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LOCAL NEWS

Another "Cold Case" Solved: El Tipico Robbery in 2011

County Council Report

Arrest Made in "Cold Case" Cab Driver Shooting

Newberry Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement,
Tax Fraud Charges
Posted: May 16 5:11 PM

United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today that Tina Clinton of Newberry, South Carolina, pleaded guilty in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, before the Honorable Michelle Childs to one count of embezzlement and five counts of filing false tax returns. Evidence presented at the plea hearing established that during the course of her employment as a bookkeeper at the J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home from 2005 to 2009, Ms. Clinton embezzled a total of $440,958.05. As a bookkeeper, Ms. Clinton had the responsibility of making deposits, and rather than deposit checks for residents receiving Social Security and Veteran’s benefits, Ms. Clinton cashed the checks and diverted the funds to her personal use. Ms. Clinton was able to cover her theft by making accounting adjustments to the residents’ accounts. Ms. Clinton also failed to report the stolen income on her tax returns, and has an additional tax due and owing of over $65,000.00.

U.S. Attorney Nettles added that no resident of the nursing home lost money as a result of the embezzlement, because the loss was covered by a bonding company. As a part of her plea agreement, Ms. Clinton has agreed to make full restitution of the loss to the bonding company. Ms. Clinton was fired from her position upon discovery of her theft.

Judge Childs of Greenville will impose sentence after she has reviewed a presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. The maximum sentence Ms. Clinton faces on the embezzlement charge is 10 years imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of twice the loss to the victim. The maximum sentence Ms. Clinton faces on each of the tax charges is 3 years imprisonment, a year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.00.

This investigation and conviction is a result of the cooperation of agents of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, the Newberry Police Department, and the Offices of the Inspector General at both the Veterans’ Administration and the Social Security Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Drake.

Little Mountain Reunion Cancelled
Posted: May 15 7:43 AM

The Little Mountain Reunion Association announced on their Facebook page Monday night that the 2012 Little Mountain Reunion has been CANCELLED due to conflicts dealing with the Little Mountain Town Council. A press release to the public is to follow in the next few days to disclose details as to why the decision was made to cancel the Reunion for this year. All sponsors, vendors, and entertainers will be contacted in a timely manner.

NHS Sports
Banquet
Posted:
May 15
6:43 AM

Newberry High School held its 2012 Spring Sports Banquet last night, and among the awards (l-r) Joseph Foster was presented "The Bulldog Award" for placing school above self;

Tyndell Mendenhall was presented the "Louise Buzhardt Award" for Sportsmanship; and Daija Rogers was presented the "Stuart Leslie Award" for Christian Leadership.

Wilson Senn also received a gold ring with a sapphire set on his service to Newberry High School and for covering 1000 games. The Athletic Department/Booster Club presented this award.

Click HERE for a more comprehensive listing of the awards.

Suspect In Custody After Several Hour Manhunt
Posted: May 13 8:26 AM

An armed robbery in Laurens County at a rest area on I-385 in Laurens County ended after a several hour manhunt in Newberry County.

Law enforcement in Laurens County notified surrounding agencies that they had an armed robbery to occur in the rest area on I-385. Based on their information, the South Carolina Highway Patrol located the suspect’s vehicle in the rest area on I-26 in Newberry County and the suspect fled into the woods at just before 10pm. He was wearing a white T-shirt and khakis as his fled. He was armed with a knife at the time of the robbery and considered armed and dangerous in his flight.

Law enforcement officers from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and State Law Enforcement Division surrounded the area using bloodhounds and a helicopter. The suspect was taken into custody at around 1am without incident. He was taken directly to the Laurens County Detention Center for charges.

The suspect was identified as Claude Lee Turnage, 27, of 101 S. Manly Drive, Taylors, SC.

City Council Report
Posted: May 9 6:51 AM

Newberry City Council held their monthly meeting last evening.
City Manager Jeff Shacker gave the financial report showing revenue through April 30, 2012.

Revenues were showed the strongest April ever and City Manager Shacker credited personal property and vehicle taxes as well as business license applications as main contributors. He stated this is an indicator of a better overall economy.

Randy Black was recognized for 25 years of service with the Utility Department. Mr. Black was also recognized for his retirement. Joe Black was recognized for 25 years of service with the Public Works Department.

A resolution designating the month of May as National Preservation Month passed, and a resolution designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day passed.

Consideration of an ordinance calling for a referendum to authorize the SC Department of Revenue to issue Temporary Permits for On-Premise Alcohol Sales on Sundays passed first reading. This referendum concerns on-premise alcohol sales only.

Council passed consideration for an outside water request for property located at 204 Robin Road.

Council also renewed the Newberry Dove Club Lease.

And Council passed an authorization to sell and consume alcohol in Memorial Park for the "Taste of Newberry" celebration to take place Friday, June 15th from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

Council then went into executive session to discuss a legal matter regarding the electric department.

Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Photos

Click HERE for more Local News.