Between April 28 and May 1, 2025, the FBI launched Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort involving all 55 FBI field offices and other federal and local agencies aimed at finding and arresting child sex offenders. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals, including six people charged in Northern Georgia: Austin Hunter Bedingfield, Ian Dudar, Kenneth Frazier, Eduardo Gardea, Connie Lynn Thompson, and Christopher Welcher.
Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is issuing a stark warning to residents about a prevalent scam involving fraudulent calls and demands for Bitcoin payments. According to the Sheriff’s office, several recent cases have surfaced where scammers impersonating law enforcement officers contact victims and coerce them into sending money via Bitcoin ATMs. The scam typically involves the caller identifying themselves as a member of law enforcement and creating a sense of urgency to pressure the victim into immediate action. “Please be cautious of anyone who tries to get you to send money via Bitcoin,” Sheriff Schrader urged. “We have had several cases where the caller identifies as Law Enforcement and has the victim go to a store and send money via a bitcoin atm.” Sheriff Schrader emphasized the importance of verifying any suspicious calls claiming to be from law enforcement. “If you have any questions on a call you receive, please call your local law enforcement agency.” Sheriff Schrader reiterated that legitimate law enforcement agencies will *never* request payments via Bitcoin or solicit payments over the phone. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected scam attempts to their local law enforcement agency immediately. By raising awareness and working together, the community can help prevent these scams and protect themselves from financial loss.
A Summerville man was arrested last Friday after allegedly making threats during a confrontation at the North end Circle K gas station.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated Greater Atlanta resident. The individual acquired the virus while traveling internationally. DPH is working to identify any persons who may have been exposed through contact with the individual between May 10 and May 18, when they were infectious.
There’s Hope For the Hungry will be at South Summerville Baptist Church Wednesday May 21st from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Food must be picked up in person.
Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for the possibility of severe thunderstorms this evening and overnight. The National Weather Service says a cold front expected to bring a line of storms through the region after 7 PM today. The greatest risk of severe weather lies in Northwest Georgia, where thunderstorms could produce damaging wind gusts and a few brief tornadoes. Hail is also a possibility. Before the storms arrive, the area will experience mostly cloudy skies gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 88 degrees. A light south wind will become a southwest wind blowing at 10 to 15 mph in the morning, with gusts potentially reaching 25 mph. There’s a 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 PM. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are expected mainly before 2 AM. The low will be around 66 degrees with a south wind around 5 mph, gusting up to 15 mph. An 80% chance of precipitation is predicted, with new rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch possible. The forecast for the rest of the week looks significantly calmer. Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 81. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 58. Thursday will be sunny with a high near 79. Looking ahead to the weekend, Saturday has a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, May 20, 2025:
Georgia drivers are feeling a slight pinch at the pump this week as the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline rose to $2.92, according to AAA. This figure represents a 4-cent increase compared to last week, although it’s still a penny lower than last month and significantly cheaper – 46 cents less – than this time last year.
Becky Hood, former chair of the Gordon County Commission, and her husband, Scott Hood, have both pleaded not guilty to child abuse-related charges stemming from a criminal investigation that has spanned over four years. Becky Hood was indicted in mid-March by a Gordon County Grand Jury on one count of first-degree cruelty to children. Scott Hood was indicted on one count of child molestation.
The Chattooga County School Nutrition Department is excited to announce the return of its annual Summer Feeding Program, providing free meals to all children under the age of 18. The program aims to ensure that children in the community have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is out of session.
