The Miller County Sheriff's Department opened an investigation concerning a rash of burglaries and thefts on April 9, 2005 that involved Miller County and several surrounding counties.
As the investigation started, there were four parties that became suspects in the crimes. The suspects used the same mode of operations in several burglaries and thefts in several surrounding counties. This led investigators to believe that the crimes might be committed by the same parties.
Toward the end of September, Capt. Scott Lawson of the Miller County Sheriff's Department received a call from a concerned citizen. The informant stated that a contractor working in Miller County had bought two items from two of the suspects in the cases.
Investigator Ben Nix and Capt. Lawson spoke with the contractor and advised him that the items he had purchased were possibly stolen. The contractor told the investigator that he did not want to keep the goods if they were stolen and turned them over to a Miller County officer.
Miller County Sheriff's officer Sgt. Dale Glover made a traffic stop on one of the suspects two days later and while on the stop, Dep. Sheriff Shane Rathel advised Investigator Nix that a vehicle matching the description of the stopped vehicle matched the one used in a home invasion in Jackson Co., Florida. The MCSO investigator contacted the Jackson Co. Sheriff’s Office.
It was found that the items sold to the contractor by the suspect came from a home in Thomas County. When the property was identified by the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the owner of the stolen property, a positive ID was made of the two suspects that sold the stolen goods.
Both suspects were arrested and charged with the crime.
Stolen properly was found hidden in a wooded area in Miller County. This property was recovered by K-9 Deputy B.J. Josey and turned over to the investigators. The stolen property was from a burglary on Twilight Church Road in Miller County and a theft on Three Notch Road.
As the investigation continued, they found that a business owner in Seminole County was placing orders for the stolen goods through three of the four suspects.
Investigator Nix and Sheriff H.E. "Buddy" Glass spoke with the business owner and advised him of the findings. The owner then turned over some of the stolen property to Miller County Sheriff Department.
Two days later, Investigator Tim Williams of Mitchell County Sheriff Department returned to the business and recovered several items that were stolen from Mitchell and Miller County. The business owner then recovered all of the items that had been stolen and sold.
Investigator Nix also found several items that were pawned by the suspects in Alabama and Florida.
As the investigation continued, it was found that some of the stolen property had been thrown into a creek in Seminole County that was stolen from Miller County.
Investigator Nix and Sgt. Jeff Johnson of Jackson County, FL, interviewed one of the subjects in reference to the home invasion.
Two of the suspects from the vehicle stop by Sgt. Glover earlier had been identified as the offenders. Property from the home invasion in Florida was recovered by Miller County Sheriff Glass and Investigator Nix.
Stolen property that has been recovered by Miller County Sheriffs Office was found to have been taken from Miller County, Thomas County, Grady County Mitchell County, Early County, Decatur County, Seminole County, Baker County and Jackson County, FL.
Investigator Nix totaled the value of the property recovered in pawn shops and property recovered from other areas by Miller County Sheriffs Department came to an estimated $66,780.00.
Some of the items are yet to be claimed by the owners, or have not been checked by the other counties’ law enforcement agencies.
The Miller County Sheriff's Department asked that those persons who called in leads be thanked for their assistance in solving these crimes in our area and surrounding areas. The other law enforcement agencies working together made it possible for these crimes to be solved and much of the stolen property to be returned to the rightful owners.
The case is still under investigation, and more stolen property is being found, and more arrests could be made in the future.

Haley Weaver, the reigning 2005 Miss Colquitt, will be competing for the title of Miss National Peanut Festival, beginning Thursday, October 20.
Haley is the 19-year-old daughter of John and Susan Weaver. She is a freshman at Bainbridge College, and she has an older brother, Ashley. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Mary Walker of Colquitt and Mrs. Charles Howard Lane of Iron City.
Haley will arrive in Dothan, Alabama, on Thursday morning, October 20. All the contestants will be staying at the Quality Inn hotel during their participation in the pageant. The preliminary competitions will begin on Friday, October 21, at the Dothan Civic Center. The contestants will compete in the verbal communication, beginning at 6:30 p.m. CST.
The finals will be held on Saturday, October 22, at 7:00 p.m. CST. The top 10 will be chosen after each contestant is introduced, and then they will compete for the title of Miss National Peanut Festival. The pageant will be televised on WDHN, Channel 18.
Immediately following the pageant, all the contestants will be honored at the queen’s reception.
Since being crowned Miss Colquitt, Haley has been busy preparing for the pageant. She attended orientation in June and has been practicing almost every weekend since the first of September. She will enter the pageant as contestant number 34.
Haley stated, “It has truly been an experience, but I’ll be glad when it’s over.” When asked what was the scariest part of going to the pageant, she was quick to answer, “definitely, having to fix my own hair and make-up.” The girls are not allowed to have their hairdressers with them throughout the pageant.
Good luck wishes to Haley may be made by sending them to the Quality Inn Hotel, 3053 Ross Clark Circle, Room 212, Dothan, AL 36301. No gifts can be received at the Civic Center, and there will be no Saturday deliveries.
Haley is being sponsored in the pageant by Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Best wishes and good luck are extended to Haley.

During half-time, nine lovely ladies were recognized for the 2005 MCHS Homecoming Court. The Miller County Pirate Pride Marching Band played softly as each representative walked through the color guards’ twirling flags and was recognized for their grade. Freshman representatives were Tanelia Douglas and Brooke Widner. Tanelia is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Douglas and was escorted by her uncle. Tanelia is a member of the MCHS Varsity Dance Line, Senior Beta Club and Future Farmers of America. Brooke is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vince Widner and was escorted by her father. Brooke is a member of the MCHS Varsity Cheerleading and Competition Squad, Lady Pirates Junior Varsity and Varsity Softball Team member, and Future Farmers of America.
Sophomore representatives were Danielle Collier and Mindi Merritt. Danielle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Collier and was escorted by her father. Danielle is a member of the MCHS Varsity Cheerleading and Competition Squad and a Senior Beta Club Member. Mindi is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Merritt and was escorted by her father. Mindi is a member of Miller County Future Farmers of America, Lady Pirates Junior Varsity and Varsity Softball Team member, Miller County Forestry Team, and was also selected to serve as ninth grade homecoming representative.
Junior representatives were Paige Godfrey and Franchon Hollinger. Paige is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ty Godfrey and was escorted by her father. Paige is a member of the Lady Pirates Softball Team, FFA, a tennis team member, Who’s Who Among High School Students, National Honor Society, president of her Junior Class, a Senior Beta Club member, was a sophomore server for Prom 04-05, and was a ninth and 10th grade homecoming representative. Franchon is the daughter of the late Mary Butler and Mr. Willie Pittman and was escorted by her father. Franchon is a member of the FFA, a Spanish Club member where she serves as secretary, was sophomore server for Prom 04-05, and a band runner.
Senior class representatives were Deana Kimble, Beth McMickle, and Briana Merritt. Deanna Kimble is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kimble and was escorted by her uncle. Deanna was sophomore server for Prom 2004, and served as ninth and 10th grade representative for the MCHS Homecoming Court, is a member of the FFA, Color Guard, annual staff, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Beth is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie McMickle and was escorted by her father. Beth is a member of the Future Farmers of America, annual staff, Lady Pirates Varsity Softball Team, an honor roll student, senior class president, and was also a homecoming representative for the 10th grade. Briana is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Merritt and was escorted by her father. Briana is a member of Senior Beta Club, Future Farmers of America, Lady Pirates Softball Team, served as junior class treasurer, HOBY Ambassador for 03-04, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, attended National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, was a nominee for Wendy’s High School Heisman Award, a junior marshal, a Homecoming representative in ninth and 11th grades, a Principal’s Honor Roll, student and recipient of both Woodmen of the World Award and Georgia Certificate of Merit.
Assisting in the crowning of the homecoming queen were senior football players and captains for the Lanier County and Miller County’s game: Brandon Bush, Quinton Douglas, and Charlie Johnson. Tension was in the air as the Pirate fans waited to hear the name of the 2005-2006 Homecoming Queen called out, and the senior representative is Beth McMickle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie McMickle.

Last Thursday evening, the Miller County Middle School football team hosted the championship game of the 2005 season here at Richardson Field against the Early County Middle School Bobcats. This was one of the most exciting football games seen this year. As the game got underway, our young Pirates kicked off to the Bobcats. The ‘Cats held their possession through the fourth down but was forced to kick the pigskin away to the Pirates.
First and 10 from the Bobcats’ 45, MC’s # 3 Trez Morgan slipped the pigskin to Shawn Sheffield, who shot to the right side and sprinted to the end zone to score a touchdown. The young Pirates also were successful in adding the two point-conversion made by Sheffield.
The young ‘Cats were not successful in moving the ball down and again was forced to kick away to the young Pirates with MC’s # 3 Trez Morgan receiving the ball. First and 10 from the Pirates’ 37 yard line, Shawn Sheffield picks up about four yards before being brought down by several cats. Second and six, Morgan passed off to Zenario Shuler. Shuler had several ferocious ‘Cats hot on his trail, yet Shuler was able to throw long to MC’s # 85 Colby Gilbert for a touchdown. Shawn Sheffield carried the two point conversion in with ease, and the Pirates’ score went to 16-0.
In the second quarter, the Early County Middle School Bobcats ran a reverse option play, giving them the advantage that they needed to score a touchdown. Their two-point conversion fell short due to the young Black Death’s Defensive Wall that was built in a flash by Jacob Westbrook, Cosby Salter, Seth Dean, Andre Sheffield, Chris Wiggins and Quentin Grant.
The Pirates had possession of the pigskin, and there was a bit of confusion due to the clock running down and a time-out being called, yet it seemed the officials were giving the young Pirates a second chance before the second quarter came to an end. But our boys fumbled, and a Bobcat picked up the loose ball with ease and scored a touchdown. The ‘Cats only had a few seconds to kick to the Pirates as the second quarter came to an end. The score stood 16-12 at half-time.
In the third quarter, Shawn Sheffield scored a touchdown and a two point conversion, with the assistance of the offensive Hawgs: Cosby Salter, Josh Broxton, Joseph Stoltz, Alex West, Jarred Rhymes, Chris Wiggins, Quentin Grant, and Trez Morgan.
In the fourth and final quarter, Colby Gilbert carried several screaming ‘Cats on his back as he picked up a first down. Morgan, Shuler and Sheffield took turns carrying, picking up first downs. The Bobcats were getting a little antsy as the fourth quarter was coming to a close. Time was ticking away with 27.5 seconds left on the board. Miller County’s quarterback Trez Morgan held onto the pigskin and went in for a touchdown. Zenario Shuler easily ran in the two point conversion, ending the game in the young Pirates’ favor and championship. The final score was 32-12.
Both teams met midfield ,and the Early County Middle School Bobcats were presented the second place trophy, and the Miller County Middle School Pirates were presented the first place championship trophy. Coach Israel was given an ice bath as the many Pirate fans cheered on the coaches, cheerleaders, and football players.
One final word, our middle school cheerleaders worked really hard this season---practicing, cheering and motivating the fans. If any of you Pirate fans see a middle school cheerleader, please tell them what a great job they did. Also, the young man who was the Pirate Mascot—thank you, thank you, thank you for your dedication to our athletic program.

Friday night, October 14, the Miller County police officers were dispatched to the Inland Store at 359 S. Fourth St. in reference to a woman threatening to kill a man.
Upon Officer Lonnie Wade’s arrival at the store, he made contact with the suspects on the west side of the store. After questioning the suspects about the incident, they stated they were coming from Pensacola, FL, en route to North Carolina, and they had stopped to get something to eat and drink.
Due to the nature of the call, Capt. Dan Stone and Sgt. Kenneth Kirkland arrived on the scene. A visual search of the vehicle, a blue Chrysler Pacifica van, was conducted for any weapons. At this time, several butane lighters and filter material were noticed in plain view.
Sgt. Kirkland then made contact with the initial complainant. The complainant stated that she was standing outside the Inland Store when one of the female suspects (later identified as Nancy Cutter) walked up to her and asked her if she wanted to smoke some “dope.” She also stated that they (her and another female) were trying to kill the male subject. The complainant immediately went in the store and called 911.
The K-9 drug dog, Hunter arrived on the scene to check the vehicle, at which time he alerted the officers to the rear passenger’s door. A detailed search of the vehicle turned up several crack pipes, a plastic bag containing a white hard substance (cocaine) a metal container containing one “crack rock,” butane torches and lighters, filter materials, $1776.59 in currency and rolling papers.
The Drug Task Force was contacted, and photographs of the narcotics and currency were taken and turned over to the agent.
Melissa L. Sims and Nancy R. Cutter, both of Pensacola, FL, and James A. Dobyne of Charlotte NC, were transported to the Miller County Jail and booked.

Week of October 16, 2005