http://georgecountymssheriff.com/

George County Sheriff's Office, 355 Cox Street, Suite B, Lucedale, MS (2026)

05/29/2026

ARRESTS FROM MAY 7, 2026 - MAY 28, 2026

May 7, 2026

Jennifer S. Ates (37) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 1 count – George County Justice Court (GCJC) Bench Warrant. Ates has since been released on time-served credit.

Tony Fairley (49) of Silver, AL was arrested on 3 counts – Sexual Battery, 2 counts – Child Abuse, 1 count – Molestation, and 1 count – Grooming. Fairley remains in custody at George County Regional Correctional Facility (GCRCF) with a $200,000 Commercial Bond on each charge of Sexual Battery, a $50,000.00 Commercial Bond on each charge of Child Abuse, a $50,000.00 Commercial Bond on the molestation charge, and a $50,000.00 Commercial Bond on the Grooming charge.

Jennilee M. Thompson (41) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 2 counts – GCJC Bench Warrant. Thompson has since been released on time-served credit.

May 8, 2026

Billy W. Hill (43) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 1 count Bond Surrender. Hill has since been on a $15,000.00 Commercial Bond.

May 9, 2026

No Arrests

May 10, 2026

No Arrests

May 11, 2026

Joseph P. Bonfiglio (38) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 1 count of GCJC Bench Warrant and 1 count of DUI – 1st offense. Bonfiglio has since been released upon payment of fines on the Bench Warrant and a $1,000.00 Commercial Bond on the DUI.

Mark C. English (39) of Semmes, AL was arrested on 1 count of Commercial Burglary and 1 count of Malicious Mischief – Value over $1,000.00 but less than $5,000.00. English has since been released on a $10,000.00 Commercial Bond on the Burglary charge and a $10,000.00 Commercial Bond on the Malicious Mischief Charge.

Donald R. George (59) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count – George County Circuit Court Bench Warrant and 1 count – Bond Surrender. George remains in custody at GCRCF.

May 12, 2026

Justin T. Huber (32) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 1 count of Violation of Bond Conditions. Huber remains in custody at GCRCF.

James M. Rhymes (46) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 1 count – Hold for Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). Rhymes remains in custody at GCRCF.

May 13, 2026

Gavin C. Davis (23) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 1 count of Petit Larceny and 1 count of trespassing. Davis has since been released on a $1,000.00 Signature Bond on the Petit Larceny charge and a $1,000.00 Signature Bond on the Trespassing charge.

Brooklyn N. Jones (28) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on MDOC hold. Jones has since been released to MDOC custody.

David E. Lawler (29) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count – GCJC Bench Warrant. Lawler has since been released by payment of fines.

Stephanie L. Valentine (37) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count – GCJC Bench Warrant and 1 count – Guilty in Absentia. Valentine has since been released by court order on the Bench Warrant and a $1,000.00 Signature Bond on the Guilty in Absentia.

May 14, 2026

Joanna B. Hathorn (37) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count – GCJC Bench Warrant. Hathorn has since been released by payment of fines.

May 15, 2026

Melinda E. Arias (43) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 2 counts – Contempt of Court. Arias has since been released on a $1,000.00 Signature Bond.

Roger L. Everhart (53) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count – George County Circuit Court Bench Warrant. Everhart remains in custody at GCRCF.

Joshua L. Wilburn (38) of Lucedale, MS was arrested by Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) on 1 count – DUI – 1st Offense. Wilburn has since been released on a $1,000.00 Commercial Bond.

Shaniquua Wilson (34) of El Dorado, AR was arrested on 1 count of Disorderly Conduct – Failure to Comply with the Command of Law Enforcement and 1 count of Resisting Arrest. Wilson has since been released on a $1,000.00 Commercial Bond on the Failure to comply and a $1,000.00 Commercial bond on the Resisting Arrest.

May 16, 2026

Anthony A. Nathan (58) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 2 counts of GCJC Bench Warrant. Nthan has since been released on time-served credit.

Derrick R. Reynolds (31) of Grand Bay, AL was arrested on 1 count – DUI. Reynold has since been released on a $1,000.00 Commercial Bond.

Michael H. Sutton (44) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Bond Surrender ($60,000.00 Commercial Bond), 1 count Fleeing or Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer in a Motor Vehicle ($30,000.00 Commercial Bond) and Hold for MDOC. Suttons remains in custody with a total bond of $90,000.00 Commercial Bond.

Brittney S. Trull (24) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 1 count of Disorderly Conduct – Failure to Comply with the Command of a Law Enforcement Officer and 2 counts of Guilty in Absentia. Trull has since been released on a $1,000.00 Commercial bond for the Disorderly charge and a $1,000.00 Commercial Bond on the Guilty in Absentia.

May 17, 2026

Ricky L. Havard (44) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Trespassing. Havard has since been released on a $1,000.00 Signature Bond.

May 18, 2026

John G. Nix (49) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 1 count of Violation of Probation – MDOC. Nix remains in custody at GCRCF.

Matthew T. Williams (39) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count – GCJC Bench Warrant. Williams has since been released on time-served credit.

May 19, 2026

Tisha R. Adams (46) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Motor Vehicle Theft. Adams has since been released on a $5,000.00 Commercial Bond.

Barney R. Holliman Jr. (34) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count GCJC Bench Warrant, 1 count Contempt of Court, 1 count Motor Vehicle Theft, and a hold for another Agency. Holliman has since been released on a $5,000.00 Commercial Bond on the Motor Vehicle Theft charge and has been given time-served credit for the Bench Warrants.

Charles E. Mott (43) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Disorderly Conduct – Failure to Comply with Command of Law Enforcement Officer and 1 count Domestic Violence. Mott has since been released on a $1,000.00 Commercial bond for the Disorderly Conduct and a $1,500.00 Commercial Bond for the Domestic.

David F. Wing (56) of Port Orange, FL was arrested by MHP on 1 count DUI - 1st Offense. Wing has since been released on a $1,000.00 Commercial Bond.

May 20, 2026

Thaddeus E. Davis (53) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count of Contempt of Court. Davis has since been released on a $1,000.00 Signature Bond.

Michael L. Hembree (46) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Possession of Controlled Substance, 2 counts Guilty in Absentia, and hold for MDOC. Hembree remains in custody.

Charles A. Hilbun (24) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Violation of Drug Court. Hilbun has since been released by Order of the Court.

Charlotte D. Phillips (36) of Wilmer, AL was arrested on 1 count Possession of Controlled Substance. Phillips has since been released on a $15,000.00 Commercial Bond.

Ashley N. Thompson (40) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Violation of Parole. Thompson has since been released by Court Order.

May 21, 2026

James T. Everett (31) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Violation of Drug Court. Everett has since been released by Court Order.

Donald D. Johnson (37) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 GCJC Bench Warrant. Johnson has since been released by payment of fines.

Dustin M. Merrill (25) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 2 counts – Sexual Battery. Merrill remains in custody at GCRCF with a $150,000.00 Commercial Bond on each count of Sexual Battery -$300,000.00 total.

Michael D. Pope (54) of Lucedale, MS, was arrested on 1 count GCJC Bench warrant. Pope has since been released on time-served credit.

May 22, 2026

No Arrests

May 23, 2026

Charles R. Davis (52) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count DUI – 1st. Davis has since been released on a $1,000.00 Commercial Bond.

May 24, 2026

Alford D. Bradley (35) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 2 counts Guilty in Absentia. Bradley has since been released on a $1,000.00 Signature Bond.

May 25, 2026

Jody L. Ladnier (38) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 6 counts GCJC Bench Warrant and a hold for another agency. Ladnier remains in custody at GCRCF, serving a 19-day jail sentence.

May 26, 2026

Clayton Gardner (38) of Leakesville, MS was arrested on hold for MDOC. Gardner remains in custody at GCRCF.

Christina R. Seamans (40) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Possession of Controlled Substance. Seamans has since been released on a $25,000.00 Commercial Bond.

Thomas E. Woodard (42) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count GCJC Bench Warrant, and 1 count Malicious Mischief. Woodard has since been released on time-served credit for the Bench warrant and a $5,000.00 Commercial Bond on the Malicious Mischief charge.

May 27, 2026
Tisha R. Adams (46) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count Bond Surrender. Adams remains in custody at GCRCF with a $5,000.00 Commercial Bond.

Eric L. Dobbins (37) of Hattiesburg, MS was arrested on 1 count – Violation of Probation. Dobbins remains in custody at GCRCF.

May 28, 2026

Kenneth T. Newburn (61) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 1 count – Grooming and 5 counts – Sexual Battery. Newburn remains in custody at GCRCF with a $50,000.00 Commercial Bond for the Grooming charge and a $15,000.00 Commercial Bond on each count of Sexual Battery(X5) – Total Bond $800,000.00 Commercial.

Rita F. Newburn (57) of Lucedale, MS was arrested on 2 counts – Felony Child Abuse. Newburn remains in custody with a $100,000.00 Commercial bond on each count of Child Abuse – Total Bond -$200,000.00 Commercial Bond.

Kalvin L Williams (43) of Eight Mile, AL was arrested on 1 count – George County Circuit Court Bench Warrant, 1 count - GCJC Bench Warrant, 2 counts – Bond Surrender. Williams remains in custody at GCRCF with a $1,500.00 Commercial Bond and a $50,000.00 Commercial Bond on the Bond Surrenders.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

Authorized release by Sheriff Mitchell Mixon.

05/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On May 12, 2026, the George County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) received a referral from Child Protective Services regarding allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving two minor children. CID immediately opened an investigation into the allegations.

As a result of the investigation, Kenneth Newburn, 62, and Rita Newburn, 58, both of George County, were identified as suspects.
On May 28, 2026, Kenneth Newburn was arrested and charged with five (5) counts of Sexual Battery, one (1) count of Grooming, and one (1) count of Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon.

Rita Newburn was arrested and charged with two (2) counts of Child Abuse.

A search warrant was executed on the Newburn’s residence. During the ex*****on of a search warrant at the Newburn residence, investigators recovered multiple fi****ms from inside the home due to the fact that Mr. Newburn had been previously convicted of Robbery-Third degree in Mobile County Circuit Court.

On May 29, 2026, both defendants made their initial appearances before Justice Court Judge M. Bullock.

Kenneth Newburn was issued a bond of $150,000 for each count of Sexual Battery and a $50,000 bond for the Grooming charge. The Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon charge is pending an appearance before a Justice Court Judge.

Rita Newburn was issued a bond of $100,000 for each count of Child Abuse.

Both Kenneth and Rita Newburn are currently incarcerated at the George County Regional Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings.

“The safety and well-being of our children will always be a top priority for the George County Sheriff’s Office. These allegations are deeply disturbing, and I want the public to know that we will aggressively investigate crimes against children and work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice. I commend our investigators and Child Protective Services for their hard work throughout this case.”-Sheriff Mitchell Mixon

As with all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On March 29, 2025, an adult female reported to the George County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) that she had been sexually assaulted during a social gathering in the Rocky Creek Community of George County.

Criminal Investigators immediately initiated an investigation into the allegations and were able to collect forensic evidence related to the reported incident. Through the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Cody Wood, 22, of Wilmer, Alabama.

On May 27, 2026, three counts of Sexual Battery were filed against Wood through the George County Justice Court. Based upon the evidence presented, arrest warrants were subsequently issued.

On May 29, 2026, Cody Wood voluntarily surrendered himself to George County Sheriff’s Office Investigators and was arrested on three counts of Sexual Battery.

Wood made an initial appearance before Justice Court Judge M. Bullock, who set bond at $20,000 for each charge.

Following his arrest and court appearance, Wood was booked into the George County Regional Correctional Facility, where he remains pending further court proceedings.

The George County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to thoroughly investigating allegations of sexual assault and pursuing justice for victims of crime.

“Sexual assault cases require patience, diligence, and a commitment to following the evidence wherever it leads. I am proud of the work our investigators put into this case and their dedication to seeking justice for victims. The George County Sheriff’s Office will continue to thoroughly investigate these cases and hold offenders accountable.”-Sheriff Mitchell Mixon

As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/28/2026

The George County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of Charles Mott and Stephanie Valentine following multiple theft investigations and vehicle pursuits involving stolen property in George County and Mobile County, Alabama.

On May 24, 2026, deputies with the George County Sheriff’s Office were investigating a possible stolen vehicle in the Agricola area of George County. Deputies observed the vehicle being driven by Charles Mott and attempted to conduct a traffic stop for traffic violations. The vehicle fled from deputies into Alabama. A few hours later Mobile County Deputies observed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop which resulted in another pursuit. Mobile County Deputies pursued the vehicle until it came back into Greene County, MS; ending the pursuit. The vehicle was unable to be recovered at that time.

On May 26, 2026 the George County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen travel trailer from the Rocky Creek area. Investigators learned that the travel trailer was at Charles Motts property in Agricola. Investigators responded to Charles Mott’s property and confirmed through the VIN that the trailer was the stolen property from Rocky Creek.

While investigators were recovering the stolen camper trailer, other George County deputies observed the previously stolen truck, towing a large flatbed trailer (the truck had been painted a different color) traveling in the Howell area of George County. The vehicle was being driven by Charles Mott with Stephanie Valentine also in the vehicle.

Another traffic stop was attempted which resulted in yet another pursuit when the suspects again fled from deputies into Mobile, County. Mobile County authorities later observed the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop which resulted in another pursuit. Mobile County deputies were ultimately able to successfully stop the vehicle and apprehend both Charles Mott and Stephanie Valentine without further incident.

Both individuals in custody at the Mobile County Metro Jail, currently facing charges in Mobile County, Alabama for:

Charles Mott:

• Robbery 1st Degree
• Receiving Stolen Property 1st
• Attempt to Elude (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief 1st Degree • Criminal Mischief 1st Degree
• Criminal Mischief 1st Degree
• Assault 2nd Degree
• Assault 2ndDegree • Assault 2nd Degree • Fugitive from Justice (Mississippi)

Stephanie Valentine:

• Robbery 1st Degree
• Possession of Ma*****na 2nd
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Elder Abuse 2nd • Fugitive from Justice (Mississippi)

On May 27, 2026, the George County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen flatbed trailer from the Shipman area of George County. Pursuing deputies identified the trailer as the same trailer being towed by Charles Mott during the May 26th pursuit.

On May 28, 2026, the George County Criminal Investigation Division received information as to where the flatbed trailer was located in the Semmes, AL area. The trailer has been recovered.

The following holds have been placed by the George County Sheriff’s Office:

Charles Mott:

• Motor Vehicle Theft
• Grand Larceny – Camper Trailer
• Grand Larceny – Flatbed Trailer
• Felony Fleeing

Stephanie Valentine:

• Grand Larceny-Camper Trailer
• Grand Larceny – Flatbed Trailer

Sheriff Mitchell Mixon stated, “These individuals demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others by repeatedly fleeing from law enforcement. Let this serve as a reminder that the George County Sheriff’s Office will continue pressing forward to hold accountable those who commit crimes in our community, regardless of where they attempt to flee. I commend the George County Deputies and Criminal Investigators, George County Dispatchers for such an outstanding job, along with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, for their immediate assistance in apprehending both suspects and helping retrieve the stolen property.”

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/27/2026

🚨 MEDIA RELEASE 🚨

Deputies with the George County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a reckless driver in the area of Sally Parker Road.
While patrolling the area, a responding deputy observed a vehicle matching the description provided by the caller. As the deputy passed the vehicle, an object was thrown from it—later identified as a beer can—which struck the patrol unit and shattered the front windshield.

The vehicle was subsequently stopped without further incident.
Prior to the reckless driver call, deputies had also received reports of a vehicle striking mailboxes in the area of River Road. Investigators believe these incidents are related.

The two occupants of the vehicle were identified as juveniles. Due to their age, their names will not be released at this time.

Following further investigation, the driver of the vehicle was charged with:

• DUI – Driving Under the Influence
• Malicious Mischief (2 counts)
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol
• Littering
• Petit Larceny
• No Proof of Insurance

The passenger juvenile was charged with:

• Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Sheriff Mitchell Mixon stated, “This type of reckless and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. Throwing objects at vehicles endangers our deputies and the public. We are committed to holding those responsible fully accountable.”

This remains an active investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the George County Sheriff’s Office.

05/26/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

George County Sheriff’s Office

On May 11, 2026, deputies with the George County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report from concerned parents after their child disclosed possible sexual abuse.

Criminal Investigators with the George County Sheriff’s Office immediately opened an investigation. Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the child had been in contact with the alleged perpetrator, identified as Dustin M. Merrill.

Merrill was brought in for questioning by investigators and was subsequently arrested on May 22, 2026.

Dustin M. Merrill has been charged with two counts of sexual battery involving a child and was booked into the George County Regional Correctional Facility.

Following an initial appearance before a George County Justice Court Judge, Merrill was issued a $150,000 commercial bond on each charge.

“Cases involving crimes against children are among the most serious we handle,” said Sheriff Mitchell Mixon. “We will continue to pursue these investigations aggressively and work to ensure victims receive justice while keeping our community safe.”

This investigation remains ongoing.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

05/22/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Closure Notice 🇺🇸

The George County Sheriff’s Administration Office will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is more than the start of a holiday weekend. It is a day set aside to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Behind every name etched on a memorial is a family forever changed, a sacrifice made for the freedoms we enjoy each day, and a hero who will never be forgotten.

As we gather with family and friends this weekend, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and remember those who paid the ultimate price for our nation.

We hope everyone has a safe and meaningful weekend. Please celebrate responsibly and look out for one another. Deputies will continue to patrol throughout the county and are available to assist anyone in need.

📞 For emergencies, call 911
📞 For non-emergencies, call 601-947-4811

From Sheriff Mixon and the George County Sheriff’s Office, we honor the fallen, remember their families, and thank all who have served.

05/21/2026

🎓👏 Congratulations to Our Officers! 👏🎓

The George County Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize Correctional Officer (CO) James Howard and CO Dennis Benyard for successfully completing the 112-hour Basic Jail Officer Standard Training Course hosted by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.

This comprehensive course covers all requirements for certification, including defensive tactics, legal procedures, medical response, mental health emergencies, and overall facility security. Their dedication to completing this extensive training reflects their commitment to professionalism and the safety of our community.

📸 Pictured: Officer James Howard and Officer Dennis Benyard upon completion of the course.

Sheriff Mitchell Mixon stated:

"We are extremely proud of CO Howard and CO Benyard for their hard work and dedication in completing this rigorous training. Their commitment to excellence strengthens our agency and enhances the level of service we provide to the citizens of George County. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office for providing such a high quality training program."

Warden Johnnie Denmark added:

"This training is essential to ensuring our detention staff are fully prepared to handle the wide range of situations they may encounter. We are proud of these officers for their achievement and the professionalism they bring to our facility each day."

Please join us in congratulating these officers on a job well done! 👏

05/21/2026

⛳🏌️ Team spots are filling up FAST for the George County Sheriff’s Office Golf Tournament! 🏌️⛳

If you and your team are planning to play, now is the time to get signed up! We only have a limited number of 4-man team spots remaining, and we want to make sure you don’t miss out on one of the most fun community events of the year.

There will be great food, fun, fellowship, prizes, and a full day of good times — all while supporting a great cause!

We are also still accepting:
⭐ Tournament Sponsors
⭐ Hole Sponsors
⭐ Door Prize Donations

This fundraiser benefits the George County Sheriff’s Office Benefit Fund (501(c)(3)) and helps support community outreach efforts throughout George County.

To register your team or for sponsorship information, contact Regina at the George County Sheriff’s Office at 📞 601-947-4811.

Get your team together and come spend the day with us on the course! ⛳

The tournament is June 27, 2026, at Whispering Pines Golf Course.

05/21/2026

Sheriff Mitchell Mixon and the George County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate the George County Class of 2026 on their incredible accomplishment!

Graduation is a milestone that reflects years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. We are proud of each and every one of you and excited to see what the future holds. Whether your next step is college, the workforce, military service, or pursuing another dream, we wish you success and happiness in all that you do.

“Always believe in yourself, work hard, and never forget where you came from. George County is proud of you, and I encourage each of you to continue striving to make a positive difference in the world around you.” – Sheriff Mitchell Mixon.

We are proud of you and the example you set for the next generation. Continue to work hard, make good choices, and chase your goals with determination.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 — your future is bright! 🎓

George County Sheriff's Office

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