Across the area

Woman is arrested in after-school stabbing

A 20-year-old Hephzibah woman was arrested Thursday in a January stabbing that occurred after a Hephzibah High School student got off her bus.

Lascotta Danielle Trim, of the 2200 block of Basswood Drive, was charged with aggravated assault, according to Richmond County jail records.

The assault occurred just before 3 p.m. Jan. 12 at the 2300 block of Basswood Drive, an incident report states. A 17-year-old student got off the bus and was confronted, causing a fight to break out. The victim was then stabbed under her left breast and cut on her left bicep.

Inmate found dead at Columbia County jail

Police found an inmate dead in the Columbia County Detention Center on Thursday morning.

Roger Allen Tyler, 46, of the 4100 block of Old Waynesboro, was found about 6 a.m. as officers served breakfast, Columbia County sheriff's Capt. Steve Morris said. There were no signs of trauma or anything to suggest suicide or foul play, Columbia County Deputy Coroner Harriett Garrison said. Results from an autopsy are expected to be available today, Mrs. Garrison said.

Mr. Tyler had been in the jail for 17 days for failure to appear and probation violations, Capt. Morris said. Everything appeared normal to detention officers when Mr. Tyler went to bed Wednesday night, Capt. Morris said. The sheriff's office is conducting an internal investigation.

22-year-old sought in two house burglaries

Richmond County authorities are searching for a man wanted in connection with burglaries of two homes in October and February.

Andre Blockett, 22, might be driving a 1995 green Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Georgia tag BBE 2414, Investigator Alton Creech wrote in an e-mail. He has been known to frequent the 1900 block of Piedmont Street, the Apple Valley area and the Pepper Ridge subdivision.

Mr. Blockett is known to carry a black, semi-automatic pistol. Anyone coming into contact with him should use caution, Investigator Creech said. Those with information should call (706) 821-1020 or Investigator Creech at (706) 821-1023.

Teen pleads guilty to making death threats

An Augusta teen whose threats led another man to shoot him pleaded guilty Thursday.

Willie C. Jones, who spent his 19th birthday in jail, has learned his lesson about bravado, attorney Bryan Grantham of the public defender's office told the judge. Mr. Jones was shot in the leg on Sept. 10 after brandishing a butcher knife and threatening to kill his 34-year-old ex-girlfriend and the man whose home she was visiting.

He pleaded guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to aggravated assault and making terroristic threats.

Judge Michael N. Annis sentenced Mr. Jones to five years probation under the First Offender Act. He must perform 400 hours of community service, work on obtaining a GED, take any medications a mental health professional prescribes, complete a family violence program and undergo drug screens.

Man headed back to prison on sex charge

An Augusta man who has been in and out of prison for the past 16 years is headed back for two more.

Jackie Vinson, 48, pleaded guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to felony sexual battery. Judge Michael N. Annis sentenced him to the prison term followed by three years' probation. He will have to register as a sex offender.

Mr. Vinson, whose prior convictions include those for drugs and burglary, was arrested after a 16-year-old girl reported in March 2007 that Mr. Vinson had been fondling her for several years and had escalated the abuse, said Assistant District Attorney John Markwalter.

Drivers deny guilt in fatal car accidents

Two people facing vehicular homicide charges in unrelated cases pleaded not guilty Thursday.

Daniel J. Hathorn, 24, and Kandi K. Koss, 20, entered their not guilty pleas in Richmond County Superior Court.

On Dec. 11, Mr. Hathorn was driving on the 1900 block of Highland Avenue when his Dodge pickup crossed the center line and crashed into 57-year-old Lucy Marie Thompson's Honda Civic.

Ms. Koss was driving on Horseshoe Road about 4 a.m. on Dec. 28 when her vehicle struck Darrell L. Briggs, 23, who was standing on the side of the road.

Hip hop artist plans to perform in Augusta

Grammy-nominated hip hop artist Young Jeezy will perform at 7 p.m. March 20 at James Brown Arena. Lil Boosie, Ron Brownz, Ace Hood and DJ Pro Style appear in support.

Young Jeezy is best known for his recent collaborations on the tracks Put On with Kanye West and Love in this Club with Usher. Tickets cost $27-$87. For more information, call (706) 722-3521 or (877) 4AUGTIX.