The Local Lowdown Podcast

05/30/2026

DRUG BUST SHUTS DOWN GLYNN COUNTY MOTEL, SEVEN ARRESTED

GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — A Glynn County motel is officially out of business after a major drug investigation ended with multiple arrests, the seizure of suspected narcotics, and a laundry list of safety violations that forced county officials to shut the property down.

Authorities descended on the Economy Inn on New Jesup Highway this week, where officers from the Glynn County Police Department, Brunswick Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed five search warrants as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

When the dust settled, seven people were in handcuffs. According to investigators, those arrested included:

• Logan Knight — charged with possession of fentanyl and possession of drug-related objects.

• Rhaheim Richardson — charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

• Terrence Jackson — charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug-related objects, possession of less than one ounce of ma*****na, and an active criminal trespass warrant.

• Michael Cohen — charged with possession of drug-related objects.

• Damion Mann — charged with possession of drug-related objects.

• Tammie Carter — charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug-related objects.

• Jhamah Harris — charged with possession of drug-related objects and possession of less than one ounce of ma*****na.

But the arrests were only part of the story.

Following the ex*****on of the warrants, county inspectors entered the motel and reportedly uncovered numerous code and safety violations. The conditions were serious enough that officials ordered the Economy Inn to close its doors immediately and issued multiple citations to the property’s owners.

The operation involved a wide range of agencies, including Glynn County Fire Rescue, the Georgia Department of Public Health, Glynn County Public Works, and Glynn County Code Enforcement.

Officials say the coordinated effort highlights what can happen when local, state, and federal agencies work together to target criminal activity and improve public safety.

For now, the motel sits shuttered, seven people face criminal charges, and investigators say the narcotics investigation remains ongoing.

05/29/2026

BPD officer rescues six from sinking boats after they find body in water. {The Story How The Marine Unit Nearly Lost Before Proving Its Value}

By The Local Lowdown

BRUNSWICK, GA. - A dramatic water rescue this week has reignited questions about the future of the Brunswick Police Department’s Marine Unit and whether the specialized program was nearly eliminated before it had the opportunity to prove its worth.

According to multiple sources familiar with internal discussions within the Brunswick Police Department, Chief Angela Smith was initially unaware that the department even operated a Marine Unit when she took office. Those same sources allege that once the unit came to her attention, there was significant discussion about whether the program should continue.

Sources tell The Local Lowdown that despite funding being secured to train additional officers for the Marine Unit, internal disagreements emerged regarding its future. We are told that the officer primarily responsible for operating the unit eventually left for another agency, creating further uncertainty about whether the program would survive.

Several sources described what they characterized as an internal struggle to preserve the Marine Unit, alleging that department leadership had to be persuaded of its value and necessity. The Local Lowdown has been able to verify those internal discussions, but cannot release that to the public in order to protect our sources.

What is not disputed is what happened this week.

According to a Brunswick Police report and reporting by The Brunswick News, Marine Unit Officer J.D. Bradley was searching for a missing person near the Sidney Lanier Bridge on Monday afternoon when he received a report that boaters had spotted a body floating in the Turtle River.

Upon arrival, Bradley discovered not only the body in the water but also two small fishing boats in distress. Strong winds of approximately 20 mph had created dangerous 2- to 3-foot waves. The occupants reported that attempting to move their overloaded boats could cause them to capsize.

Bradley instructed everyone aboard to put on life jackets before safely transferring four children and two women onto his vessel. Once the passengers were removed, the operators of the fishing boats were able to safely return their vessels to the boat ramp.

The six individuals were transported safely to Blythe Island Regional Park without injury.

The body recovered from the water was turned over to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and has been sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab for identification and autopsy.

The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the unique role marine law enforcement plays in a coastal community like Brunswick. While patrol cars can respond to emergencies on land, they cannot reach distressed boaters battling rough waters in the Turtle River.

Had the Marine Unit not been available Monday afternoon, the outcome could have been very different.

For many residents, the rescue raises a simple question: If a single Marine Unit officer can simultaneously assist in a death investigation and rescue six people from potentially life-threatening conditions, what would Brunswick lose if that capability disappeared?

Monday’s events may have answered that question better than any internal meeting ever could.

Memorial Day Weekend Sees Numerous Marine Incidents Begging the Question: Should BPD have a Marine unit or not?

05/27/2026

New Georgia law allows property owners to sue over nuisance control.

A controversial new Georgia law, House Bill 295, officially gives property owners the ability to pursue compensation claims against local governments if they believe nuisance laws are not being properly enforced.

The law targets issues such as:• Public camping• Panhandling• Loitering• Vandalism• Public intoxication• Drug activity• Shoplifting

Supporters say the law is about accountability and protecting businesses, neighborhoods, tourism, and property values. Critics argue it could unfairly target homeless populations while failing to address the root causes of homelessness and addiction.

Under HB 295, property owners would have to prove:• A nuisance exists• Their property or business suffered financial harm• The local government knowingly failed to enforce existing laws

The legislation also reportedly waives certain sovereign immunity protections, potentially opening the door for lawsuits against cities and counties.

What does this mean for Brunswick and Glynn County? That remains to be seen.

As homelessness, panhandling, and public safety concerns continue to become a larger topic of discussion across Coastal Georgia, this law could eventually place additional pressure on local governments to increase enforcement efforts in highly visible commercial and tourist areas.

Others worry the law could create legal and financial burdens for taxpayers while doing little to solve mental health, addiction, or housing shortages.

The law takes effect July 1.

Do you support the new law?

05/26/2026

Downtown Brunswick’s Newest Spot….If you don’t know now ya know! Go check it out {10 out of 10}

05/21/2026

After months of investigating, reviewing records, and following this case closely…

We have now confirmed that NO CHARGES will be filed. Apparently, all you have to do is burn a body in your backyard and somehow walk free.

Let that sink in. ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

05/17/2026

She is not for sale! Love this candidate! Go Vote Folks! We {The People} have the power!

05/15/2026

927 votes have already been cast in District 4, and Election Day is almost here. The people of Glynn County are showing up — and that energy means everything.

I am proudly endorsing Miranda Music Smith for District 3 and Jonathan for District 4 on the Glynn County Commission.

A vote for Jonathan and Miranda is a chance to break up the majority on the county commission — and break up the good ole boy club that has had its grip on this county for far too long.

That could make all the difference for the future of the city we call home. Please go out and vote Tuesday. Your voice matters more than you know.

This is your chance to vote and change the landscape for the betterment of our community!!

1131 votes have been cast in District 4 so far. This indicates strong interest in this year’s election. Since December we’ve been shaking hands, having conversations, and getting to know the people of this District. We’d be honored if you’d consider adding this campaign to the list of those you’re supporting on Tuesday!

Can we count on your vote?

05/15/2026

**Paid for by Elect Miranda Music Smith**

05/13/2026

Breaking News:

Earlier this afternoon, a police pursuit through downtown Brunswick ended in a crash near MLK Blvd.

According to information obtained by The Local Lowdown, the pursuit involved the U.S. Marshals Service attempting to serve a felony arrest warrant on a suspect who allegedly fled, leading authorities on a chase lasting approximately six minutes.

The pursuit came to an end after the suspect crashed on MLK. The individual was taken into custody at the scene. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded.

At this time, no additional information has been released regarding the suspect’s identity, the underlying charges, or whether any injuries were reported.

This remains a developing story.

05/11/2026

Please tell us how the Brunswick woman was allegedly allowed to disembark prior to quarantine protocols being completed. Especially after publicly stating on her own social media that she was with the widow before her death.

This is not fear mongering. This is a legitimate public health and public safety question that deserves transparency and clear answers from the proper authorities.

If protocols were followed correctly, the public deserves clarification. If exceptions were made, the public deserves to know why.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mothers in our community. Your strength, love, and sacrifices are the backbone of the families and neighborhoods that keep Glynn County strong. Thank you for everything you do each and every day.

— The Local Lowdown Team