Friday at 10:28 pm, Corporal Rushing and Deputy Edwards were dispatched to Gray Court Estates in reference to suspicious subjects. Upon arrival, Deputy Edwards spoke with the complainant who stated there was a vehicle parked a residence nobody lives at and that the residence was just recently placed at that location. Both officers then walked over to the location. There they found a dark in color vehicle parked in the driveway occupied by two subjects. Deputy Edwards made contact with the subject in the driver’s seat. And Corporal Rushing made contact with the passenger. The deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car and noticed an open beer can in the center console. The subjects were asked to exit the vehicle and subject number 2 stated they were smoking marijuana inside the vehicle. The subjects were placed into investigative detention. While securing the subjects, Corporal Rushing noticed a brown in color cigarette on the driver’s si’e floorboard and based on the odor of marijuana, the vehicle was searched. In the center console storage area, a clear plastic bag containing 5-6 off white in color rock like substances weighing 3.1 grams were found. In the glove box a .22 caliber revolver was found. The subject stated that all of the items were his and not his passenger. The subject was transported to the Johnson Detention Center, given a citation for open container and simple possession of marijuana. 42 year old Carlous Lorenzo Williams of 122 Mock Street Laurens was booked into the JDC Saturday morning charged with Possesion with intent to distribute crack cocaine 2^nd offense, Possesion with intent to distribute crack cocaine within ½ mile of a school and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Warrants state that on August 7^th, Williams did knowingly and without authorization did commit the crime of weapons/possession of firearm or ammunition by person convicted of violent felony in that he did posses a loaded .22 caliber revolver, did knowingly and without authorization manufacture and or distribute crack cocaine, a schedule II controlled substance and had prior convictions for this offense and did within one-half mile of Gray Court Owings School distribute crack cocaine, a schedule II controlled substance. Carlous Lorenzo Williams remains in the Johnson Detention Center  on $50,882 bond.

Employees of The Clock in Laurens had to perform double duty Friday afternoon serving their regular customers and dealing with the crunch of Rand Paul supporters as the candidate held a rally and photo-op at their restaurant, with approximately 220 in attendance.

Senator Paul arrived around 5:30 for the event, organized by Laurens County Councilman Stuart Jones.

Paul had been in Spartanburg earlier Friday, following his appearance on the national stage at the Fox News Candidate Debate in Ohio.

The Senator gave a short speech, keeping to his talking points regarding a flat tax and the dangers of violating the constitution, especially regarding the Fourth Amendment which prevents unreasonable searches and seizures.

Adhering to the constitution seemed to the key factor of his supporters who were in attendance.

When asked why they were at the rally, David Nelson of Laurens said that, “I am here because Rand Paul is an avid defender of the constitution and will restore America to its former great glory,”

Susan Reynolds, also of Laurens, agreed stating that the reason she stands with Rand is because, “I like a lot of his beliefs and he is a libertarian just like I am.

South Carolina State Representative, Mike Pitts was also there to support Paul and when asked why, his reply:  “I support Ran Paul because he thinks like I do and is the only candidate on either side that believes firmly in the bill of rights, the constitution and the rule of law of the United States, and applies it.” Thanks to Iva Cudmus for her coverage of this event.

A flurry of emergency vehicles rushed through Western Laurens County Saturday night turning down Lake Rd. toward Boyd’s Mill Pond. According to Sheriff’s Office Lt. Judy Stiles, The Sheriff’s Office and DNR responded Saturday night to the report of a man who disappeared at Boy’d Mill Pond. He was last seen fishing around 6:00pm. The Laurens County Swiftwater Rescue team was called in and the body was located a short distance from the dock according to Stiles. The name of the 57 year old man and cause of death  is expected to be released soon by the coroners office. Foul play was not suspected but alcohol was believed to possibly be a factor.  The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and DNR are continuing to investigate. WLBG News will have more information as it becomes available from the Sheriff’s and Coroner’s office.

Wednesday at 3:29 pm Laurens Police Officers were dispatched to a Mock Street Laurens residence in reference to a break-in that had already occurred. Upon arrival the complainant, who is the home owner, advised that she left out of town on Sunday around 11:00 am and she had just a while ago received a phone call from her daughter that does not live there. The daughter had told her that her refrigerator door was left opened. She told her daughter she was on her way back to the house anyway. She said when she arrived home, she noticed someone had gone through jewelry in her bedroom as well as her other daughter’s bedroom. She advised in her bedroom she was missing one white gold bracelet with hearts around it, 1 yellow rope gold necklace and one yellow gold flat necklace. She said she was also missing a big bag that contained multiple cheaper costume jewelry. She said it looked like the jewelry box in her daughter’s room had been gone through as well. She said she was not sure what was missing from her jewelry box that contained small value jewelry. She said a screen on a window in the kitchen had been cut and she was sure that was how the subject or subjects gained entry. Officers observed the window and it appeared that someone cut the screen from edge to edge big enough to climb through. The officers received an estimate on the stolen jewelry at $400. A neighbor across the street said she had not seen anything unusual in the last few weeks. She did state that there seems to be a lot of foot traffic crossing over the railroad tracks. The complainant was advised to contact the police department if anything else was found to be missing.

A victim filed a report with Sergeant Tucker Wednesday at 10:58 am at the Sheriff’s Office stating that someone had used his South Carolina Driver’s License number to cash checks that were not from his account in Alabama. He stated that he received three notices from TRS Recovery Services that he needed to pay. The victim did not send any money and stated he did not cash any checks in Alabama. He also stated that he has checked with his bank and has nothing wrong with his account at this time. The paperwork he provided and the report will be passed to investigations for further review.

DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Enforcement Report to the Board of Health and Environment Control reports in the Agenda for their meeting today August 13, 2015 in Columbia violations concerning a Laurens County business. In an administrative order dated March 23^rd, 2015 The Corner Stop on Highway 76 East in Laurens, owned by Papa Oil LLC owns and operates underground storage tanks in Laurens County, South Carolina. The Department issued Notices of Alleged Violation on July 17, 2014, and August 4, 2014. The Individual/Entity has violated the South Carolina Underground Storage Tank Control Regulations as follows: failed to provide records to the Department upon request; failed to validate monthly requirements; failed to provide an adequate release detection method; failed to visit each assigned facility once per quarter; and, failed to pay annual tank registration fees for fiscal year 2015. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: submit a completed Class A/B operator log; pay outstanding annual tank registration fees and associated late fees for fiscal year 2015 in the amount of one thousand, nine hundred thirty-six dollars ($1,936.00); and, pay a civil penalty in the amount of two thousand, five hundred fifty dollars ($2,550.00).

Shamika Montrez Grant, age 32 of 218 Spring St Laurens was booked into the Johnson Detention Center on Wednesday charged with shoplifting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Warrants state that on August 8^th, she did commit the crime of shoplifting knowingly and willfully taking merchandise that belonged to Walmart. The defendant did knowingly and willfully pass all points of sale with the items with the intent to deprive Walmart the full value of the merchandise and did commit the crime of contributing to the delinquency of a minor by willfully encouraging or causing a minor child to aid in the crime of shoplifting. She remains in the detention Center on $5,650 bond.

54 year old Jimmy Lee Lewis of 1321 Young Rd. Clinton was booked on Monday into the Johnson Detention Center by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office charged with Manufacture or possession of schedule I, II or III substance 3^rd offense with intent to distribute. The warrant states that on May 20^th Lewis did distribute, dispense or deliver  suboxone, a controlled substance classified as schedule III which is a narcotic drug. Defendant has prior convictions for this offense. He remains in the detention center with bond denied. Suboxone is known as Butrans, a narcotic analgesic that treats chronic pain

42 year old Derek Steven Schwandt 386 Creekwood Drive, Fountain Inn was booked Wednesday, August 12th in the Johnson Detention Center, charged with disregarding a stop sign, driving under suspension and possession with intent to distribute meth. The warrant states that on August 11^th, Schwandt did posses, manufacture, distribute, purchase and or posses with intent to distribute Meth. He remains in the detention center on $21,512 bond.

Tavish Antwan McDowell, age 22 of 106 Pleasant Drive Laurens was booked by the Laurens Police Department on Wednesday charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful carry of a pistol and possession of a stolen pistol. Warrants state that on Tuesday McDowell did commit the crime of possession with intent to distribute marijuana by having in his possession two bags of marijuana weighing approximately 21.7 grams. This incident occurred on Turner Street after a violation leading to a lawful traffic stop in the city of Laurens. A further warrant states that McDowell did commit the crime of unlawful carry of a pistol by concealing a stolen Bersa 9mm handgun on his person inside a motor vehicle during a lawful traffic stop leading officers to the discovery of the pistol. A third warrant states that McDowell did have a stolen Bersa 9mm on his person during a lawful traffic stop. He remains in the detention center on $40,000 bond.

Derrick Bernard Cunningham, 44,  of 277 Burgess Ln. Gray Court was booked into the Johnson Detention Center by Clinton Public Safety charged with Failure to stop for a blue light, 2 counts child endangerment, driving under suspension 3^rd, operating uninsured motor vehicle, violation of child restraint and stolen vehicle license plate. Warrant state that on August 4^th, he did commit the offense of failure to stop for a blue light by fleeing by accelerating to get away at an excessive speed from a marked patrol car with blue lights and audible siren activated in a motor vehicle; did operate a motor vehicle while being pursued by law enforcement with blue lights and siren with an eight year old in the back seat thus endangering the child’s safety and life; did operate a motor vehicle while being pursued by law enforcement with blue lights and siren with a three year old child in the back seat thus endangering the child’s safety and life; did operate a motor vehicle on the highways of SC while his privilege to do so had been suspended or revoked; did operate a motor vehicle on the highways of SC without insurance for the vehicle; did operate motor vehicle without proper usage of child seat/booster or restraint on two children, ages 3 and 8 years; and finally, did operate a motor vehicle and display a license plate not designated for the vehicle driven. He remains in the Johnson Detention Center on $14,137 bond.

Keshawn Jamal Keith age 18 of 112 Sumter St. Laurens was booked into the Johnson Detention Center Wednesday charged by the Laurens Police Department with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Warrants state that Keith did attempt to murder a victim by discharging a firearm at him at close range on Spring Street in Laurens and did posses a .380 caliber weapon while attempting to murder a victim. He remains in the detention center awaiting his bond hearing. WLBG News will have more information on this case soon.

At Tuesday night’s Regular Meeting of Laurens County Council a public hearing was held, than a third reading vote on Ordinance #794 was unanimously approved authorizing the Execution and Delivery of One or More Incentive Agreements by and Between Laurens County, and a project that was originally called “Project DVZ.” which is now identified as ZF Transmissions.

In connection to Ordinance 794, council also unanimously approved Resolution #2015-19, which approved the abandonment Of 0.36 Roadway Easement And Right-Of- Way On Owings Park Boulevard.

Council also unanimously approved on second Reading, Ordinance #795,  which authorizes a Fee In Lieu agreement  between the county and a company temporarily known To the County As “Project Lace.”

The name of that company will be revealed at the next meeting, when a public hearing and third reading vote will be on the agenda.

A unanimous approval was also given to Ordinance #797 which creates a special tax assessment for eligible rehabilitated historic properties”.

Barry Lee Davis Jr., age 24 of 650 Howard Street Laurens was booked by the Laurens Police Department Thursday charged with Driving Under Suspension and a bench warrant for shoplifting. He was sentenced to pay $670 or 30 days for shopliditng and $652 bond for the DUS ticket.

Wednesday at 9:00 am Sgt. Wood of the Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a parcel of land on Meadowland Drive Fountain Inn concerning a report of a utility trailer on the property. Upon arrival the deputy spoke with a neighbor who stated he watched the property for the owners who are out of state. He said the trailer was not there at 7:00 pm the previous night but when he went out Wednesday morning he discovered it parked on the vacant lot. He contacted the property owners and they stated no one was given permission to leave anything there. Lt. McIntosh arrived on scene and attempted to locate a serial number and take latent prints. Sgt. Sweat arrived shortly after and took the trailer to the impound lot for further inspection. The trailer was a customized heavy duty 8 foot by 24 foot dual axle with wooden floor and custom racks for water lines. It appeared the trailer was set up for large water line installations. Lt. McIntosh will continue the investigation.

A walk-in to the Sheriff’s Office reported a larceny Thursday at 10:30 am. Sgt. Wood arrived and spoke with the victim. The victim alleged a named subject had been stealing from him for years and had recently been using the victim’s name to identify himself. He further alleged that the subject had, sometime in the last 3 months, come into his home and taken a deed to property he owns in Greenville County and recently discovered the subject had then sold the 7 acre property. The victim was advised that he would have to report the sell of the property to Greenville County but a report would be taken and filed concerning the larceny of the deed. The victim gave what information he had on the subject including his physical description and an idea of his last known residence. Investigations will continue the case.

Corporal Johnson of the Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Morse Landing Rd. Cross Hill and spoke with a victim who stated that his white single axle Homestead trailer and items including a self propelled lawn mower, 2 echo weed eaters, a five drawer tool box and assorted tools and black custom made wader boots were stolen.  The victim said the trailer was secured as having a hitch lock on the tongue and chain on the right wheel and axle. The report will be turned over to investigations.

Deputy Edwards responded Thursday at 4:10 pm to a Papa T Drive Gray Court residence concerning a report of a suspicious fire. The deputy called the complainant back and spoke with the complainant’s daughter who stated that she believed the fire, which had taken place in a bathroom, was allegedly started from a possible meth lab by a subject who is the victim’s grandson. The daughter said she didn’t know if the fire was still burning or not. The deputy called dispatch to have the fire department check the fire and made contact with narcotics. Lt. Shelton then headed to the incident location. There was no fire when the deputy arrived and deputy Edwards found out the incident actually took place two nights before. After getting consent the deputy searched the property for signs of a meth lab but didn’t find anything. Lt. Shelton also documented the damage and searched the property. There were signs in the bathroom of a fire in several places. Information came forward that the residence had been without water for some time and the sewer system wasn’t working like it was supposed to. Lt. Shelton and Deputy Edwards saw off to the left side of the residence a pool of sewage on top of the ground. DSS was called to the incident location and upon arrival came up with a safety plan. The resident of the home would go stay with her son and DSS would follow up with the resident with the safety plan they discussed. Lt. Shelton will follow up with this case.

Thursday Corporal Johnson was dispatched to a Do-Nut-n Drive Waterloo residence at 1:42 pm to assist a female in getting her personal items. While at the location, a complainant came out of the residence to report his missing 9mm Glock model 19. The complainant alleged the last time he had seen the weapon was in his closet but on Wednesday the female decided to move out and he noticed the weapon missing. The female said she hadn’t seen the gun since June 23^rd when she did go to Laurens County memorial for attempted suicide. The gun was entered into NCIC as stolen and the report will be forwarded to investigations.

We reported yesterday of the arrest of Tavish Antwan McDowell, age 22 of 106 Pleasant Drive Laurens booked by Laurens City on Wednesday charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful carry of a pistol and possession of a stolen pistol. Warrants stated that on Tuesday McDowell did commit the crime of possession with intent to distribute marijuana by having in his possession two bags of marijuana weighing approximately 21.7 grams. This incident occurred on Turner Street after a violation leading to a lawful traffic stop in the city of Laurens. A further warrant states that McDowell did commit the crime of unlawful carry of a pistol by concealing a stolen Bersa 9mm handgun on his person inside a motor vehicle during a lawful traffic stop leading officers to the discovery of the pistol. A third warrant states that McDowell did have a stolen Bersa 9mm on his person during a lawful traffic stop. The incident report states that Officer Kanipe observed a car with a broken tail light and initiated a traffic stop on Turner Street. During the stop he noticed a strong odor of marijuana. The driver stated marijuana had been smoked in the car about 30 minutes prior to the stop. After being asked twice the passenger gave his name, recognized by officers as a man who has admitted gang affiliations. After both occupants exited the car the officers began a terry frisk on the subjects. The male passenger broke free and began running. The subject lost his balance and fell into the roadway on North Harper Street. During the fall Officer Kanipe observed a handgun fall into the roadway as well.  The subject was taken into custody and placed in a patrol car. TRhe subject stated that marijuana located in a backpack in the car was his. Two bags of marijuana were found in a blue backpack in the car. After running the firearm in possession of the subject it was found to be stolen.

McDowell remains in the Johnson Detention Center on $40,000 bond