Home Invasion Results In Long Term Prison Sentence

 

District Attorney: Bainbridge Burglar Sentenced to 20 Years

September 6, 2018 Dustin Dowdy Around our Area, Featured Posts, Flint Media, News 0

On September 4th, 2018, a major case was resolved in Decatur County.  Aanija Burke was arrested for Burglary and Possession of Tools During the Commission of a Crime.  District Attorney Joe Mulholland, after reviewing the file, added the charge of Home Invasion.  The evidence showed that on November 8th, 2017, the defendant broke the window of the door into a home in Bainbridge, Georgia.  After breaking into the house, the defendant encountered a grandmother and her two (2) year old grandchild.  The defendant was brandishing what appeared to be a firearm (later discovered to be a pellet gun).  The victim and her toddler grandchild were able to escape the house and call law enforcement.  The offender was apprehended shortly thereafter, with blood on his hands which matched the blood spatter from the residence.  The defendant was not given a recommendation and pled at the mercy of the Court.  Chief Judge Kevin Chason heard from the victim and the defendant.  After hearing from both sides, the Court sentenced the defendant to 20 years, 12 to serve in the penitentiary.

District Attorney Joe Mulholland had this to say: “Your home is your castle.  This was a needless intrusion on the victim and her granddaughter in the middle of the day.  His reckless act has left a lifelong impression on the poor victim’s in this case.  The toddler and grandmother still have nightmares of this invasion.  I am very thankful that the Court decided to sentence this defendant to a long term incarceration and want the public to know that such acts will not be tolerated in our community.”

Two Trials Back to Back In Baker County July Term. Two Convictions. Here is a photo of David "Hippie" Campbell and the Press Release.

PRESS RELEASE

The one week Baker County Superior Court trials for the July 2018 term consisted of approximately 22 criminal cases. One case of significant note was the case of David Franklin Campbell.  Mr. Campbell was charged with one count of Incest, Rape, Aggravated Child Molestation, Child Molestation and Cruelty to Children in the First Degree. With the assistance of Baker County Sheriff Office Investigator Charles Griffin, evidence proved on August 20, 2016 David Campbell unlawfully engaged in sexual intercourse with the accused’s daughter.  On or about the 30th day of January 2016, Mr. Campbell did commit an immoral and indecent act to his biological daughter, involving the mouth of the accused and sexual organs of the child, with the intent to arouse and satisfy the sexual desires of himself by placing his lips on the victim’s vagina. The three day impaneled jury trial was tried by District Attorney Joseph K. Mulholland. The jury found Mr. Campbell guilty of rape, incest, aggravated child molestation, child molestation, and reckless conduct.  He was sentenced to 25 years to serve in the state prison system by Judge Heather Lanier. Mulholland had this to say: “This poor child was living a nightmare.  She has been relocated to a Christian Home and hopefully will be able to start a new life.  Her perpetrator will spend the rest of his natural life likely behind bars.”

The second impaneled jury trial was a Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault case also tried by District Attorney Joseph K. Mulholland. With the assistance of Baker County Sheriff Office Investigator Charles Griffin and GBI Agent Rod Porter, evidence showed on April 1, 2017 Antonio Demond Walters caused the death of Marvin Mikel Miller, Jr. by shooting him with a handgun. The two day impaneled jury found Antonio Demond Walters guilty on all counts and was sentenced to 20 years to serve in the state prison system by Judge Heather Lanier. District Attorney said “There are far too many young people killed today over arguments that are trivial.  I hope that Mr. Miller has some closure knowing the killer of his son was held responsible.”

Should you have further concerns or comments please call Mr. Joseph K. Mulholland at 229-246-1823.

David "Hippie" Campbell

Jury finds man guilty of fatal Baker Co. shooting

Monday, July 30th 2018, 4:37 pm EDTMonday, July 30th 2018, 4:37 pm EDTBy Emileigh Forrester.

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Antonio Walters (Source: Miller Co. Sheriff)

BAKER CO., GA (WALB) -

A jury found Antonio Walters guilty Monday afternoon of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to Joe Mullholland, South Georgia Circuit district attorney. 

Walters was originally charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, but Judge Heather Lanier gave the jury the option of a lesser offense of voluntary manslaughter.  

Walters was sentenced to 20 years to serve in a state penitentiary. 

The case was tried in Baker County Court, which began Friday. 

Walters stood trial for the fatal shooting of Marvin Miller Jr., which happened in March 2017. 

Having a card game, the victim and suspect broke out into an argument. Both left and at some point, they made up, but then continued to argue, according to the district attorney's office.

Miller punched Walters, who then pulled out a gun and shot Miller seven or eight times, according to investigators.

Mullholland said the district attorney's office is pleased with the verdict. 

“We were able to secure some justice for Mr. Miller,” Mullholland said. “Burying your own son is something no parent wants to go through. No winners in a situation like this.” 

SUCCESSFUL WEEK OF CALHOUN MAY TERM!

Great Time at Faceville Baptist Church Speaking on Sexting Laws

Honored to Have Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Lunch

Law enforcement honored and awarded at annual luncheon

By Carolyn Iamon

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Published 4:53 pm Friday, May 18, 2018

Law enforcement officers from the five-county South Georgia Judicial Circuit met at the Kirbo Center in Bainbridge Friday for their annual luncheon and awards.

Guest speaker was Ken Hodges, a former prosecuting attorney who makes his home in Albany and is running unopposed as a candidate for the Court of Appeals.

His message to the group of policemen and deputies was basically, “Tell the truth.”

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He emphasized the importance of talking to all witnesses at an incident and detailing what they say. The Court and jury members are not present at the scene the way the investigating officers are. “Don’t overdo it or oversell it. Be sincere.”

He advised them to meet with the prosecutor beforehand and tell them the details.

“The jurors are deciding on someone’s life based on what you tell them. We have to make sure we do it right,” he said.

He also recommended they begin to act as professionals before they arrive at the courthouse, saying first impressions matter. “You are there to do your job, which is to tell the truth. Your job is not to get convictions, but to tell what happened.”

Another piece of advice was to use visual demonstrative aids when they have them to help jurors understand what happened, but he stressed the need to tell the prosecutor before doing so. “Don’t surprise them with things that aren’t in the report.” His tips to law enforcement also included the advice of not to argue with the defense attorneys, “as some of them will try to bait you. Don’t let them win that way.”

Four employees of the year were recognized by District Attorney Joe Mulholland, who organized the event and acted as host and emcee. He said what he likes best about this meeting is it gives law enforcement officers across the district a chance to get together, get acquainted and exchange ideas and information.

The counties that make up the South Georgia Judicial Circuit are Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Mitchell and Grady.

Mitchell County Police Department winner was Sheila Adkins; representing Calhoun and Baker Counties Sheriff Departments was Tonjua Lewis; Dewayne Pearson was the winner from Cairo Police Department in Grady County and the Decatur County winner was Peggy Perkins.

Mulholland said the winners were all chosen because they are the ones in the departments that get things done. “They are always there when I need them.”

ANOTHER GREAT WEEK! 2 MORE SEXUAL PREDATORS OFF THE STREETS!

Two South GA men convicted on sex charges

Friday, May 18th 2018, 2:52 pm EDTFriday, May 18th 2018, 2:54 pm EDTBy Dave Miller, Digital Executive Producer

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(Source: Decatur Co. Sheriff)

BAINBRIDGE, GA (WALB) -

Two Decatur County men are headed to prison for a long time, after they were convicted on numerous sex charges this week in Bainbridge.

Jamie Hahn was charged and indicted on five counts of child molestation.  After a two-day trial, the jury found Hahn guilty of all counts. Superior Court Judge Frank Horkan sentenced Hahn to 40 years, 35 to serve in the state penitentiary. 

The case was investigated by Inv. Redell Walton with the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and tried by Senior Assistant District Attorney David Atwell.   

Richard Dixon was charged with 11 counts of Aggravated Child Molestation, Aggravated Sexual Battery, and Child Molestation. After a three-day trial, the jury found the defendant guilty of all counts. 

Judge J. Kevin Chason sentenced Dixon to Life in the State Penitentiary, and he must serve at least 25 years before he is eligible for parole.

The case was investigated by Robert Humphrey of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Mike Bankston. 

"Both of these defendants effectively will spend the rest of their lives in prison," said South Georgia District Attorney Joe Mulholland.  "Given their vile and reprehensible acts against children of our community, this is the best place for them, behind bars, where they can no longer be a threat to any other innocent victims.  Unfortunately, there is little evidence that child predators can be rehabilitated, so I am happy our office along with the Court and law enforcement removed their ability to act on their sexual perversions."

Successful May Decatur Term

Decatur County Grand Jury Returns 40 True Bills of Indictment

By Dustin Dowdy | May 11, 2018

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PRESS RELEASE

Grand Jury May Term

            May 7th the Grand Jury convened in Decatur County.  After hearing the cases presented by District Attorney Joe Mulholland, the Grand Jury returned just over 40 True Bills of Indictment and less than 6 No Bills of Indictment, and 1 case was continued for the term.  Two cases of significance were True Billed.  Aanija Burke was indicted for Burglary, Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime, and Home Invasion.  Burke is alleged to have broken into a home with a BB gun which appeared to be a real handgun while the occupant was watching her grandchild.  “The defendant not only put this poor family at risk but himself also.  Your home is your castle and the defendant terrorized the poor occupants.  We will be taking a hard stance on this matter as this kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our community” Mulholland commented.

            The other notable case involved Thaddus Nundra, Louis Ousley, and Ronnie McFadden.  The trio were indicted for the murder of Hubert Moore, a Bainbridge local employed at the Post Searchlight.  “Mr. Moore’s senseless killing shook the entire community, myself included.  We will do everything possible to make sure that those who committed this horrible act are held responsible.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the Moore family, and we will get them justice in this matter” Mulholland stated.

Trials for May Term

       There were three cases to be tried by a jury the week of May 7th in Decatur County.  The first case for trial was Robert Ezell.  Ezell was charged by way of indictment with Child Molestation and Cruelty to Children in the 1st Degree. Monday morning, Ezell pled guilty to the charges.  He received a sentence of 25 five years, 15 to serve in the State Penitentiary and must register as a sex offender.  Ezell brutally beat the child of his girlfriend on at least two occasions.  The case was handled by Senior Assistant David Atwell.  “As the investigation into this matter developed, we found that not only did Ezell beat this young child but also sexually assaulted him.  We were able to revoke four years of his previous probation and run it consecutive to his current sentence which means he will be incarcerated for 19 years.  Which he deserves.  I am thankful to Amy Eakin at our local Child Advocacy Center and the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work in making sure this sick and violent predator is put away for close to two decades.” Mulholland replied.

            The second case that was set for trial was Lonnie Baggling, Christopher Baggling, and Marq Lewis.  District Attorney Joe Mulholland handled the case.  The trio robbed at gunpoint Earnest Lowrey at the local Wal-Mart in Bainbridge while he was in his vehicle.  In addition to robbing Mr. Lowery, the three also entered several other automobiles.  Just prior to trial, the three pled guilty to Armed Robbery and Entering an Automobile.  They were all sentenced to 30 years, 15 to serve in the State System.  “I would venture to say that almost everyone in our community has shopped at this Wal-Mart at some point.  The fact that these three would not only rob someone but use a firearm in doing so shows how violent they are.  Kudos go out to Bainbridge Public Safety for making sure they spend the next decade and a half behind bars.” Mulholland commented.

The final case to be tried this week was Gary Glass.  Chief Assistant Mike Bankston tried the case.  Glass was charged with Child Molestation.  After picking a jury in the matter, Glass decided to plead guilty and received a sentence of 40 years, 10 to serve in the State Penitentiary.  “Apparently Glass didn’t like the looks of the excellent jury we were able to impanel and pled.  Sexual predators are unfortunately a reality we must deal with.  I thank Cheryl Nix, law enforcement, and the victim and the victim’s family for their courage and hard work.” Mulholland stated.

“This was a long but very productive week in Decatur County.  I am very proud of the work my office did in securing major convictions in several high-profile cases.  We still have some unfinished business to do next week but we will be ready to go and make sure we keep our community safe.” Mulholland said.

Great Conviction by Mike Bankston in Mitchell County

Proud to be part of this. Hopefully we have a safe prom in Grady