(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column of those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Let me start off this week with something that may be a bit sad and, at the same time, glorious for those of us who are believers.
My good friend and mentor the Rev. Dr. Sargent Nelson of St. Mark United Methodist Church had the tough assignment of performing the funeral for the legend Topsy Jones. Some of you may not know the name – however, many of you definitely recognized her work. She was the young lady (in her 90s) who was in charge of doing the sign in front of St. Mark on Washington Road. Some called this “The Real Amen Corner.”
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Her wit and ability to come up with great thoughts to place there left many of us with a new way of thinking, and I have even heard that she saved lives. Now when I say saved, I’m not just talk about in the literal sense but more importantly in the “KINGDOM SENSE.”
She was very much a needed part of our community and will deeply missed. One of her most popular signs said, “Work for the Lord. The retirement benefits are out of this world.” She was absolutely right; they are.
Let’s all rejoice in the fact that though she may no longer be with us, I am sure when she got to heaven there as a sign that said, ”Well done! My Good and Faithful Servant.”
#FaithWalk
In case you missed it this past week, local social media became a storm with the story of David and his #FaithWalk.
There is a young man who has plans to walk across the country. He was making his way through Augusta, and his next major stop is Miami.
If anyone sees him walking, they probably automatically assume this is just another guy traveling our streets. However, this guys doesn’t need anything from anyone other than prayers.
It’s an amazing story, and I have enjoyed watching the many posts that are flashing across the web in reference to him.
I hope he makes it to his destination safely, and I am sure with his FAITH, as the Bible says, “All things are possible to him that believeth.”
Speaking of believing
After a presentation at this past Tuesday’s Richmond County Commission’s meeting, I dove head first into researching information about the Homeless Task Force, and the tentacles that were attached in some way. That lead me to a few different meetings, including some sit down time with elected officials.
I was most intrigued by the legal aspects of it all, so I reached out to our Richmond County solicitor general, Omeeka Loggins. I needed to get her take on some things. First some background; then her take on how all of this is coming together.
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Attorney Loggins began serving as the solicitor general for Richmond County after she was elected in 2016. From day one, she immediately started addressing the backlog of cases by streamlining some internal procedures and other creative ways to address the backlog of these cases. She explained to me that due to the nature of the cases, and the volume of cases, State Court has historically had a backlog. My research has shown me that is backlog isn’t unique to Richmond County but is seen in State Courts through Georgia. Like elsewhere in Georgia, there is a shortage of resources and people power. The COVID-19 pandemic added to this issue.
Be that as it may, the high volume of cases is the main issue in creating a backlog of cases. This does not stop Solicitor Loggins from being steadfast in moving as many cases as quickly as possible. This includes, coming up with creative ways to dispose of cases that hold people accountable; most importantly to protect the community by providing alternative ways of prosecution.
One thing she has employed is expanding the Pre-Trial Intervention Program. She has introduce the Traffic Violators Impact Program for young drivers, which is one type of pre-trial intervention. Another initiative is how she expanded the types of cases that could be considered for a pre-trial intervention.
People in the know within the legal community say they feel like this has helped tremendously in moving cases, and results in positive outcomes, for all parties involved.
Even with that, there’s is still one looming major issue that seems to still be a problem, and that is bench warrants.
Early in her tenure, Solicitor Loggins worked with the State Court judges to streamline bench warrants. For example, there are some cases in which failure to appear can be issued in lieu of a bench warrant. Failure to appear notices result in license suspensions versus incarceration.
This has had a tremendous impact on the number of bench warrants issued. However, she made it very clear that the state just makes a request. It is totally in the judge’s purview on when to issue a bench warrant for someone.
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I also asked Solicitor Loggins about court proceedings in the pandemic. She let me know that we also saw an increase of bench warrants during the pandemic. As a result, she worked with State Court and the Public Defender’ Office to implement Fresh Start 2.0. in the fall of 2021.
This program gave people who had active State Court Bench Warrants an opportunity to resolve their matters without the fear of being arrested. There were a total of three sessions, from September to November of 2021. I was told that during this time that more than 150 individuals participated, and 68 people were able to dispose of their cases altogether. Another 45 were able to get their bench warrants lifted and place back in pending trial status.
This initiative was such a success that she is currently working with other community partners and stakeholders to hold another in-person warrant clinic as we speak.
Loggins also has been working with State Court and the clerk of court to implement Matterhorn, an online dispute resolution for certain traffic charges.
In this program, defendants who are eligible to participate will be able to communicate directly with the Solicitor’s Office to resolve their traffic case, pay their fine online and avoid having to come to court. This will have a significant positive impact on the community. Citizens will not have to take time off from work to come to court. It will help those individuals with transportation issues, and it provides another way the Solicitor’s Office can better serve the community. This should be helpful to anyone who may have a minor citation. As a community, we should be looking forward to seeing the success of these valuable initiatives.
There are a number of things that have been successful during Loggins tenure as solicitor general. However, this column doesn’t give me the time to keep everyone glued here to share. The one thing I always found most interesting and one of the main reasons I feel it is important to cover her office is Accountability Courts—another alternative to address cases. These include the DUI Accountability Court, Veterans Court and the newly implement Domestic Violence Court.
Not only has she tried to address the back log and issues with bench warrants, but Solicitor General Loggins has worked with Senator Harold Jones, District Attorney Jared Williams, Sheriff Richard Roundtree and others to hold Record Restriction Summits.
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By no means do I believe that everyone should have an opportunity to restrict their records, but there are some instances where mistakes have been made. For instance, a person did something stupid, but they have proven themselves to be good citizens. They should have an opportunity to show themselves approved and have another bite at the apple.
In most cases most of us have had our dumb moments, but we straightened up and learned from the error of our ways, and thank God that we didn’t get caught being stupid.
Let me add this note in closing. Solicitor Loggins encourages people interested in record restriction, to visit their website and see the video that explains what misdemeanor charges can be restricted. Anyone who believes they qualify can get an application from the Sheriff’s Office.
Overall, our solicitor is working hard for our community. I didn’t know what all they did until I walked in the door. This is her second term, and by all accounts, I hope she continues to serve.
With that being said, I’m excited about her being the solicitor, but her number maybe getting pulled soon for a promotion?
Interesting comment from the lady making presentation about homelessness.
She stated that many of the people who are charged and have to wait in jail for court – end up with other charges as they wait. This was very disheartening to me.
I will cover more on that topic next week, along with the Homeless Task Force Strategic Plan. I’m still breaking down its 36 pages. It covers—in my mind—any questions you would have about how to work on the homeless problem.
Commissioner Johnson seems to have his work cut out for him with this one, and it seems that he has thought of everything.
I do have a question – What is “affordable housing”?
Let’s not forgot about these races coming up.
Early voting has shown there seems to be a real interest in local politics, with a record turnout for early voting on this past Saturday. It seems as if Augusta may truly be excited about the possibility of something new.
Columbia County seems to be really out-pacing Richmond County as it relates to early voting. I wonder if that has anything to do with the infighting that seems to be … here I go getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
