It is hard to believe that 2021 is coming to an end. It was an incredible year for my offices. We had ups and downs. We’ve had people leave and new people join our team. We’ve resumed trials, and as you will see, we have been quite busy trying cases.
Before the pandemic hit, cases would see a courtroom within about 12 months. The pandemic halted trials completely for over a year, so we have quite the backlog to work through, but we are ready to push through it.
I am very happy to announce that we are not only up to full staff, but we added staff in 2021. Each of our offices are completely full, which means we are ready to try the cases coming up next year. I am extremely proud of the team that is behind me. They are fighters and passionate about what they do. I am excited to see what they accomplish next year.
On a personal note, I ran in a special election this year. It was certainly a challenge for me, my offices, and my family, but we all came together to travel the Circuit and spread the word about who I am and what I stand for. I thank you so much for your support and your trust in me to do this job.
Thank you for the opportunity to be your District Attorney. I work hard to make sure that you and your families are safe in this beautiful Circuit that I live and work in. I will continue to fight to make sure that the Griffin Judicial Circuit remains a wonderful place to live.
In addition to the recent trial and conviction of Sean Allen for the Kenwood Park murder of 18-year-old Riverdale High School senior Daquan Gillett, here are some other Fayette cases prosecuted:
Fayette County man convicted in vehicular homicide
ADA Hiatt also tried the case involving Fernando Dasilva. A Fayette County jury convicted Dasilva of Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree for the death of Robert Broski. Dasilva was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the wreck. He ran two other cars off of the road before he hit the victim’s car head on killing him. He was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Pompey enters a plea to voluntary manslaughter
Alisha Pompey entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill to Voluntary Manslaughter for the death of her grandmother. Pompey admitted to stabbing her grandmother multiple times, killing her. She was sentenced to the maximum amount of 20 years in prison.
Armed robber sentenced
Eugene Martin pled guilty to the armed robbery of a Victoria’s Secret clerk in Peachtree City. Martin pled guilty during jury selection at trial. He was sentenced to 30 years with the first 15 years to be served in prison. ADA Dan Hiatt prepared the case.
Man enters plea to child molestation
James Kenneth Baker entered a guilty plea to 2 counts of child molestation for acts against a female child. He was sentenced to 30 years with the first 15 years to be served in prison. He also must register as a sex offender. Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Warren Sellers handled the case.
Burglar sentenced for business break-in
Deputy Chief Sellers also tried the case against Robert Lemons. A Fayette County jury convicted Lemons of Burglary in the 2nd Degree for breaking into LKQ Pick Your Part with the intent to steal auto parts. He was sentenced to 10 years with the first 9 years to be spent in prison.
Jury convicts man in domestic violence case
A Fayette County jury convicted Nicholas Clemons for aggravated assault against an ex-girlfriend of his. He was convicted of stepping on her throat and strangling her. He was sentenced to 20 years with the first 7 years to be spent in prison. ADA Monique Harris tried the case for the State.
Woman convicted for selling drugs
A Fayette County jury convicted Whitney Cyrus for selling drugs to an undercover officer with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. She was sentenced to 20 years with the first 6 to serve in prison. Deputy Chief Sellers handled the case.
Plea entered to enticing a child
Ricardo Laverde entered a guilty plea to enticing a child for acts performed with a 13-year-old child. He was sentenced to 15 years with the first 3 to be spent in prison.
Two 18-year-old males sentenced for attempted armed robbery
Isaiah Mintah and Job Porch were both sentenced to 10 years with the first 5 to be spent in prison for attempting to rob an individual at gunpoint. No money or property was actually taken.
[Marie G. Broder is the district attorney for the Griffin Judicial Circuit, comprising Fayette, Spalding, Pike and Upson counties. She lives in Griffin, but has offices in each county.]
EMAIL: mbroder@pacga.org
WEBSITE: www.dagriffincircuit.org
FACEBOOK: @gjcdistrictattorney
