Deputy Ronald Bartlett responded to BI-LO on 1632 Gordon Hwy. on Sept. 22, 2013, in reference to a domestic dispute. On arrival it was determined that a female and her 11-month-old child had been staying in a motel room with a friend and after a verbal dispute they had been kicked out of the motel by the friend and had no place to go. Being unable to locate anyplace for the mother and child to go for the night, Deputy Bartlett transported both to the Relaxed Inn on Gordon Hwy at Molly Pond Road. Deputy Bartlett then paid for a room out of his own pocket for both the mother and child to stay the night. Deputy Ronald Bartlett is commended for his leadership and compassion. Deputy Bartlett’s excellent work was a comfort for this family during a difficult time. Our agency and community are very grateful for your service and dedication with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Ryan D. Jones was conducting a random search of the G-E-9 at the Charles B Webster Detention Center on Sept. 20, 2013,. During the room search he found a shank made from a broken comb with a handle made of linen from the sheets on an unoccupied bed. As a result of Deputy Jones willingness to conduct a thorough and efficient room search, a potentially dangerous weapon was discovered. Because of the discovery of the weapon, a possible life-threatening situation for him and his fellow officers has been avoided.

Lt. Lewis Blanchard was awarded the Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year Award for 2013 at the Georgia Highway Safety Awards Banquet by Director Harris Blackwood. Only one Police Officer and Deputy Sheriff from the state received this award and we are proud it was issued to a member of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Blanchard was nominated by Powell Harrelson, the Law Enforcement Services Director for Georgia, and BJ Kennedy-Leopold of the GSP and GOHS. During the ceremony, Lt. Blanchard was recognized for his work not only in Richmond County but for his volunteer work within many counties and local municipalities. This work includes improving educational opportunities for law enforcement officers, educating the public on highway and roadway safety and child safety seat protection, obtaining grants for Georgia agencies for safety awareness, educational and enforcement activities. Sheriff Roundtree also congratulated Lt. Blanchard for his dedication to roadway safety through educational awareness, prevention and working diligently to provide for child safety seats for those in need within Richmond County.

Corporal Tuggle and Deputy Bryant answered a domestic call at 2249 Bayvale Road on July 16, 2013. Upon their arrival, the suspect, Bradley Slater, walked into the residence. Corporal Tuggle and Deputy Bryant followed him inside to the kitchen where he was standing next to the sink with his hands by his side. Slater was telling them to get out of his house and threatened to kill them. They observed that Slater was holding a kitchen knife in his right hand.

Deputy Bryant covered Slater with his duty weapon and Corporal Tuggle displayed his Taser and ordered Slater to drop the knife. Slater dropped the knife in the sink. When they approached Slater to take him into custody he lunged for the knife. Corporal Tuggle then tased Slater. Slater agreed to comply and when they attempted to handcuff him he started fighting with them. Corporal Tuggle then delivered a drive stun to Slater who became compliant and was handcuffed. Slater stated several times after he was in custody he intended to commit "Suicide by Cop."

Corporal Tuggle and Deputy Bryant are to be commended for the restraint they showed. The Actions of these deputies without a doubt saved a life. Our agency and community are very grateful for your service with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

On August 29, 2013 Deputy Adam Bone responded to 3001 Bramblewood Trail in reference to a robbery. The victim stated that what he thought to be a juvenile walked up on him and pointed a gun at his head and said "give it up." The victim also noted two other subjects standing behind his vehicle. The victim thought it was a joke and slapped the gun away from his head. The subject then fled the scene. Bone gathered the information for the report and then went on further to speak with some of the people in the neighborhood. Bone gleaned information that led him to Forest Brook Apartments. Bone found that the witness he talked to had come over to the complex as well. The witness pointed Bone in the direction of some other juveniles that were in the area. After locating and speaking with these juveniles, Bone went to Greenleaf Way. Here he learned the identity of the three suspects involved in the robbery and the eventual arrest of the one that actually had the gun. Investigator Newsome was called and the remainder of the investigation was turned over to him. Newsome related that the gun used had been found as well. Bone's actions in this case are an excellent example of how taking a few extra steps in an initial investigation have great rewards. Job well done.

On July 17, 2013, at 4:16 p.m. hours, a call went out at the Red Lobster at 440 Walton Way to a vehicle theft in progress. Deputy Phillip Snead, S18, was at the Quartermaster’s Office, off duty, obtaining new issued property. Deputy Snead heard the call go out on the radio in the Quartermaster’s Office and responded immediately on foot. Deputy Snead ran to the parking lot of the Red Lobster and took the suspect to the ground. The suspect was taken into custody with the assistance of Deputy Dennis West, who was on duty and responded to the call. The suspect had been inside the vehicle of one of the waitress’ at Red Lobster. The waitress was not familiar with the suspect. He was charged with Entering an Auto and committed to the R.C.J. Due to the quick and efficient actions of Deputies Snead and West a theft suspect was arrested. Deputy Snead is to be commended for his actions and he is appreciated by this office and all of Richmond County.

On June 29, 2013, Deputy Stallings responded to Hollow Keg Drive near the end of his shift regarding a domestic dispute and possible child molestation incident. Deputy Stallings was relieved by the night shift. Upon his return the next day he advised his supervisor of the incident and continued following up on the case. On July 23, 2013 Deputy Stallings responded to another location on Hollow Keg Drive in reference to a complaint that led to further evidence regarding an active investigation from his original call in June. Investigator Durrence was assigned to this case. During her course of interviews, search warrants, and the processing of evidence the suspect in this case was subsequently arrested on numerous charges including child molestation and electronically furnishing obscene material to a minor. During the investigation it was also learned that the suspect was going to gain full custody of his minor children through a court order in West Virginia which was stopped due to this arrest. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would also like to thank Augusta Child Advocacy Center Inc in Augusta for all their help.

On August 25, 2013 at approximately 9:05 a.m. hours Deputy Kenneth McKenzie and Deputy Michael Jennings were dispatched to 2573 San Sebastian Court in reference to a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, Deputies McKenzie and Jennings entered the backyard of the residence and apprehended two suspects exiting the back door. Further investigation revealed a broken window at the back of the residence and a flat screen television near the back door which was about to be taken. Due to the quick actions of everyone involved, the suspects in this case were quickly apprehended and charged in

On July 30, 2013, Deputy William Hultman was patrolling the area of Woodcock Drive due to a complaint of drug activity when he performed a traffic stop on a vehicle for a window tint violation. Deputy Hultman smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. During the investigation, Deputy Hultman discovered drugs and a stolen firearm inside the vehicle. The passenger in the vehicle was charged in this incident and was wanted for questioning in a homicide investigation. Due to the attentiveness and hard work, a murder suspect and stolen pistol were taken off the streets.

Deputy Adam Rohrbaugh, left, and Deputy Shaun Nguyen, right, were in the area of the 200 block of Boy Scout Rd. on Aug. 26, 2013, and heard an alarm in the area. As Deputy Nguyen approached Harban's Spirits he noticed a black male walking on the shoulder of the road carrying two liquor bottles. Deputy Nguyen stopped his car and the subject ran into an office complex and dropped the bottles. Deputy Rohrbaugh began to give chase and with a concerted effort the subject was apprehended. A check of Harban's Spirits revealed that the business had in fact been burglarized. Due to the quick actions of everyone involved, the suspect in this case was quickly apprehended and charged in the incident.