Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024
Good morning. In this week’s newsletter, we report on allocations to Coastal Georgia in opioid crisis settlement funds, an indicted ex-Savannah police officer pleading not guilty and important reporting on human trafficking suits against Hinesville hotels.
Questions, comments or story ideas? Reach out to staff@thecurrentga.org.
NEWS: HEALTH, PUBLIC SAFETY
State panel distributes opioid crisis funding
A state panel convened to distribute $638 million in settlement funds stemming from the opioid crisis made its first set of recommendations.
The Georgia Opioid Settlement Advisory Commission approved a total of $44.4 million Thursday for 130 projects as part of the first year of a two-decade-long program.
Many of the projects are focused on treatment, prevention, supporting people in recovery, increasing the availability of the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, and boosting research.
According to the meeting summary, here are programs in Coastal Georgia set to receive funds:
- Glynn County Board of Commissioners: $406,366 over two years (treatment)
- Coastal Health District: $163,102 in first year (prevention)
- Mary Lou Fraser Foundation for Families Inc.: $164,400 over two years (prevention)
- Georgia Southern University Foundation, Inc.: $111,196 over two years (recovery)
Neither the meeting summary nor the commission’s website offers information about what the recipients will do with the funds — other than the type of service it will provide. The Current will keep watching to learn more.
NEWS: COURTS
Indicted former SPD officer pleads not guilty
A fired Savannah Police officer pleaded not guilty this week to felony murder and other charges related to the June 2022 killing of Saudi Lee.
Ernest Ferguson, 29, who now lives in Texas, was arraigned on Tuesday in Chatham County Superior Court.
A grand jury indicted Ferguson for shooting Lee four times in the back after a traffic stop and lying to state investigators that Lee pointed a gun at him first, according to the indictment. A federal judge allowed The Current to view the body-worn camera footage in the case, which shows Lee did have a firearm and was running away from Ferguson.
Ferguson is still incarcerated at the Chatham County Detention Center. His lawyers requested he be released on bond at a hearing on Oct. 2, saying he was not a threat nor a flight risk. Superior Court Judge Penny Freesemann said she would consider the arguments and decide bond at a later date.
However, Freesemann, who officially retires at the start of the new year, still has not issued a decision either way.
NEWS: PUBLIC SAFETY
ICYMI: Hinesville human trafficking suits
Survivors of sex trafficking filed suit against two hotels in Hinesville in the past month, alleging the companies that own the establishments allowed traffickers to set up shop in their rooms and profit.
The Current‘s Robin Kemp broke the news of the suits last week, reporting that the human trafficking suits stem from a federal law allowing victims to hold accountable those who benefit from trafficking.
The I-95 corridor, plethora of hotels and tourism industry along Georgia’s coast make the area a hot spot for human trafficking. Chatham County, just next door to Liberty County, ranked 4th in the state among counties for human trafficking, according to Tharros Place, a shelter for victims in Savannah.
Panel steering Georgia opioid settlement money recommends initial round of projects
A state panel has made its recommendations for how the first round of funding from a major $638 million settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors should be spent, backing a wide range of projects. The Georgia Opioid Settlement Advisory Commission approved a total of $44.4 million Thursday for 130 projects as part of […]
Georgia fruit growers, state agriculture experts on alert for spotted lanternfly sightings
The agency warned farmers, agriculture businesses and homeowners alike that the bug poses a serious risk to the state’s agricultural sector. It does not appear to pose a threat to humans.
Georgia appeals court cancels hearing to consider if Fulton DA can remain on Trump RICO case
The Georgia court was set to hear the petition from Trump and co-defendants who want to disqualify Willis due to her prior romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she hired to lead the election interference case.
Judge dismisses Cumberland horses’ lawsuit
A federal judge dismissed a suit brought by horse advocates, but nudged federal and state agencies to listen to the substance of the complaints.
2 Hinesville hotel companies named in federal sex trafficking suits
The federal lawsuits say there was ample evidence to alert two hotel owners in Liberty County that their properties were places where sex traffickers allegedly coerced teenagers into prostitution.
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