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Crime notes
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Jerome Alexander Bethel, 37, of Smyrna, Ga., is charged with theft of property over $10,000. His bond is $20,000.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Jan. 22 Bethel took a ladies platinum custom designed diamond engagement ring valued at $38,000.

Randy Mitchell Hobbs, Jr., 25, of Liberty is charged with a second offense of driving on a revoked license.
Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, Feb. 28 a deputy was patrolling Highway 70 when he spotted a blue Ford Mustang, driven by Hobbs. Knowing that Hobbs had no valid driver license, the officer pulled him over. A computer check confirmed that his license were revoked for violation of the truancy law in 2010. He was later charged with driving on a revoked license in 2013 in Coffee County.

Michael Owens, 49, of Brooklyn, N.Y. is charged with driving on a suspended license. He was also cited for failure to yield. His bond is $1,500.

Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, Feb. 28 while approaching the traffic light at South Congress Boulevard, a deputy spotted a red Ford car which failed to yield the right of way of oncoming traffic. The officer pulled over the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Owens. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended in New York.

Fermin Gopar of Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving on a suspended license and a first offense of driving under the influence. He was also cited for violation of implied consent, driving on roadways laned for travel, and no insurance. His bond is $4,000 and his court date is March 15.

Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, March 1 while patrolling on McMinnville Highway, a deputy observed a vehicle failing to maintain its lane of travel. He pulled it over and spoke with the driver, Gopar. The officer detected a strong odor of alcohol on Gopar, whose speech was also slurred and his eyes were red and watery. Gopar submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. A search warrant was obtained for a blood sample after Gopar refused implied consent.
The deputy also learned that Gopar’s license were suspended in 2013 in Warren County.

Raymond Howard Rollins, 29, of Baxter is charged with a third offense of driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is March 29.

Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, March 7 a deputy observed Rollins driving on East Broad Street in Smithville. Knowing that his license were suspended, the officer pulled him over. A computer check confirmed that Rollins’ license are suspended.