Mental health courts: How much can they help jail crisis?
Her baby appeared to be only a few months old. But for at least one day, his mother was going back to jail.
I-Team: Mental Health court rehabilitates inmates
By Randy Travis Published May 30, 2023 LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Her baby appeared to be only a few months old. But for at least one day, his mother was going back to jail. "This is all about tough love and this is a difficult piece of what I do," Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge Karen Beyers told the rest of audience sitting quietly waiting their turn. Welcome to reality. Welcome to Mental Health Court. FULL STORY: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/mental-health-courts-how-much-can-they-help-jail-crisis
Like so many GA mentally ill inmates, Winston Powell still waits in jail for help despite court order
A Haralson County man appeared in court for the first time in more than 400 days, much of that spent in an isolation cell waiting for trial on non-violent charges.
Winston Powell still waits in jail for help
Winston Powell appeared in court for the first time in more than 400 days, much of that spent in an isolation cell waiting for trial on non-violent charges. His story is not unique. Prosecutors and sheriffs say their jails are jammed with mentally ill offenders, stuck there because the state of Georgia doesn't have enough people to evaluate and treat them in a timely manner.
Former lawyer Richard Merritt, accused of killing mother, found guilty on all counts
A verdict has been reached in the Richard Merritt trial, the former attorney accused of killing his mother.
Vet school grad admits illegally taking horses across The Southeast
Fallon Blackwood wanted to be a veterinarian. But her decisions while in school has left her with a criminal record instead of a license to practice.
Vet school grad admits illegally taking horses across SE
A veterinary school student who promised to care for sick or aging horses instead illegally sold them to companies that provide horse meat to countries overseas. On Tuesday afternoon, Fallon Blackwood pleaded guilty in an Alabama courtroom.
After nearly 40 years, FOX 5 senior I-Team reporter Dale Russell retires
FOX 5 senior I-Team reporter Dale Russell is putting down his notepad, his microphone and yes, retiring. A look back on his storied career.
Dale Russell says goodbye
After nearly 40 years investigating with the FOX 5 I-Team, Dale Russell says he's trading in his notebook and pen for plane tickets and more time with his grandchildren. Since 1985, Dale has investigated around the world for this station. FOX 5 I-Team's Randy Travis takes a deep dive into the stories and work ethic that made Dale the incredible reporter he's retiring as today.
Jails grapple with mental health crisis
Most people who suffer from a mental illness in this country never encounter the criminal justice system. But those who break the law can find themselves trapped in a system that still can't figure out how best to deal with them. FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis examines the story of a current inmate: Lavender Gresham.
Clayton DA: 'We're drowning' in mental health criminal cases
Most people who suffer from a mental illness in this country never touch the criminal justice system. They lead productive lives.
Kemp appoints 2 new Douglas County commissioners in wake of corruption indictment
Their replacements will remain in office until the criminal cases are resolved, or a special election can be held should there be a conviction.
A mentally ill inmate has waited in a Georgia isolation cell 468 days for help. He's not alone.
For 468 days and counting, Winston Powell has known little else than the walls of a barren isolation cell. He's in limbo because the average wait to see a state forensic psychologist in Georgia is over 10 months.
I-Team: Mentally ill man sits in jail 468 days -- He's not Alone
By Randy Travis Published May 17, 2023 BUCHANAN, Ga. - For 468 days and counting, Winston Powell has known little else than the walls of a barren isolation cell, his only companions the untamed thoughts ricocheting inside his head. "This is wrong," stressed Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams. "These are people." If the Haralson County Jail had a frequent flier program, Powell, 28, would already be a lifetime Diamond member, charged 10 times over the last 10 years with a string of nonviolent crimes. FULL STORY: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/a-mentally-ill-inmate-has-sat-in-a-ga-isolaton-cell-for-468-days-waiting-for-help-hes-not-alone
Jury seated in trial of disbarred Georgia attorney Richard Merritt for killing his mother
A jury has been selected in the DeKalb County murder trial of disbarred Cobb County attorney Richard Merritt.
Richard Merritt Murder Trial: Jury seated
A jury has been seated in the DeKalb County murder trial of disbarred Cobb County Attorney Richard Merritt. Prosecutors claim Merritt brutally beat and stabbed his mother to death on the day she was set to drive him to a state prison.
Richard Merritt, disbarred Georgia attorney, set to go to trial for killing his mother
The long awaited trial of a Georgia attorney accused of beating and stabbing his mother to death is set to begin.
Attorney accused of killing mom stands trial
The long-awaited trial for a Georgia attorney accused of beating and stabbing his mother to death is set to begin. Richard Merritt was facing prison for defrauding legal clients and was set to turn himself in, when prosecutors say he killed his mother and ran.
Local pool builder leaves clients with cement ponds
It's swim season in Georgia, but some frustrated homeowners say this is their second summer they can't use their backyard pools.
Angry Aqua Blue Pools customers
It's swim season and a frustrated group of homeowners say - for some of them - this is their second summer they can't use their backyard pools. They sat down with the FOX 5 I-Team's Dana Fowle -- angry that they'd paid for swimming pools they can't seem to get finished.