Tift Para-Pro Charged with Sexual Battery

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Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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TIFT PARA-PRO ARRESTED FOR 'INAPPROPRIATELY' TOUCHING NORTHSIDE STUDENT

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Following an investigation, Tifton Police on Tuesday charged and arrested a paraprofessional at Northside Elementary School for "inappropriately" touching a student.

Andrew Lee Allen O'Kelley, 35, of Tifton was taken into police custody without incident shortly after 4 p.m. and placed in Tift County Jail on one count of criminal attempt to commit child molestation and one count of sexual battery on a person under the age of 16 – both felonies, said Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman.

The investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior began when a parent informed the Tifton Police Department and Tift County Schools that her child had been inappropriately touched by a male staff member at Northside Elementary School. The inappropriate touching was described as "laying her son down in his lap while pretending to play the piano on his stomach."

"We appreciate the prompt and thorough action taken by the Tifton Police Department in investigating these allegations. With this development, our human resources team is now able to proceed with appropriate employment action," according to a statement Tuesday by Tift County Schools.

"Over the Christmas break, Tifton Police informed Tift County Schools of a report from a parent at Northside Elementary School involving an accusation against a paraprofessional. After notifying the police, the parents subsequently informed school administrators of the situation," the school system said.

"Once the allegations were brought to the attention of Tift County Schools, the staff member in question was immediately placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation by the Tifton Police Department."

Tifton Police Lt. Chris Luckey opened the investigation into the allegations, interviewing several students, parents, and witnesses. As a result, the facts and circumstances of the case were presented to the Tift County state court judge, leading to warrants issued for Kelley's arrest, Tifton Police said.

“No child should ever feel threatened or unsafe by any school system employee. This behavior is unacceptable, especially from someone entrusted with caring for and guiding our kids,” said Tift Schools Superintendent Natalie Gore. “Tift County Schools is deeply committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all our students.”

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tifton Police Lt. Luckey at 229-382-3132. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or by using the TiftonPD Tip411 mobile app.

AUTHORITIES SEEK VEHICLE IN TIFTON FATAL HIT & RUN

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Authorities are searching for a vehicle in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident Thursday in Tifton.

The Georgia State Patrol released a photograph of a white Dodge Durango allegedly involved in the incident in which a pedestrian, Johnnie McKinnon, 81, of Tifton, was struck on U.S. Highway 82 near Tift Avenue.

McKinnon later died from his injuries at Tift Regional Medical Center. Authorities said that at least three vehicles struck the pedestrian.

Brenden Jenkins of Tifton told the Tifton Grapevine that he witnessed the pedestrian accident. He said the pedestrian was walking "too close to the road" and stepped down in the path of an oncoming vehicle. Jenkins said the man was also struck by an 18-wheeler that "hit an ice pocket and swerved and hit this gentleman."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Georgia State Patrol at 404-624-7451.

BEN HILL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE NABS SUSPECT WANTED ON SEVERAL CHARGES, INCLUDING HOMICIDE BY VEHICLE

Abbiegale Ruth Roberts is seen Tuesday morning following her arrest on multiple charges.

The charges stem from a traffic accident in May 2023 that killed a 16-year-old sophomore student who attended Fitzgerald High School College & Career Academy.

Ben Hill County Sheriff Sheriff Lee Cone thanked the public for aiding authorities in locating Roberts.

Photo: Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office

SUSPECT ARRESTED IN BEN HILL COUNTY TRAFFIC FATALITY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday arrested a woman charged in connection with a fatal accident nearly two years ago.

Abbiegale Ruth Roberts, 22, was apprehended Tuesday morning without incident by Ben Hill County deputies and sheriff's office Special Operation Unit personnel.

She is charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle in the first degree, a felony, and with driving under the influence of drugs, reckless driving, and driving without a valid license, according to the Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Lee Cone said he "appreciates all the calls and texts regarding Abbiegale Ruth Roberts. ... Community members recognized the importance of getting Roberts into custody, and we are grateful for all the calls and teamwork that made this possible."

The charges are related to a traffic accident in May 2023 that killed Elijah William Sassaman, 16. The teen was a sophomore at Fitzgerald High School's College & Career Academy.

TIFT WOMAN FACES CHARGES OF CHILD MOLESTATION, BESTIALITY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Tift County woman is facing charges of child molestation, bestiality, and related charges, according to the Tift County Sheriff's Office.

Amanda Nichole Smith-Tucker is charged with child molestation, bestiality, and create/etc or possess, sell visual medium depicting minor in sexually explicit conduct – all felonies, the sheriff's office said.

Tift County deputies arrested mother of two children on Friday. Authorities said the alleged incidents occurred at her home.

According to a spokesman for Tift County Schools, Tucker "served as a substitute teacher for one day in October of 2024."

School Communications Chief Dana Spurlin said that "according to ESS, the company that we contract with for substitute teachers, she resigned on Oct. 30, 2024, and her profile with them has been completely deactivated."

'AMERICA'S BEST RESTAURANTS' TO SPOTLIGHT ADEL CATFISH HOUSE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A family-owned restaurant in Adel will be featured soon by America’s Best Restaurants, a social-media company highlighting independent restaurants around the country.

The America’s Best Restaurants team is scheduled to stop at Parker’s Catfish House in Adel on Feb. 10 to talk with owner Davis Parker and focus on his family as well as his restaurant's most popular dishes.

The episode will be available later on social media.

According to a press release, Parker began his career in healthcare but wanted to spend more time with his family. When his father retired they went into business together, taking over the closed Company 5 Catfish House and renaming it Parker’s Catfish House.

"It’s a great way to tell our story," Parker said. And he wants folks to know that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and follow your dreams.

TIFT GOVERNMENTS TO MEET JOINTLY ON HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tift County Commission and the City Councils of Tifton, Omega, and Ty Ty will meet jointly at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Tift County Public Safety Building, 316 W. Second St.

The local governments are meeting to discuss House Bill 581, approved by voters in November.

HB 581, passed by the General Assembly last year, introduces a floating statewide homestead exemption that limits increases in taxable home values to the prior year’s inflation rate. The legislation also allows local governments to create a local sales tax for the limited purpose of property tax relief.

The Tift Board of Education (BOE) is opting out of the homestead exemption because, the BOE said, it "feels opting out would be the best option to protect the financial

stability of the schools and protect public education in the community."

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CATS OF THE WEEK

Meet "Athena" and "Cleopatra," two female kittens with lilac-point Siamese markings. These 12-week-old kitties have been bottle-fed by a foster family since infanthood so they are exceptionally people-friendly and cuddly. They are looking for very special homes. Visit them 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 VOTERS OK BONDS FOR

GAS EXTENSION, FOOTBALL STADIUM

~ JAN. 29, 1964

Tifton voters on Jan. 29, 1964, approved issuing bonds totaling $250,000. One was for $200,000 involving gas extension and another $50,000 for building a Tifton football stadium. The referenda were approved by a 3-1 vote.