Crime

Multiple car break-ins reported in Athens

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, January 26th, 2015, 8:01am

Multiple car break-ins reported in Athens

ATHENS, Ga. -- Athens-Clarke County police are investigating a rash of car break-ins that occurred Saturday.

The first incident happened between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the 1000 block of Gaines School Road. The victim told police that someone smashed her car window while she was in a nearby restaurant eating dinner with her family.

While the car was locked, the victim accidentally left her purse on the front passenger side floorboard, where it was clearly visible. Someone stole the purse, which contained the victim's identification, credit cards, gift cards, checks, cash, electronics and prescription medication.

The second break-in happened in the 1500 block of Oglethorpe Avenue between 7:30 p.m. and 9:10 p.m., again while the victim was eating dinner at a restaurant. Someone smashed the rear driver's side window and took a GPS device.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015, 8:27am

Third person arrested in UGA student's death

ATHENS, Ga. -- Athens-Clarke County police have arrested a third person in the shooting death of a University of Georgia student.

Lucas Amsler Raposo, 20, was taken into custody Wednesday morning. He is charged with felony murder, tampering with evidence and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Investigators believe Raposo accompanied 21-year-old Min Seok Cho to the Baxter Drive area to exchange marijuana on Jan. 13. The pair got into an argument with two suspects, who shot Cho. The victim later died at Athens Regional Medical Center.

The suspects, Cormaine Goss and Andre Ruff, were arrested a day after the shooting. They have been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and firearm possession.

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Submitted by Duffie Dixon, 11Alive Reporter

Wednesday, January 21st, 2015, 7:39pm

ATHENS, Ga. -- Two men out on probation have been rearrested for similar crimes in Athens in unrelated incidents, authorities said.

11Alive has learned the man charged with raping a teenager in Athens was just months into an 11-year probation sentence when the attack occurred.

Jeffrey Maurice Jones, 33, was taken into custody Tuesday.

According to Athens-Clarke County police, Jones lured his victim to a Clarke County home and assaulted a teenage girl. After the attack, Jones cut off his ankle monitor and left the area.

"We praise and applaud our victim for coming forward. She very likely kept others from being victimized," Athens-Clarke County Police Major Marc Sizemore said.

He was arrested by U.S. Marshals, who worked with Athens-Clarke County police, state probation officials and the Clarke County Sheriff's Department to track him down.

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Submitted by Kevin Rowson, 11Alive Reporter

Tuesday, January 20th, 2015, 10:21pm

Skeletal remains found in 1988 identified

OGLETHORPE COUNTY, Ga -- The GBI has 56 cases of unidentified remains on its website. Now there are 55 after remains found more than 27 years ago were finally identified as a Norfolk, VA woman.

The skeletal remains were found in a swampy area in Oglethorpe County in March of 1988. Until now the GBI had no identification, only a facial reconstruction from the skull done by now retired GBI forensic sketch artist Marla Lawson.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Thursday, January 15th, 2015, 2:48pm

2 arrested in shooting death of UGA student

ATHENS, Ga. -- Police have made two arrests in the shooting death of a 21-year-old University of Georgia student.

Cormaine Goss, 21, and Andre Ruff, 18, both of Athens, have been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and firearm possession. They were arrested Wednesday night.

Athens-Clarke County police said a preliminary investigation revealed the victim, Min Seok Cho, was shot Tuesday in the Baxter Drive area, where he met with Goss and Ruff to exchange marijuana.

After being shot, Cho was driven by private vehicle to Athens Regional Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. His body was taken to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab for an autopsy.

The GBI, Athens-Clarke County police and UGA police are all involved in the investigation.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Tuesday, January 13th, 2015, 6:28am

ATHENS, Ga. -- Drivers in the Athens area are asked to be wary of people requesting money at the side of the road.

Over the weekend, several drivers complained to Athens-Clarke County police about people soliciting funds near the intersection of Atlanta Highway and Timothy Road.

The solicitors told officers they were raised money for an Atlanta faith-based organization. Police could not connect them to that particular charity -- instead, they believe the solicitors belong to a group with a history of suspicious fundraising. Investigators said the leader of the organization was once convicted of food stamp fraud.

Athens-Clarke County does not allow people to solicit from highways and streets. Residents who wish to give to charity are encouraged to find legitimate local organizations in need.

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Ga. Tech student indicted in UGA website hack

Submitted by Atlanta Busines... on Wednesday, December 31st, 12:40 pm

ATHENS, Ga. -- A Georgia Tech student has been indicted by a Clarke County grand jury for allegedly hacking into University of Georgia's computer network prior to the Nov. 29 football game between the rivals.

Ryan Gregory Pickren, 21, is charged with felony computer trespass for posting on UGA's online calendar two days before the match-up, the Athens Banner-Herald is reporting.

The illegal calendar entry, which was added below the actual listing for the game, said: "Sat., November 29, 2014/ 12:00 pm/ Get Ass Kicked by GT."

An investigation was launched by the UGA Police Department, which did not arrest Pickren. Instead, a prosecutor submitted evidence to the grand jury, which indicted the Georgia Tech student on Dec. 16.

A bench warrant was later ordered and Pickren surrendered at the Clarke County Jail. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond.

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