Putnam County Sheriff's Department

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills talks to reporters Monday about the boating incident on Lake Oconee, after which the body of Jocelyn Nicole Wilson was discovered. Her fiance, Gary Jones, remains missing. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills talks to reporters Monday about the boating incident on Lake Oconee, after which the body of Jocelyn Nicole Wilson was discovered. Her fiance, Gary Jones, remains missing. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

New details revealed in missing boater search

News Staff
Thursday, February 20, 2025
The search for Gary Laron Jones continued Tuesday on Lake Oconee by multiple law enforcement and emergency rescue agencies.
Law enforcement and rescuers search Lake Oconee for a boater who has been missing since Saturday. (Photo taken and contributed by Casey Brady)

Law enforcement and rescuers search Lake Oconee for a boater who has been missing since Saturday. (Photo taken and contributed by Casey Brady)

New details revealed as search continues for missing boater

Lynn Hobbs
Friday, February 14, 2025
The search for Gary Larson Jones continued Friday, Feb. 14, on Lake Oconee by multiple law enforcement and emergency rescue agencies.
This photo of the unoccupied boat is how Jeff Everett learned of the couple that is presumed drowned in Lake Oconee.

This photo of the unoccupied boat is how Jeff Everett learned of the couple that is presumed drowned in Lake Oconee.

Putnam Sheriff takes over investigation of boating incident on Lake Oconee

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, February 13, 2025
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has now taken over the investigation of the abandoned boat found Saturday on Lake Oconee, the woman whose body was recovered by the Dept. of Natural Resources game wardens, and the missing man who was believed to have been with her on the boat.
These coin operated amusement machines in the Quick Pantry store in Eatonton yielded cash winnings for those who played them. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

These coin operated amusement machines in the Quick Pantry store in Eatonton yielded cash winnings for those who played them. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

Store raids yield four arrests

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Authorities said the owners and clerks of two convenience stores in Eatonton were arrested last week.Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell said he had received numerous complaints that the stores were paying out cash winnings on their gambling machines.
A half-pound each of marijuana and methamphetamine along with some scales were seized from a house on Sparta Highway, where almost a dozen chained dogs also were found. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

A half-pound each of marijuana and methamphetamine along with some scales were seized from a house on Sparta Highway, where almost a dozen chained dogs also were found. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

Search warrant yields drugs, guns, dead dog

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Local authorities serving a search warrant found more — and less — than they expected.They found the drugs, but not the suspected drug dealer. They also found loaded guns and a lot of dogs, several of which were severely neglected, and one that was dead.Putnam County Sheriff’s Lt.
The stolen partial tree, partially adorned with lights, stands on the front porch where it was easily seen by the deputy when he pulled in the driveway of the residence. CONTRIBUTED/ PCSO

The stolen partial tree, partially adorned with lights, stands on the front porch where it was easily seen by the deputy when he pulled in the driveway of the residence. CONTRIBUTED/ PCSO

Fugitive drives off with partial Christmas tree

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Three days before Christmas, a Putnam County deputy sheriff responded to an unusual call — three-fourths of a Christmas tree had been stolen.Deputy Robert Dekle went to the Goodwill store to talk to the manager who had phoned in the complaint.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

More arrests made in Waffle House shooting

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Two more men have been arrested in connection with the shooting at the Waffle House in Eatonton on Monday, Oct. 28, bringing the total arrests to three, with more pending, Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell said.
Jameria King

Jameria King

Baldwin high-speed chase ends in Putnam

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
A high-speed chase that began in Baldwin County on Nov. 16 raced through Jones County before ending in Putnam County. Once captured, the two Baldwin women in the car told authorities different stories.
Reyna Lopez, front center, is escorted by Eatonton Police Department officers, from left, Chris Detweiler, Investigator Hargrove Jones and Jeremy McLure, who are taking Lopez to jail at Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. CONTRIBUTED/EPD

Reyna Lopez, front center, is escorted by Eatonton Police Department officers, from left, Chris Detweiler, Investigator Hargrove Jones and Jeremy McLure, who are taking Lopez to jail at Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. CONTRIBUTED/EPD

UPDATE: Babysitter charged in murder of 5-month-old

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 21, 2024
A babysitter was arrested on murder charges in the death of a baby she was watching in her home while the baby’s mother was at work, according to Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell.Reyna Lopez, 42, of East Marion Street, Eatonton, was arrested on Nov.
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