide information without being involved or identified by contacting the Jackson County Sheriff’s Offices Anonymous Tip Line (706) 367-3784 to report any Criminal or Suspicious Activity.
Release by:
Sheriff Janis G. Mangum
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
555 Stan Evans Dr.
Jefferson, GA 30549
Office (706)367-8718
Fax (706) 387-6075
Subject: Notice of Road Closure SR332 Bridge over I-85
Project: Pl 0013545
County: Jackson County
Georgia Department of Transportation Project Pl 0013545 includes the replacement of the bridge on SR 332 over Interstate 85 in Jackson County, Georgia. The existing
bridge will be replaced by a new bridge within the limits of the existing bridge. The total length of the project is 0.19 miles. The project will require the closure of the road at the bridge location with an anticipated closure date of January 17, 2022, for 180 days. An offsite detour will be provided that has been coordinated with the local government. The project is necessary for the Georgia Department of Transportation to establish safer traffic conditions.
Site plans for the proposed bridge replacement can be viewed at the PMC Design-Build Field Office Trailer:
5838 Highway 53, Braselton, GA 30517.
For Immediate Release
December 6, 2021
Search Warrant Leads to Seizure of Weapons, Drugs, and a Large Amount of Cash
On Thursday, December 2, 2021, a search warrant was executed at 21 Wages Bridge Rd, Nicholson, Ga. Gary Harper, age 44, was arrested and charged with:
• Possession with the intent to distribute Crack Cocaine
• Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana
• Possession of firearm during the commission of a felony
• Theft by Receiving a stolen firearm
• Tampering with evidence
Approximately 25 grams of crack cocaine was found inside the residence, along with one and a half pounds of marijuana. Two firearms were seized, one of which was reported stolen out of Athens-Clarke County. The street value of the crack cocaine is $3,125.00 and the marijuana has a street value of $3,750.00. Approximately $16,981.00 in U.S. Currency was also seized.
The Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, and Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement were involved in the investigation.
The investigation is still active and ongoing.
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via Facebook IM (@AppalachianRDEO) or at 706-348-7410 or contact your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department.
The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Jackson County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County and Franklin County, Gilmer County, Fannin County, along with the Cleveland Police Department, the Toccoa Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
In October of 2019 Commerce PD arrested Steven Blackmon in reference to a child molestation that occurred at his home located in the city of Commerce. This began an investigation that led to the uncovering of several more children Blackmon victimized in Commerce. We are proud to announce that this week Steven Michael Blackmon was found guilty by a jury on 30 counts of various charges ranging from aggravated child molestation; enticing a child for indecent purposes; sexual exploitation of children; possessing material depicting a minor in sexually explicit conduct and many other heinous acts. Blackmon was sentenced to 100 years in prison.
This investigation and prosecution are due to the hard work and dedication of many investigators and agencies such as: Detective Ferguson at Commerce PD; the GBI Internet Crimes Against Children Unit; the FBI, Brad Smith and the Jackson County DA Office; Office of the US Attorney for Northern District of Georgia, University of Georgia Police Department, The Treehouse, Sheriff Janis Mangum and the Jackson County SO Criminal Investigation Division.
Blackmon is suspected of victimizing countless amounts of children in multiple states including Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee possibly dating back to the 1990s.
It is because of the brave family that reported the incident in October of 2019 in Commerce that these hard-working investigators were finally able to put a stop to Blackmon’s disgusting victimization of minors.
We hope Blackmon enjoys his 100 year stay in prison. Although this doesn’t take away the pain and trauma the survivors must feel, we hope they feel that justice has finally been served.
11/7/2021 Update
The deceased woman has been identified as Jessica Worsham, age 43, of Hoschton, GA.
ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE
Jackson County, GA (November 6, 2021) – The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting that happened in Jackson County, GA. One woman has died in the incident. One Jackson County deputy is critically injured. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting incident.
On Friday, November 5, 2021, at around 9:20 p.m., Jackson County Sheriff‘s Office deputies responded to a 911 call from a residence located at 6416 GA Hwy 124 in Hoschton, GA. The call was about a domestic situation where the homeowners wanted a non-resident out of the home. When deputies arrived at that location, they made contact with a woman at the front door of the residence. The woman pulled out a firearm and pointed it towards the deputies. The deputies gave verbal commands for the woman to drop the weapon. The woman opened fire on the deputies. One of the deputies was hit and injured. The other deputy returned fire, hitting the woman and killing her. The injured deputy was taken to a local trauma center where she remains in critical condition.
The identity of the woman who fired at the deputies is being withheld until proper notification to the next of kin. She will be taken to the GBI crime lab in Decatur for an autopsy.
The GBI will continue to conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the casefile will be provided to the Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
On October 23, 221, the 7th Annual Jackson County Jeepin’ for the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes Event was held. Over 50 Jeepers, and a few other cars and trucks, left Beef “O” Brady’s in Jefferson and took a scenic ride through the backroads of Northeast Georgia to the Nichols Campground on the Tallulah River in Clayton Georgia. Upon arrival to the campground everyone enjoyed a Chick Fil A lunch sponsored by Legacy Commissary, who also provided the snack bags for the participants to enjoy on the ride up.
After lunch and fellowship the drawing for the yearly raffle was held and the Cherokee Estates Youth Homes Kids assisted in pulling the winning names. The first prize winner of the Glock 43X 9mm from Curry Creek Trading was Hudson Avant who purchased a ticket from our friends in South Georgia, and the 2nd place winner of the $400.00 gift certificate from the Dixie Ammo Dump was Sheriff Donnie Pope from Jasper County who purchased his ticket from Sheriff Janis Mangum. We appreciate each and every one who purchase tickets for our raffle each year. The raffle is our “money maker” at the Jeep Ride as well as the registration fees and door prize tickets. Each year we have friends who donate door prizes to the Jeep Ride and we would like to say thank you to them as well.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes. The GSYH’s are non-profit and rely on your contributions, so each year we host two events to include the Jeep Ride and in the spring we have a golf tournament at the Double Oaks Golf Club. These along with your memorials and gift contributions make a huge difference in the lives of these youth.
This year the Jeepin for the GSYH raised approximately $15, 727.00.
Thank you to all the participants, sponsors, employees, and Nichols Campground friends and family who make this event a success!
At the 2020-2021 Governor’s Office of Highway Safety “Governor’s Challenge” awards ceremony that was held last Friday in Macon, Georgia your Jefferson Police Department was recognized with a 1st Place award. We were
recognized by the GOHS as the agency that promotes the best Speed Awareness in the entire State. This is based off of our crash reduction efforts, educational programs and enforcement contacts. FTO Jackson is pictured receiving the award, as he prepared, completed and turned in our agency’s Governor’s Challenge application.
On May 22, 2021, we will hold 1st 2021 Jackson County Citizens Firearms class. If you are interested in taking the class, you will need to have a completed application turned into the Sheriff’s Office NO LATER than May 12, 2021 before 4:00 pm. The application can be found on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Website or you can pick up one at the Sheriff’s Office located at 555 Stan Evans Drive in Jefferson, Monday through Friday between the hours off 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. ***The class is FREE of charge but you will be required to bring your own handgun and ammunition.***
***The class is for Jackson County residents only, who have little or no experience in handling a handgun. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP IF YOU ARE PROFICIENT WITH A HANDGUN OR IF YOU HAVE TAKEN THE CLASS BEFORE, WE WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE THE CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CLASS. ***
If you are not 100% sure you will be able to come to the class please do not reserve a seat. The class will be limited to 25 participants for social distancing purposes. We strive to have at least 3-4 classes a year and there will be more opportunities available.
We are asking that everyone fill out a new application even if you filled out one last spring, due to the length of time it has been. If you were called and did not respond to messages about the class, you will also need to fill out another application. The application process consists of doing records checks, residency checks etc. as well as having to line up employees to work on their day off so that the class runs smoothly. PLEASE READ THE APPLICATION AND THE INSTRUCTION SHEET PROVIDED WITH THE APPLICATION ABOUT CALSS DETAILS.
Again, please have your application turned in no later than May 12, 2021 by 4:00 pm. We will fill the class as completed application are turned into the office. If you are unable to hold a permit to carry, you will not be able to attend the class. This includes being 21 years old (unless in active military), no felony convictions, and no domestic violence arrests or under a Temporary Protection Order.
Multiple Search Warrants Led to Arrests, Firearms, and Dismantling a Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization
On the morning of February 12, 2021, three search warrants were executed in Jackson County and Banks County, Georgia in an ongoing drug investigation.
The investigation was conducted over a five-month period. Search warrants were executed at 24 Jarrett Rd, Nicholson, Georgia, 336 J S Williamson Ct, Nicholson, Georgia, and 400 McClure Rd, Gillsville, Georgia.
Johnny Strickland, 58, was arrested at 24 Jarrett Rd, Nicholson, Georgia and charged with the following:
Possession of Meth with Intent to Distribute
Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon
Possession of Schedule 1 or 2 Prescription Pills with Intent to Distribute x2
Possession of Marijuana less than 1oz
Linda Cowart, 55, was arrested at 336 J S Williamson Ct, Nicholson, Georgia and charged with the following:
Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Both Strickland and Cowart were taken to the Jackson County Jail.
Pamela Venable, 52, was arrested at 400 McClure Rd, Gillsville, Georgia and charged with the following:
Theft by Receiving Stolen Property (firearms)
Venable was taken to the Banks County Jail.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Banks County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
The investigation is still active and ongoing.
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via Facebook IM (@AppalachianRDEO) or at 706-348-7410 or contact your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department.
The Jackson County School District recognizes that good nutrition, regular exercise, and prudent safety guidelines affect the health and well-being of our students, including their ability to learn. This provides a great opportunity to create a learning environment for your child to practice healthy and safe behaviors.
You are cordially invited to join us as a member of our Wellness Committee on February 23rd to help us recommend, communicate, and implement health and safety practices and policies. As a stakeholder in our school community, your input is particularly important, and we would be honored to have you as a JCSS Wellness Committee member.
For more information, contact Dr. Debra Morris, Director of School Nutrition at
[email protected].
Would your child benefit from learning at his/her own time, space, and pace? Join us to learn more about CONNECT Academy, Jackson County Schools’ new program to provide students a more personalized experience! Interest forms are due by Friday, January 22nd.
Sign up and receive information about our two student/parent Virtual Information Meetings on January 25th and January 26th!
The Excellence in Service Award is given each month to individuals or groups who excel in supporting the vision and mission of Jackson County Schools. This month at the January 11, 2021 JCSS Board of Education meeting, we honored eight individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of our schools, our current staff members, and our new hires.
Congratulations to Michelle Bowen, Glenda Campbell, Cat Flippen, Debbie Gammon, Amanda Hewell, Shannon Kendrix, Megan Perry, and Emily West!
This exceptional team is always seeking ways to improve the customer service they provide to the individuals they serve, whether it be through benefits, certification, payroll, or the recruitment and hiring process. This year, this outstanding team was recognized at the state level by the Georgia Association of Personnel Administrators (GASPA), with their Best in Class Gold Award, which is the second highest recognition that a system can receive for their work. The recognition received in December is based on their collective development and implementation this past spring of the New Employee Launch Pad, which is a site that has become a “one stop shop” for the onboarding of all Jackson County new hires. The Launch Pad provides easy access to onboarding tasks, New Teacher Orientation information, induction, technology resources, compliance, and HR contacts.
As a result of the team’s vision, we were able to pivot quickly when it became apparent we would not be able to hold our regular in-person onboarding and new teacher orientation sessions. Congratulations again to this stellar team for being this month’s Excellence in Service Award recipients.
Search Warrant Leads to Arrest and Trafficking Amounts of Methamphetamine
On Friday, January 8, 2021, an Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Agent received information pertaining to illegal narcotics being sold at a residence in Nicholson, Jackson County, Georgia. The agent had received citizen complaints in the past about the residence.
A search warrant was executed at 29 J S Williamson Ct, Nicholson, Georgia by the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Located at the address was Cachet Nicole Roberts, 31 years old. She was found in possession of approximately 3 and ½ ounces of methamphetamine and 3 grams of heroin. The methamphetamine has a street value of $1,200.00 and the heroin has a street value of $375.00. Roberts was arrested and taken to the Jackson County jail without incident. Roberts was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Heroin.
The investigation is still active and ongoing.
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via Facebook IM (@AppalachianRDEO) or at 706-348-7410 or contact your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department.
The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Jackson County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County and Franklin County, Gilmer County, Fannin County, along with the Cleveland Police Department, Lavonia Police Department, the Toccoa Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
All breakfast and lunch meals continue to be offered at no cost to all students through the end of the school year. In addition, during alternating day scheduling 3-day digital meal packages are available for students to take home as well as 5-day meal packages for fully digital students. Note, a new EVENING time has been added for 5 day digital meal pickups at East Jackson Middle School & West Jackson Middle School. For more information, visit the district website – .
The Excellence in Service Recognition for December belongs to a dedicated leader who has served the Jackson County Board of Education over the past 13 years. Michael Cronic is a graduate of Jackson County Schools and has continuously demonstrated love and commitment to the school district and students we serve.
Mr. Cronic has been loyal to the Jackson County Community and has been an active leader and supporter of the Jackson County FFA and the FFA Alumni. He has also worked diligently to secure support for the Jackson County Agricultural Programs and was instrumental in securing trucks, trailers, and equipment by investing his own time and dime!
Mr. Cronic is solution oriented and seeks resolution even when times are tough. During the most challenging times of the school district’s history, Mr. Cronic stayed the course and supported the district effort to reach goals.
Mr. Cronic is fiscally focused and has always been a SPLOST cheerleader. We almost reached the million dollar mark and look forward to celebrating with him when our first million dollar month is achieved! Mr. Cronic has been committed to ensuring quality facilities and has worked hard to partner in preparing for the growth in Jackson County.
Mr. Cronic values partnerships and has been an advocate for coordinated efforts among the Jackson County Commissioners, Recreational Department, and other agencies that work to make Jackson County a great place to live, work, play, and learn.
Mr. Cronic has always been open to community feedback and partnership and works to promote Jackson County Schools and all its stakeholders.
In addition to being honored by the Jackson County School System at the December Board of Education meeting, Mr. Ricky Sanders, Director of the
Jackson County Parks and Recreation
presented Mr. Cronic with a print of the original Braselton High School in appreciation of his service to the community.
For these and many other reasons, Mr. Michael Cronic is this month’s only Excellence in Service Recognition.
Michael Cronic was presented with a print of the original Braselton High School
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