In September, the Coffee County Grand Jury indicted 15 individuals on a range of felony charges, including theft, aggravated assault, and gang-related offenses. The jury did not convene in October, possibly due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, which caused power outages and extensive damage in the area.
Among those indicted was 28-year-old Angel Abelo from Brooklyn, New York. Abelo, who had already been arrested in June after a high-speed chase with law enforcement in Douglas, was indicted on additional charges, including two counts tied to gang activity. The incident occurred when Abelo and other motorcyclists attempted to flee from officers in the Oak Park community. During the chase, Abelo abandoned his bike and ran through the Tidal Wave Car Wash before being captured near Burger King. At the time of his arrest, officers discovered 35 methamphetamine tablets and a firearm on Abelo, leading to charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Abelo was also indicted under the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, as he was associated with the criminal street gang, Unknown Bikers Association. Court records show that Abelo was denied bond and remains in custody.
Shannon Adair, 33, of Douglas, was also indicted in connection with serious charges. Adair faces accusations of rape and aggravated molestation involving a victim under the age of 16. He was denied bond in August and remains incarcerated pending trial.
Another significant indictment came against 20-year-old Antonio Tikaous Jevon Hamilton, also from Douglas. Hamilton was indicted for aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony after he shot another individual multiple times in April at a residence on West Ward Street.
In addition to these, several other individuals were indicted for various crimes, including theft, battery, burglary, and possession of controlled substances. Notably, some of these individuals have already pleaded guilty to the charges against them.
The full list of those indicted includes:
Steve Gray: Theft by Taking
Ricardo Rodriguez: Battery (Family Violence), False Imprisonment (2x), Cruelty to Children (2x)
James Phillips: Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Cassedi Armour: Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Reckless Driving
Mitchell Lee Kelly: Aggravated Assault, Criminal Trespass, Obstruction of an Officer
Mitchell Jump: Burglary in the 1st Degree, Kidnapping, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Obstruction of an Officer
Kayla Solomon: Possession of Methamphetamine (pleaded guilty)
Joe Tims: Possession of Cocaine (less than a gram)
Dereck Porter: Possession of Methamphetamine (pleaded guilty)
Jon Watts Jr.: Financial Transaction Card Fraud (5x)
Daniel Rivera: Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
Tyler Owen: Theft by Deception (pleaded guilty)
These indictments highlight the ongoing efforts of Coffee County law enforcement to address a wide range of criminal activities, from drug offenses to violent crimes, and ensure justice for the victims involved.