October 4, 2023

Sept 15, 2023

District Attorney Keith Higgins announces that a Camden County jury returned guilty verdicts on September 14, 2023, against Varshan Lamont Brown, 49, of Woodbine GA, for the offenses of Aggravated Assault Against a Police Officer (two counts), Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon During Commission of a Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Brown was found not guilty of Felony Murder.

Evidence presented at trial showed that on May 4, 2021, at 04:45 am, Camden County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Drug Task Force officers were at the known residence of the defendant, Brown, in Woodbine, GA, for the purpose of executing a “knock and announce” narcotics search warrant. Officers Downy Casey and Michael Blaquiere were at the front of the entry team. Officer Casey was holding a ballistic shield in his left hand and his issued duty weapon in his right hand. Officer Blaquiere knocked and loudly announced “Sheriff’s Office, search warrant, come to the door.” When no one answered, the officers breached the door and made entry. Upon entry, Officer Casey yelled out to the other team members that there was an open door to the left. As they approached the open doorway, Officer Casey placed his shield and body in front of the threshold of the door and observed Brown standing beside the bed with a female (later identified as Latoya James) standing beside him. Officer Casey yelled to the individuals to “get on the ground” several times. Instead of complying with the officers’ commands, Brown raised a .45 caliber Glock pistol and began firing at the officers. Officers Casey and Blaquiere returned fire toward Brown, which unfortunately resulted in a bullet fragment striking James. After the exchange of fire, CCSO officers continued to clear the residence and rendered aid to both Brown and James. Although Brown survived his injuries, James tragically died at the scene.

The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Keith Higgins and Senior Assistant District Attorney T. Clifton Woody, II. Higgins, who asked the jury to hold Brown responsible for the death of Latoya James, stated, “Individuals need to be held fully responsible for the crimes they commit and the consequences of those acts. Varshan Brown chose to fire at the officers who were lawfully executing a narcotics search warrant at his residence. Although he did not directly cause her death, he knowingly placed Latoya James in harm’s way.”

Following the jury verdict of guilty for the offenses of Aggravated Assault Against a Police Officer (two counts), Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon During Commission of a Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Superior Court Judge Roger B. Lane sentenced Brown to the maximum possible sentence for each crime, for a total sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole, with a consecutive term of imprisonment of 55 years. Brown will have to serve 30 years before he is eligible for parole on the life sentence, and he will be required to serve the entire imprisonment of 55 years without the possibility of parole.

Brown has an extensive criminal history going back to 1994, including six prior felony convictions, which includes two prior aggravated assaults in which he used a handgun.

Members of the media with further questions may contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.

Sept 11, 2023

On September 11, 2023, a sentencing hearing for Dillon Andrews was held before Glynn County Superior Court Judge Stephen G. Scarlett, Sr. Andrews was found guilty of Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm during Commission of a Felony in a criminal jury trial in June 2023 following 4 hours of jury deliberation. Andrews was sentenced to 4 years in prison, 16 years’ probation and ordered to pay over $178,000 in restitution. Andrews was also sentenced as a First Offender. The District Attorney’s Office recommended 15 years in prison.

(June 29, 2023) District Attorney Keith Higgins announces that Dillon Andrews, 28, of Townsend, GA, was found guilty of Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm during Commission of a Felony. The criminal jury trial in Glynn County Superior Court started on June 26, 2023, and ended on June 29, 2023, following 4 hours of jury deliberation. Andrews was acquitted of an additional count of Aggravated Assault.

The evidence presented at trial showed that on September 26, 2020, around 2am, the defendant Dillon Andrews and two of his friends had been customers at the Red Carpet Lounge on F Street in Brunswick. After leaving the establishment ahead of his friends, Andrews, who was intoxicated, passed out in the front seat of their vehicle, which was parked down the street. Shortly thereafter, bouncers attempted to clear the street so the dancers could safely leave. The victim in the case, whose girlfriend was an employee of the Red Carpet, accompanied the bouncers to back them up in case there were any issues. Andrews’ one friend, Scott Davison, refused to leave because he was on a public street. An argument began between Davison and bouncer Brandon Heath. Heath then hit Davison and a fight started between them. An altercation also began between Andrews’ other friend and one of the other bouncers. During that fight, a belt was wrapped around the bouncer’s neck.

Andrews then awoke, grabbed a semi-automatic handgun that was in the vehicle, stepped out and fired a warning shot in the air. This stopped the fights and several people ran away. Andrews then fired what he called another warning shot at the victim who was several yards away because he was scared of him. However, in his testimony at trial, Andrews admitted that he had not seen the victim fight anyone, and that the victim was unarmed and was several yards away walking in his direction. Andrews said he was scared because the victim was bigger than he was and had made a comment about not being afraid of his gun.

Andrews’ second shot struck the victim in the leg. Upon realizing he had been shot, the victim went into “fight or flight” mode and decided to fight to protect himself and others. He charged at Andrews and in the ensuing scrum, was shot again in the chest, his arm and his other leg. The victim then staggered away and collapsed on the ground. He was rushed to hospital in Jacksonville where he underwent two emergency surgeries. He had to have part of one lung removed and suffered nerve damage to his arm that ended his career as a commercial electrician. Also wounded during the shooting was Davison who was struck by bullets in both legs, and Andrews himself who shot off his own finger.

Following the shooting, Andrews and his two friends fled in their vehicle but were soon stopped by Brunswick Police. Andrews’ initial statements were that he was asleep in the vehicle when someone stuck a gun in his face and shot his hand. He then said he grabbed the gun. It was only during a hearing in the case last year that he raised his self-defense story.

According to Chief Assistant District Attorney Nigel Lush, who prosecuted the case for the State, “Justice was done for the victim and the community in this case. It is sad that Mr. Andrews, an otherwise law-abiding citizen, made a very bad choice while under the influence of alcohol. He brought a gun to a fistfight and misjudged the situation. This was not a life or death struggle. The victim had done nothing. Andrews’ actions were not justified. They were unreasonable and excessive. This case stands as a warning to the public that if you are going to use a firearm, you better be damn sure it’s only to prevent the death or serious bodily injury of someone. Because if you are wrong, you will go to prison.”

Sentencing in this case will be held at a later date. Andrews faces up to 25 years in prison.

Sgt. Alan Carter with the Brunswick Police Department was the lead investigator on the case.

Members of the media with further questions may contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.

Sept 1, 2023

District Attorney Keith Higgins announces that a Glynn County jury returned guilty verdicts on August 31, 2023, against Grant Anderson Billings, 34, of Lawrenceville, GA, for the offenses of Felony Fleeing and Eluding and four counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.

Evidence presented at trial showed that on February 27, 2023, the defendant, Billings, driving a white Chevy 2500 work truck, was seen speeding on Spur 25 eastbound towards Interstate 95, by a Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) officer. The officer tried to stop Billings, who refused to pull over. After two other GCPD units arrived, he pulled to the shoulder of the roadway, then fled at a high rate of speed on Golden Isles Parkway. GCPD terminated their pursuit; however, a lookout alert was broadcast for the truck.

Deputies from the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) spotted the truck, still driving erratically, and pulled behind it. Billings then began to flee again at a high rate of speed and was driving recklessly. After other GCSO deputies responded, Billings drove into the residential neighborhood of Waverly Pines. In the ensuing moments, Billings assaulted deputies with his truck, striking one deputy in the leg and pinning one deputy against his patrol vehicle. Were it not for a fire hydrant that stopped the momentum of the truck, the deputy would have been seriously injured. Billings drove his vehicle into the Sheriff’s car, assaulting him while continuing to flee. Billings placed many Glynn County citizens in danger with his reckless driving.

Ultimately, Sheriff Neal Jump used the precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver, and spun Billings into the median of the Golden Isles Parkway where he was arrested.

Billings, a two-time convicted felon from the Atlanta area, had a female in the truck with him. This female was the victim in one of his previous felony convictions and he was under a sentence to have no contact with the female. The female admitted this at trial, as well as offering testimony that Billings had been drinking whiskey.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Presley. Following the jury verdict of guilty on all counts, Superior Court Judge Roger B. Lane sentenced Billings to a total of 50 years – 30 years to serve in the custody of the Department of Corrections, and 20 years’ probation consecutive to the prison term along with a $7500 fine.

“We want to thank all the law enforcement officers in Glynn County, and throughout our circuit, for all of the hard work they do every day to keep our streets and our community safe.” said District Attorney Higgins. “It is often a thankless and tireless job, but we want them to know that they are appreciated.”

Members of the media with further questions may contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.

Aug 24, 2023

District Attorney Keith Higgins announces that a Glynn County jury returned guilty verdicts Wednesday afternoon against Marcus Adrian Carmena Jr., 20, of Brunswick, GA., for the offenses of Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. Carmena was acquitted of seven additional counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property.

Evidence presented at trial showed that on November 20, 2020, the victim, Keijuan Smith, 23, was on the front porch of his mother’s home on Amherst Street in Brunswick, when at approximately 5pm, the defendant got out of a vehicle and approached Smith. The two exchanged words and Carmena struck Smith in the side of the head with a handgun. He then fled the location. This was captured on the homeowner’s ring camera. A police report was made and Carmena was identified as the perpetrator by Smith.

Several hours later, a drive by shooting occurred at the Amherst Street address. A stolen white Range Rover stopped on the corner and a person, later identified as Elijah Bennett, exited the vehicle and fired multiple rounds at the home. The home was occupied at the time by Smith, his mother, father and several family members including a 13-year-old and a mentally disabled adult. No one was injured. The Range Rover had been stolen a few hours earlier and a Snap Chat video emerged showing Elijah Bennett inside the vehicle posing with a large caliber pistol. The Snap Chat account was identified as belonging to Marcus Carmena by an individual familiar with him. Carmena was not seen in the video. Elijah Bennett had previously pled guilty to the shooting and unrelated armed robbery and was sentenced to 20 years to serve. He refused to testify against Carmena.

Carmena was convicted of the aggravated assault and gun charge relating the earlier pistol whipping but was acquitted for charges related to the shooting. While no motive for the altercations between Carmena and Smith was established, both are known to law enforcement as members of rival criminal street gangs. Carmena is known to be a Crip and Smith a Gangster Disciple. Smith is currently in the Glynn County Jail charged for a subsequent shooting case.

During the presentation of the State’s case, Smith testified he didn’t know who hit him and denied ever telling police it was Carmena. The witness who had identified the Snap Chat account as belonging to Carmena tried to plead the 5th Amendment and then repeatedly answered questions with “I can’t recall.” Evidence then emerged during trial that the Snap Chat witness had been threatened over the phone the Sunday before trial. Jail calls by Carmena were also played for the jury where Carmena is heard to be sending messages through a third party to Smith to recant his identification and for someone to contact the Snap Chat witness to get him not to testify. The calls indicated that both Smith and the other witness would not cooperate with the State in Court.

According to Chief Assistant District Attorney Nigel Lush, who prosecuted the case for the State, “This case is emblematic of the battle law enforcement and prosecutors face in prosecuting violent crime, especially when gangs are involved. Victims and witnesses are afraid to testify and thugs like the defendant try to manipulate the criminal justice system through intimidation. In Mr. Carmena’s case, he should probably have listened to the jail call warnings that he was being recorded.”

The State asked for the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, which was then handed down by Superior Court Judge Roger B. Lane. Carmena wept during sentencing.

Members of the media with further questions may contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.

July 26, 2023

District Attorney Keith Higgins announces that Eric Lee Schermerhorn, 38, of Brunswick, was found guilty of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Aggravated Battery for the 2021 murder of Frederick Luke Hutto, 52, also of Brunswick. The criminal jury trial in Glynn County Superior Court started on July 24, 2023, and ended on July 26, 2023, with jury deliberations lasting less than one hour.

The evidence presented at trial showed that on November 5, 2021, the defendant Schermerhorn, victim Hutto and another individual, Christopher Thompson, were cellmates at the Glynn County Detention Center. Brunswick Police had arrested Schermerhorn on November 2nd for felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Both Hutto and Thompson had been arrested on November 4th in separate incidents of misdemeanor criminal trespass. All three were housed together in ‘B’ Unit at the Detention Center where inmates were initially in quarantine because of COVID. On the afternoon of November 5th, all three had gone to court for their first appearances, where both Hutto and Thompson were granted Own Recognizance bonds. Schermerhorn was denied bond. All three then returned to their cell where Hutto and Thompson waited for their paperwork to be processed so they could be released.

According to Christopher Thompson, Hutto was eating a sandwich and made a comment about being gay. It was then that Schermerhorn grabbed Hutto from behind, put him in a headlock and proceeded to strangle him. He then threw Hutto to the floor, repeatedly picked him up by the shirt collar, and slammed his head into the concrete floor. Another inmate in the recreation area saw the assault and called jailers for help. When the jailers arrived, they too observed Schermerhorn slamming Hutto’s head into the ground before they were able to pull Schermerhorn off of Hutto.

The case was investigated by Special Agent Niklaus Antczak of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation following a request by the Sheriff’s Office. In addition to the testimony of Christopher Thompson, another inmate in the Unit said he heard Schermerhorn talking to himself in his cell the night before the incident occurred, saying he was going to kill somebody and slam their head into the ground. The inmate did not know who Schermerhorn was referring to.

Mr. Hutto suffered a traumatic brain injury, fractured jaw, and fractures to his larynx and face. While the attack left him essentially brain dead, he did not pass away until November 21st while in hospice in Florida. Hutto had long suffered from mental illness and was homeless off and on, as he did not comply with taking his medication. At the time of his death, Hutto weighed only 112 pounds while Schermerhorn was more than twice his size.

According to Chief Assistant District Attorney Nigel Lush, who prosecuted the case for the State, “The facts of this case are particularly sad. Mr. Hutto struggled with his mental health as many homeless people do, but he was not violent and was not a threat to anyone. He was minutes away from being released from jail when he was attacked from behind by a much younger man more than twice his size. He did nothing to provoke this animalistic assault. Whatever the reason was for Mr. Schermerhorn’s attack, he clearly does not belong on the streets ever again.”

Immediately following jury deliberations, Superior Court Judge Stephen D. Kelley sentenced Schermerhorn to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Members of the media with further questions may contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.

July 17, 2023

District Attorney Keith Higgins announces that Lavonte Tamar Stokes, 39, from Jesup, pled guilty to Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in lieu of a criminal jury trial, pursuant to a negotiated guilty plea entered in Wayne County Superior Court on July 10, 2023.

The Jesup Police Department investigated the incident, which occurred on Cherry Street in downtown Jesup on June 16, 2021. The defendant, Stokes, owed a sum of money to the victim, and was not happy that the victim was telling other people that Stokes owed him money. Stokes called the victim that morning and was to meet him outside of the victim’s business. Around 08:20 a.m., the victim walked outside to meet Stokes and got into Stokes’ vehicle. Once inside the vehicle, Stokes pulled a gun on the victim. As Stokes pulled the trigger, the victim was able to grab the barrel of the gun and push it away while he attempted to get out of the vehicle. The first shot grazed the victim’s right hand and the second shot struck his right calf as he was exiting the vehicle. The victim ran down the middle of the street and collapsed as he saw Stokes drive off.

According to Wayne County Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Tiffiny Montenegro, the defendant did not believe the victim would come to the trial, but subsequently changed his mind and accepted the plea agreement on the day the trial was to start. In line with the negotiated guilty plea, Judge Robert W. Guy sentenced Stokes to 15 years serve 8 years in the GA Department of Corrections.

Members of the media with further questions may contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.

July 6, 2023

District Attorney Keith Higgins has selected Whitney Bradford to assume the duties of Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney responsible for Appling County and Jeff Davis County.

Deputy Chief Bradford came to the Brunswick Judicial Circuit from the Cordele Judicial Circuit, where she worked as an Assistant District Attorney since 2015. As a prosecutor, she has previously specialized in cases involving crimes against women and children, and has prosecuted a range of criminal cases from misdemeanors to serious violent felonies. Deputy Chief Bradford grew up in Cook County and received her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Valdosta State University and her Juris Doctorate from Mercer University in 2014. Prior to becoming a prosecutor, Deputy Chief Bradford worked as a staff attorney for the Honorable Tilman E. Self, III, currently a judge on the US District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, who at the time was a Macon Circuit Superior Court Judge. Deputy Chief Bradford has a passion for justice and helping victims and is eager to work with the citizens of both the Appling and Jeff Davis communities.

According to Higgins, “Finding and hiring competent and professional prosecutors has been an ongoing challenge throughout the United States and within the state of Georgia. With the addition of Whitney to our office, we now have three dedicated prosecutors, including Senior Assistant District Attorney Jan Kennedy and Assistant District Attorney Hunter Smith, to serve the citizens of Appling and Jeff Davis counties.”

Members of the media with further questions may contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.

June 29, 2023

District Attorney Keith Higgins announces that Dillon Andrews, 28, of Townsend, GA, was found guilty of Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm during Commission of a Felony. The criminal jury trial in Glynn County Superior Court started on June 26, 2023, and ended on June 29, 2023, following 4 hours of jury deliberation. Andrews was acquitted of an additional count of Aggravated Assault.

The evidence presented at trial showed that on September 26, 2020, around 2am, the defendant Dillon Andrews and two of his friends had been customers at the Red Carpet Lounge on F Street in Brunswick. After leaving the establishment ahead of his friends, Andrews, who was intoxicated, passed out in the front seat of their vehicle, which was parked down the street. Shortly thereafter, bouncers attempted to clear the street so the dancers could safely leave. The victim in the case, whose girlfriend was an
employee of the Red Carpet, accompanied the bouncers to back them up in case there were any issues. Andrews’ one friend, Scott Davison, refused to leave because he was on a public street. An argument
began between Davison and bouncer Brandon Heath. Heath then hit Davison and a fight started between them. An altercation also began between Andrews’ other friend and one of the other bouncers. During that fight, a belt was wrapped around the bouncer’s neck.

Andrews then awoke, grabbed a semi-automatic handgun that was in the vehicle, stepped out and fired
a warning shot in the air. This stopped the fights and several people ran away. Andrews then fired what
he called another warning shot at the victim who was several yards away because he was scared of him.
However, in his testimony at trial, Andrews admitted that he had not seen the victim fight anyone, and
that the victim was unarmed and was several yards away walking in his direction. Andrews said he was
scared because the victim was bigger than he was and had made a comment about not being afraid of
his gun.

Andrews’ second shot struck the victim in the leg. Upon realizing he had been shot, the victim went into
“fight or flight” mode and decided to fight to protect himself and others. He charged at Andrews and in
the ensuing scrum, was shot again in the chest, his arm and his other leg. The victim then staggered away and collapsed on the ground. He was rushed to hospital in Jacksonville where he underwent two emergency surgeries. He had to have part of one lung removed and suffered nerve damage to his arm that ended his career as a commercial electrician. Also wounded during the shooting was Davison who was struck by bullets in both legs, and Andrews himself who shot off his own finger.

Following the shooting, Andrews and his two friends fled in their vehicle but were soon stopped by Brunswick Police. Andrews’ initial statements were that he was asleep in the vehicle when someone stuck a gun in his face and shot his hand. He then said he grabbed the gun. It was only during a hearing in the case last year that he raised his self-defense story.

According to Chief Assistant District Attorney Nigel Lush, who prosecuted the case for the State, “Justice was done for the victim and the community in this case. It is sad that Mr. Andrews, an otherwise law-abiding citizen, made a very bad choice while under the influence of alcohol. He brought a gun to a fistfight and misjudged the situation. This was not a life or death struggle. The victim had done nothing. Andrews’ actions were not justified. They were unreasonable and excessive. This case stands as a warning to the public that if you are going to use a firearm, you better be damn sure it’s only to prevent the death or serious bodily injury of someone. Because if you are wrong, you will go to prison.”

Sentencing in this case will be held at a later date. Andrews faces up to 25 years in prison.

Sgt. Alan Carter with the Brunswick Police Department was the lead investigator on the case.

Members of the media with further questions may contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.

June 27, 2023

District Attorney Keith Higgins announces that Avery Mondell Davis, 39, of Hazlehurst, was found guilty of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute following a criminal jury trial that took place on June 20, 2023, in Jeff Davis County Superior Court.

On April 12, 2022, Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Booker stopped a vehicle on Uvalda Highway for a headlight violation. The defendant, Davis, was the driver of the vehicle and a co-defendant was the passenger. Deputy Booker determined that Davis’ license was suspended and his vehicle was uninsured. When asked to step out of the vehicle, Deputy Booker detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and the person of Davis. Davis was searched and a misdemeanor amount of suspected marijuana was found. While Davis was being detained, the co-defendant exited the vehicle carrying a black plastic bag. When confronted and questioned by the deputy, the co-defendant handed him the black plastic bag, which contained a substance later identified by a GBI forensic chemist as being 39.060 grams of marijuana bagged in three separate baggies along with a digital scale. Statements made by Davis at the scene and later at the detention center implicated him as the owner of the bag and its contents.

At trial, Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office Investigator Anthony McNeal testified about the factors that he considered when determining Davis’ intent to distribute the drugs, which included the quantity of the drug (more than an ounce of marijuana), the presence of a digital scale, and the packaging of the drug into separate bags. The co-defendant, who had pled guilty to a lesser-included charge of Possession Greater than an Ounce, was called to testify by Davis’ defense attorney. She claimed sole ownership of the marijuana on the stand; however, when pressed during questioning, did not have any specific details about the origination of the marijuana and incorrectly listed the contents of the black plastic bag. The jury ultimately found her statement not to be credible and Davis was convicted of Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute.

Assistant District Attorney Hunter Smith prosecuted the case in Jeff Davis County Superior Court, and was able to introduce Davis’ prior convictions for Sale of Cocaine and Sale of Marijuana as evidence of his intent to possess and distribute controlled substances. Davis was also previously convicted in Jeff Davis County of Forgery First Degree and Felony Obstruction of an Officer. Following jury deliberations, Superior Court Judge Roger B. Lane sentenced Davis to the maximum of 10 years to serve. Judge Lane sentenced Davis as a Recidivist under O.C.G.A § 17-10-7, which means that he will not be eligible for early release.

Members of the media with further questions may contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.