U.S. Marshals Capture Vidalia Fugitives

The United States Marshal – Southeast Regional Task Force and Vidalia Police Department worked together to capture two wanted men on Valentine’s Day morning.

According to Interim Police Chief Garry Colson, these men both had outstanding warrants from the Vidalia Police Department, and were wanted on several charges. Colson stated that these have not been deemed gang related offenses at this time.

Officers and marshals captured Christopher “Turla” Beasley, 28, of Vidalia, and charged him with 2 counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes, 1 count of obstruction of a law enforcement officer, 1 count of theft by receiv- continued from page

ing stolen property, 1 count of possession with intent to distribute (ecstasy), and 1 count of possession of a controlled substance.

Martez “Tez” Walker, 30, of Vidalia, was also arrested by the officers and marshals. Walker is charged with 1 count of rape, 1 count of aggravated assault, 3 counts of battery, 1 count of criminal trespass, and 1 count of cruelty to children in the 3rd degree.

These men were transported to the Toombs County Detention Center, where they continue to be held without bond.

In addition to these arrests, Colson stated that the Vidalia Police Department also helped the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office to capture an individual with outstanding warrants on Maple Drive. This individual’s identity was not disclosed by Colson, but the offender was charged with additional firearm charges upon capture.

Colson clarified that none of the three arrests are related to each other.

PREPARING TO ENTER – The U.S. Marshals Southeastern Regional Task Force prepares to enter the apartment where one of the arrested men was staying.Photo by William F. Ledford

MEET AND GREET — The Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce hosted a meet and greet event at the Chamber office in downtown Alamo on Monday, February 10. In this photo, from left, incoming Chamber President Suzanne Couey chats with new Superintendent of Wheeler County Schools Dr. C. Alex Alvarez, new Wheeler County Sheriff Glenn Giles, and new Wheeler County Coroner Kandi Day Purvis.Photo by Deborah Clark