Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025
Good morning. This week, we’re looking at a ruling on detention for a former Savannah Police officer accused of murder. Then, we examine a piece of legislation zooming through the statehouse on school zone traffic cameras. Lastly, we report on the indictment of a Bryan County gun shop owner.
Questions, comments or story ideas? Reach out to staff@thecurrentga.org
NEWS: COURTS
Bond decision in ex-SPD officer’s criminal case
This week, Chatham County Superior Court Judge Christopher Middleton ruled on bond in the case of a former Savannah Police Department officer accused of murder and lying to police in 2022.
Whether former Officer Ernest Ferguson should be released from jail ahead of trial in the contentious shooting case was one of Middleton’s first major decisions since taking the bench last month.
NEWS: GOVERNING
School zone camera ban picks up support
Dozens of Georgia lawmakers signed onto a House bill banning school zone traffic cameras this week.
Constituents and legislators, including local co-sponsor Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), have expressed concerns about fines and operating hours for the cameras.
Other Coastal Georgia signatories include Rep. Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) and Rep. Al Williams (D-Midway), according to a picture of the signed bill.
NEWS: COURTS
Bryan County gun shop owner indicted
A federal grand jury indicted a Bryan County gun shop owner for manufacturing firearms without having a license to do so.
The indictment against Willie Puskas was filed on Feb. 4. Puskas owns a Richmond Hill gun store called Puskas Firearms Innovations, LLC.
Two years ago, he was quoted by TV station WSAV responding to criticism against firearm manufacturers after a mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. “It’s not the manufacturers that are causing the crimes, it’s the criminals causing the crimes,” he reportedly said.
The indictment also authorizes the seizure of roughly three dozen firearm parts, rifles and machine guns from Puskas’ possession. Read the indictment for yourself here.
Judge: Ex-Savannah cop poses ‘significant risk’ if released from jail ahead of murder trial
Judge denied bond request for lawyers of Ernest Ferguson, ruling that the former Savannah Police officer charged with murdering Saudi Lee in Carver Village in June 2022 posed a great risk of recommitting a crime due to mental health concerns.
Georgia bill banning school zone traffic cameras garners support
Georgia lawmakers filed bill to ban school zone traffic cameras due to concerns about operating hours and fines.
Downtown Savannah residents set new meeting to discuss tourism, life balance
The Savannah Downtown Neighborhood Association is addressing the challenges of balancing tourism and quality of life in downtown Savannah, with 60 companies licensed to conduct visitor tours and a 90-day pilot project restricting walking tours.
Georgia measles case now has infected family members
Two family members of a metro Atlanta person diagnosed with measles last month have also contracted the disease, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Report highlights Georgia wildlife conservation efforts
Georgia Wildlife Resources Division’s annual report, highlighting efforts to monitor and conserve wildlife, including a host of coastal plants and animals.
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