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Augusta Man Fatally Shot During Fight at His Home

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The Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of 59-year-old James Dukes who was shot Thursday night during an altercation at his home on the 3500 block of Jonathan Circle in Augusta.

He died at Augusta University Medical Center at 2 a.m. Friday while being treated in the Shock Trauma Unit, Coroner Mark Bowen said.

No arrest has been announced by the sheriff’s office. Dukes will be transported to the GBI Lab for an autopsy today.

For more crime news, pick up today’s new edition of The Jail Report.

Neighbor Saves Dog From Burning Home in Evans; No Injuries Reported

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No injuries were reported following structure fires in the Somerset subdivision in Evans on Thursday evening, despite two homes being affected and a crash involving emergency vehicles at the scene.

At approximately 6:53 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a structure fire at 1002 Bristol Trail. Upon arrival, a second home at 1000 Bristol Trail was also found to be on fire. Firefighters forced entry into 1000 Bristol Trail to address the blaze.

As emergency personnel arrived, a firetruck and a rescue truck were involved in an accident near the scene. Deputies are investigating the crash, but officials confirmed that no one was injured in either the fire or the collision.

Neighbor Pam Tucker, a well-known community advocate, shared on Facebook that no one was home at the time and a neighbor was able to rescue the pets.

“Thank goodness!” Tucker wrote. “She is on the way home now!”

Carly Tse later identified the residence at 1000 Bristol Trail as her mother’s home.

“She just moved in 4 months ago,” Tse wrote. “Thank God for the angel of a neighbor who broke in and saved her dog who was hiding. We are devastated but thankful she’s okay.”

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

Weapons, Drugs & Tattoo Equipment Uncovered in Massive Jail Raid in Augusta

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A large-scale contraband search at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on Thursday led to the discovery of weapons, suspected drugs, and five felony charges, according to Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

The search was ordered by Sheriff Eugene Brantley as part of an ongoing effort to improve safety and security at the facility. Agencies assisting in the sweep included the Columbia, Burke, and Clayton County sheriff’s offices, as well as the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Blanchard said the coordinated effort covered every housing unit, cell, and common area of the jail.

The search turned up 20 handmade weapons, two tattoo devices, two small bags of unknown white powder, and approximately four grams of suspected synthetic marijuana (K2). Blanchard confirmed that five inmates are facing felony charges related to the contraband.

Sheriff Brantley thanked the participating agencies, highlighting the importance of collaboration.

“These partnerships are critical in allowing us to accomplish far more than we could alone, and today is a perfect example of that,” he said. “We especially want to thank Sheriff Levon Allen of Clayton County, Sheriff Whittle of Columbia County, Sheriff Williams of Burke County, and Chief Brad Johnson from the Georgia Department of Corrections.”

Blanchard noted that all seized materials are being processed and individuals responsible will face appropriate charges.

The operation concluded with a team lunch at the South Precinct, sponsored by Chick-fil-A and Chancey’s Wrecker Service.

Since taking office in January, Sheriff Brantley has made detention center operations a priority, Chief Blanchard said. Upgrades under the sheriff’s leadership have included improved sanitation, HVAC and shower repairs, roof work, guard line clearing, and upgraded security systems.

Sheriff Brantley emphasized that the operation was not a one-off event.

“It’s part of our ongoing commitment to keeping this facility among the most secure and professionally run in the state,” he said.

Regular inspections — daily, weekly, and monthly — will continue moving forward, Chief Blanchard confirmed.

Undercover Sting at Aiken Massage Parlor Leads to Arrests

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Two women have been arrested for prostitution following a months-long undercover operation at an Aiken massage parlor, authorities said Wednesday.

The operation targeted Golden Fingers Massage Parlor, located in Suite B of 655 Silver Bluff Road in Aiken. The investigation began following numerous public tips alleging that the business was offering sexual services in exchange for payment, according to Lt. Jennifer Hayes of the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

On Monday, an undercover operation was conducted and police obtained a search warrant for the business. As a result, two employees, Zhaoai Chen, 39, and Jinlan Sun, 39, were arrested and charged with prostitution and incarcerated in the Aiken County Detention Center. They remained there Wednesday.

Additionally, City of Aiken Business Licensing was contacted and advised this business is not acting in accordance with the laws of South Carolina or the ordinances of the City of Aiken.  The Aiken Department of Public Safety was assisted in this investigation by South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division and Homeland Security Investigations.

Wayne Boyle

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BookingNumber: 2025-00002866
FullName: Boyle, Wayne William
ArrDate: 4/14/2025
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 61 YEARS OLD
Charges:
POSSESSION OF COCAINE, Bond: $3,500.00
POSSESSION OF FIREARM OR KNIFE DURING CRIM, Bond: $7,900.00
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, Bond:
TERRORISTIC THREATS AND ACTS, Bond:

Timothy Honeycutt Jr

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BookingNumber: 2025-00002867
FullName: HONEYCUTT – Jr, TIMOTHY EUGENE
ArrDate: 4/14/2025
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 39 YEARS OLD
Charges:
SUPERIOR CT BENCH WARRANT, Bond:
SUPERIOR CT BENCH WARRANT, Bond:
SUPERIOR CT BENCH WARRANT, Bond:
THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING, Bond: $1,300.00
THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING, Bond: $1,300.00
THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING $500 & OVER-FELONY, Bond: $5,700.00

Tikeylia Barnes

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BookingNumber: 2025-00002928
FullName: Barnes, Tikeylia Jacara
ArrDate: 4/16/2025
Race: Black or African American
Sex: Female
Age: 25 YEARS OLD
Charges:
FORGERY 3RD DEGREE PASS FORGED CHECK $1500 OR MORE, Bond: $2,400.00

Stuart Mason

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BookingNumber: 2025-00002891
FullName: Mason, Stuart Lynn
ArrDate: 4/15/2025
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 61 YEARS OLD
Charges:
DUI / ALCOHOL / LESS SAFE, Bond: $1,400.00
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE, Bond: $150.00
TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS, Bond: $150.00