Friedman named PHS STAR Student

Dan Pool / Photo

Pickens sheriff detectives and command staff make the second arrest in one week of suspects who came here seeking sex with a minor Friday. Both men had been communicating online with what they thought were teen girls, but in reality was an account operated by a detective.

     While Russell Michael King was being handcuffed in front of the Waffle House Friday night, Detective Steven Holmes, a large man with close cut hair and dark stubble introduced himself as “I’m [a name that matches an online profile of a 14-year-old girl].”

King, a 43-year-old from Lavonia, Ga., had found a teen account operated by the sheriff detective; initiated contact, began sexual talk, sent a photo of his genitals and arranged to meet at Waffle House in south Jasper Friday night. He was charged with electronically furnishing obscene material to a minor and child molestation.

See full story in this week's print or online editions. 

Disabled veteran Mike Johnson, right, with wife Vickie and Love thy Neighbor Chaplain John Naves. Naves and others in the community, including veterans’ groups are helping the Johnsons get on their feet. 

Two weeks ago the Progress published a story about disabled veteran Mike Johnson and his wife Vickie, a homeless couple struggling with serious health issues – and the community has responded with a generous outpouring of support. 

The Johnsons lost their home and belongings after Mike was sent to the hospital for nine weeks with pneumonia. He is also on a waiting list for a heart transplant and has diabetes. 

Mark Miller

     A plea deal could be forthcoming for Jasper attorney Mark Miller who faces numerous counts of financial theft from former clients, totaling as much as $2 million. However, the well-known Jasper attorney made it plain after the close of court Monday the initial provisions offered were not acceptable.