– Thursday, June 27, 2024 –
Good morning. In this week’s newsletter, we report on legal developments in the Savannah Police Department shooting of Saudi Lee in 2022, the official dismissal of criminal wrongdoing for the former Glynn County Police chief, and a significant investment in Glynn’s 911 and public safety apparatuses.
Questions, comments or story ideas? Reach me at jake.shore@thecurrentga.org. Programming note: Undercurrent will be off next Thursday for July 4.
NEWS: PUBLIC SAFETY
DA considers charges in Saudi Lee case, sources say
This week marked the two-year anniversary of the shooting of Saudi Arai Lee by former Savannah Police Department officer Ernest Ferguson in Carver Village.
While many details remain unclear, legal developments, including a federal civil rights lawsuit filed last week, are bringing hope to some residents of the historically-Black neighborhood that they may see accountability.
The Current has learned that the Chatham County District Attorney’s office plans to present evidence related to the shooting to a grand jury sometime this year, according to two sources who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
EXPLAINER: COURTS
Powell in the clear
The long and winding legal saga involving former Glynn County Police Chief John Powell officially came to a close this week.
Superior Court Judge Anthony Harrison signed off on the order on Tuesday, dismissing the case in the Brunswick Judicial Circuit and effectively clearing Powell of criminal wrongdoing. The former chief, who courted controversy in past jobs but maintained his innocence throughout his prosecution, was originally accused of ignoring misconduct within his agency’s corrupt drug unit.
Allies of Powell claimed for years that the indictment was a political prosecution by the now-indicted former district attorney, Jackie Johnson.
“Mr. Powell and I are grateful that justice has been served,” Powell’s lawyer, Thomas Withers, told The Current.
ICYMI: Our explainer on the state Supreme Court decision that led to the nixing of Powell’s charges.
NEWS: PUBLIC SAFETY
Pay bump for Glynn 911 dispatchers
Starting next week, 911 dispatchers in Glynn County will receive a base pay increase and be put onto a tiered pay system.
Why does this matter? 911 centers are critical to competent and quick emergency responses (dispatchers route ambulances, fire trucks and police while making sure resources aren’t stretched thin, call-takers field calls from distressed citizens). But 911 centers have been reporting severe burnout among staff and severe shortages in workers nationwide, especially since 2020.
The increased pay will help with retention and recruitment, Glynn-Brunswick 911 Center leaders hope.
Read more here from The Current’s Jabari Gibbs about what the change means for public safety in Glynn County.
Sources: DA to present evidence to grand jury in SPD shooting of Saudi Lee
Evidence in case of former Savannah Police Department officer Ernest Ferguson to be presented, related to killing of Saudi Lee in June 2022, according to sources who spoke to The Current.
GB-911 to receive funding from Glynn County in effort to retain workers
The pay plan, funded in the county’s FY25 $205 million budget, also includes new salary tiers for county law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Want to run for office? There’s still a way to get on November ballot.
With petition signatures, independent candidates can reserve a spot in the November lineup.
Bulloch postpones votes on Hyundai-related water agreements with Bryan
Bulloch County Commission postponed a vote on Hyundai-related water agreements with Bryan County after citizens questioned the votes’ short public notice.
U.S. Supreme Court upholds statewide PSC elections in Ga.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of a lawsuit filed by four Black Fulton County residents who argued that electing members of the PSC statewide diluted Black voting strength in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act.
Mystery man who campaigned against Savannah bridge replacement plan unmasked
Dulany has long advocated for a bridge or tunnel in an alternative location and has business interests downriver near another potential crossing point. He has also openly feuded with the state-owned ports authority over conflicts over his own development plans.
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