GBI Probes Inmate Death

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Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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GBI PROBING INMATE DEATH IN TIFT COUNTY JAIL

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

An inmate was found dead Sunday night in her cell at the Tift County Jail, authorities said Tuesday.

Gayle Geiger, 37, was discovered dead in her cell at approximately 7:10 p.m. Sunday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) told the Tifton Grapevine.

"Initially, a call reported that Geiger died by suicide. Geiger was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, at the GBI Macon Crime Lab," the GBI said.

Geiger was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol and was booked into the Tift County Jail on charges of following too closely, driving under the influence, driver to exercise due care, aggravated battery (felony), and two felony counts of aggravated assault, according to the Tift County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation remains active, the GBI said.

Tifton First Methodist Preschool Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 Tifton Methodist Church Preschool school year

is open to the public beginning Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

TIFTON MAN FACES 40 YEARS FOR TRAFFICKING METH

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A Tifton resident faces up to 40 years in federal prison for distributing kilograms of Mexico-sourced methamphetamine, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia said Tuesday.

Travarious Deshawn Mike, 29, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison per count, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. The U.S. District Court will determine a sentencing date.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said Mike was caught with a pound of methamphetamine while wearing an ankle monitor for a prior drug trafficking charge; he attempted to flee from deputies.

“The defendant was transporting large quantities of methamphetamine from an Atlanta source into the Tifton community. Even after his initial arrest, he willfully continued to violate the law and traffic dangerous drugs into Southwest Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker.

Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, said “this investigation resulting in the seizure of meth, heroin, and firearms is a clear reminder of the dangerous networks we continue to dismantle. The GBI remains committed to disrupting drug trafficking and criminal activity, especially those tied to dangerous sources of supply. This is a significant step in protecting our communities.”

According to court documents and statements, GBI agents recorded Mike providing methamphetamine during a controlled buy using a confidential informant on Aug. 15, 2022, at Church's Chicken in Tifton. A court-authorized tracking device monitored by the GBI captured Mike departing Tifton for Atlanta on Aug. 30, 2022. GBI agents observed Mike traveling briefly to two Mexican restaurants and then immediately heading back down I-75 toward Tifton.

Crisp County Sheriff's deputies stopped his vehicle for a defective brake light and a . A trained K9 made a positive alert on Mike's car, and during a vehicle search agents seized 502 grams of heroin in Mike's bookbag.

At the same time, GBI requested the Tifton Police Department’s assistance to conduct surveillance on Mike’s Tifton residence. Tifton Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving Mike’s residence, discovering 8,068 grams of 67.9% pure methamphetamine. The car's occupant was a drug courier delivering the narcotics from a Mexican source of supply near Atlanta to Mike and had previously made the trip, authorities said.

GBI executed a court-authorized search warrant at Mike's residence that day and found four semiautomatic pistols, a revolver, rounds of ammunition, methamphetamine, and a set of digital scales. A vehicle parked outside the residence and belonging to a co-defendant contained 783 grams of 80% pure methamphetamine, 168 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, 97 oxycodone/fentanyl pills, seven grams of crack cocaine, plastic baggies, and a digital scale.

Interviews, evidence and text messages on seized cell phones belonging to Mike and co-defendants revealed that Mike was purchasing meth from a Mexican supply source in the metro Atlanta area, authorities said. Mike later bonded out of jail.

On June 5, 2024, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office observed a white Dodge Charger driven by Mike commit a traffic violation. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Mike tried to escape and reached speeds over 125 mph. During the pursuit, Mike discarded a brick-shaped package out his window, which burst into a white crystal-like substance. Other officers secured the scene where the substance was discarded, finding approximately one pound of methamphetamine, authorities said.

Mike lost control of the vehicle and crashed onto the side of the highway. He attempted to flee on foot but was immediately apprehended. At the time of his arrest, Mike was wearing an ankle monitor and advised that he was out on bond for another drug trafficking incident.

Jimmy Cole of Cole's Bakery captures the "Most Original" and "Judges' Choice" awards during the "Choc-It-Up for Literacy" fundraiser Tuesday night for Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County.

Timothy and Amanda Oswalt of My Little Cupcake, left, are voted "Best Presentation," and Madison Railey and Paige Fox of Rutland Farms with the "Best Taste" award.

TIFTON'S BEST CHOCOLATE WINNERS HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR LITERACY

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

More than 100 people attended and tasted desserts at the 11th annual chocolate tasting fundraiser, Choc-it-Up for Literacy, on Tuesday at Tifton's Hilton Garden Inn.

“I’m beyond thrilled with the turnout,” said Melissa Wilt, the new executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County. “The event was a great success thanks to the generosity and support of local businesses and community members. It is truly inspiring to see so many people come together for a cause that will make a lasting impact on our community.”

Attendees voted Rutland Farms' chocolates the “Best Taste.” The “Best Presentation” went to My Little Cupcake and their beautiful table. “Most Original” and “Judges Choice” awards went to longtime participant Cole’s Cakery.

Sonny’s BBQ, Red Lobster, and Logan’s Roadhouse also were among those who participated.

The top items that were bid on during the live auction included a laser hair removal session by Belovese Med Spa, a four-night stay at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square in Crested Butte, Colo., donated by Beverly Bloodworth, and a facial skincare package by The Fine Art of Skincare. Artwork by local artists were also featured.

Many attendees went home with items from the silent auction, including gifts and gift certificates from local bookstores, merchants, department stores, and service providers.

The event is a fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County, which works to increase adult literacy in the community through tutoring, English (ESL) classes, GED scholarships, and transportation for qualifying GED students to Southern Regional Technical College adult education classes.

“Nearly one in six adults in Georgia struggles with low literacy skills, which impacts both individuals and the economy,” Wilt said. “Adult illiteracy lowers workforce productivity, increases unemployment, and continues the cycle of poverty across generations.

“Addressing adult illiteracy through education programs, workplace training, and community initiatives leads to a stronger local economy and improved quality of life for individuals and the community as a whole.”

For information contact tiftlv@gmail.com or message the organization's Facebook page.

State Rep. Jaclyn Ford reads a resolution in the Ga. House of Representatives honoring the late Bryce Johnson of Tifton, who was district attorney for the Tifton Judicial District.

GEORGIA HOUSE HONORS MEMORY OF LATE TIFTON DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The memory of Bryce Johnson, the late district attorney for the Tifton Judicial Circuit, was honored last week in the Georgia House of Representatives.

State Rep. Jaclyn Ford, R-Alapaha, sponsored a resolution honoring the life of Johnson, who died unexpectedly Dec. 2 at age 52.

The resolution's co-sponsors included Reps. Bill Yearta, R-Sylvester; Angie O'Steen, R-Ambrose; Bethany Ballard, R-Warner Robbins; and Leesa Hagan, R-Lyons.

Johnson's family and friends watched in the House gallery as state leaders stood at the well of the House while Yearta spoke and Ford read the resolution.

The family also visited with Johnson's longtime friends, Attorney General Chris Carr and Gov. Brian P. Kemp, who shared stories of their political adventures with the late district attorney from Tifton.

During the visit, Carr declared young Will Johnson, son of Bryce and Erika Johnson, as attorney general for the day.

"While Bryce's absence was felt by everyone there, it was evident to see that his life, full of purpose, had influence that reached far beyond the district lines of the Tift Judicial Circuit – a life well-lived that won't soon be forgotten," Ford said.

Surprising Cody Dixon, center, with flamingos are Tift County Council on Child Abuse members, from left, Danny Hoover, Kathy Kerst, Jennifer Porter, and Terry Bennett.

FLAMINGOS 'FLOCK' IN TIFT TO RAISE FUNDS, AWARENESS OF CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The Flamingo Flocking has begun!

Once again, the Tift County Council on Child Abuse is covering local yards with pink flamingos to raise awareness and funds for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Every February for more than 26 years, flocks of the lovable pink plastic birds have arrived and will appear daily in different yards across the county. Those who find a flock of flamingos inhabiting their yard are asked to pay a small fee to the Child Abuse Council to ensure their safe removal.

As a bonus, the donor gets to choose the next temporary residence of the birds. On Friday, the flamingos made their first visit to the office of Cody Dixon State Farm. According to the Council, Cody and his wife Kristin have provided countless hours of support for children in Tift County through Peanut Butter & Jesus and the Exchange Club of Tifton. They are supporting the 2025 inaugural Night to Shine along with The Champion’s League of Tifton.

“Every child deserves a safe, loving environment to grow and thrive,” Dixon said. “The Tift County Council on Child Abuse is a great force in helping our community become one where our children are protected, heard, and given a chance to reach their full potential. Thank you to all who support them.”

In addition to being a fun way to raise funds for the fight against child abuse, the flocks traveling to homes and businesses throughout the county remind people passing by of the urgent need to protect and serve local children.

The Council on Child Abuse is a non-profit organization operated entirely by community volunteers with local financial support. Anyone interested in supporting the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Tift County may call 229-382-5172, or email tiftcochildabusecouncil@gmail.com

Photos by Robert Caldwell Sr.

Protesters gather Saturday on U.S. Highway 82 in Tifton to protest the mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

AREA PROTESTERS OPPOSE IMMIGRANT DEPORTATIONS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Scores of folks gathered last weekend in several area towns to protest the Trump Administration's mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Members of the Hispanic community along with other supporters held signs Saturday on U.S. Highway 82 in Tifton near Exit 62 to draw attention to the impact on local immigrants.

Similar protests were also held in Valdosta and Cairo.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are conducting raids around the country to apprehend and deport illegal immigrants, especially those who have committed crimes.

Trustee Award recipient Johnny L. Crawford of Chula, from left, Georgia Cotton Commission Chairman Bart Davis, Trustee Award recipient Marvin Ruark, and Cotton Commission Executive Director Taylor Sills.

GA COTTON COMMISSION HONORS LOCAL RETIRED AGRONOMIST

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A Chula resident, who is a retired head of the UGA Extension Plant Pathology Department, along with a Morgan County man who has farmed for more than a half century were both honored with Georgia Cotton Commission’s Trustees’ Awards during last week's Cotton Commission annual meeting in Tifton.

Johnny L. Crawford of Chula and Marvin Ruark of Bostwick received the awards given to individuals who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of Georgia's cotton industry.

Crawford, born into a farming family in Grady County, graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1961 and the University of Georgia in 1963. He then obtained a master's degree and a doctorate in plant pathology. Crawford began his career as an Extension plant pathologist for cotton in Tifton, and was a charter member of the Extension Cotton Team. He became the Extension agronomist for cotton in 1986 and in the early 1990s became head of the Extension Plant Pathology Department, where he continued to lead the Cotton Team.

Crawford has been awarded the National Cotton Council’s Cotton Foundation Fellowship and was appointed D.W. Brooks Distinguished Professor of Agronomy in 1989. He was recognized as the Cotton Specialist of the Year in 1994. Following retirement, Crawford remained active as a cotton producer and president and general manager of South Central Georgia Gin Co. He is a deacon and bible teacher at Northside Baptist Church of Tifton.

Ruark grew up on his family’s cotton farm in Bostwick and has been farming for more than 50 years in Morgan County, buying the Bostwick Cotton Gin in the 1970s. His family farm produces cotton, turfgrass, broilers, and cattle.

Ruark has served as a board member of both the Morgan County and Georgia farm bureaus, supervisor for the Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District, and secretary-treasurer of the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation. He has also served as a council delegate and board member for the National Cotton Council, Southern Cotton Growers, and the Cotton Board. Ruark was a board member of the Georgia Cotton Commission from 1980-2015.

KEEP TIFT BEAUTIFUL NAMES FEBRUARY'S 'BEAUTY SPOTS'

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Keep Tift Beautiful (KTB), a citizens advisory board, has named the residential and commercial "Beauty Spots" for February.

The home of Don Pearson on Penn Place in Tifton, pictured above, is this month's residential Beauty Spot.

Hilliard Financial Services on East Fourth Street, pictured below with Chris and Cody Ritchey of Ritchey Landscaping and David Hilliard, is the commercial Beauty Spot of the month.

Keep Tift Beautiful promotes recycling, community gardening, litter abatement, and outdoor beautification.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

The Homestead at Grace Manor

405 N. Ridge Ave., Tifton

Jan. 30

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

Meet "Smitten Kitten;" she is a cuddle expert, a toy enthusiast, and a professional lap warmer with a sweet personality. Visit her and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

TIFTON COUNTRY CLUB HOLDS

FIRST GOLF TOURNAMENT

~ FEB. 8, 1929

The first-ever golf tournament at Tifton’s Log Cabin Country Club was held on Feb. 8, 1929. Tifton’s Sam Marr won the tournament; Emerson Mitchell came in second; and Ralph Puckett Sr., and L.R. Towson tied for third place.