AC repair inAllenhurst, GA

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WCTV) -- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has announced the arrests of 82 suspects and the rescue of 17 children as part of a multi-state sting operation to crack down on child exploitation.

The sting, known as Operation Southern Impact III, was coordinated by ten Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces in eight states. The operation focused on netting criminals who possess and distribute child pornography or sexually exploit children on the internet.

The GBI says Operation Southern Impact III began approximately 4 months ago and culminated in 3 days of search warrant executions, undercover operations, arrests and sex offender compliance verification visits in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Those in custody and charged in Georgia as part of Operation Southern Impact III are:

James Barfield IV, 51, Atlanta, GA, home improvement store employee

Dillan M. Bell, 26, Allenhurst, GA, unemployed

Gerald Chamberlain, 34, Rome, GA, golf course maintenance worker

Carol Chellew, 56, Jefferson, GA, county employee

Doug Chellew, 56, Jefferson, GA, department store employee

Timothy Wayne Diggs, 39, Metter, GA, information technology specialist

Keith James Diver, 37, Norcross, GA, restaurant employee

Erick Noe Gonzalez, 26, Buford, GA, landscaper

Erik Gordon, 30, Morrow, GA, shipping company employee

Desmond Lemond Hasley, 27, Douglasville, GA, staffing company employee

Keidron Jayquan Isham, 23, Rome, GA, unemployed

Claude Martin Johnson IV, 21, Augusta, GA, unemployed

Andrew Kim, 30, Suwanee, GA, business owner

Jordan Logan, 33, Grovetown, GA, painter

Jonathan Craig Manning, 28, Rome, GA, railroad worker

Andrew J. Martz, 30, Tyrone, GA, student

Matthew James McDurmond, 26, Cedartown, unknown

Terry Menard, 61, Roswell, GA, multimedia designer

Daniel Joseph Mullinax, 35, Auburn, GA, unemployed

Justin Lee Myers, 22, Cleveland, GA, unknown

Andrew Benjamin Nelson, 42, Marietta, GA, construction worker

Michael David Quinn, 44, Roswell, GA, unknown

Matthew Steven Ramski, 37, Cumming, GA, graphic design artist

Arlen Lemuel Riddle, 46, Muscadine, AL, fireman

Malchijah Robinson, 40, Decatur, GA, unemployed

David Chris Sammons, 33, Eatonton, GA, factory worker

Omar S. Sanchez-Viera, 40, Jonesboro, GA, health supplement company employee

Chad Sitzwohl, 35, Dawsonville, GA, factory worker

Wille D. Slaughter, 33, Valdosta, GA, military veteran

Wan Yeung Tang, 45, Cumming, GA, dishwasher

Tyler Wooten, 21, Sharpsburg, GA, student

A total of 171 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation.

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - The U.S. armed forces have been deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom for more than a decade. Service members rarely expect to be deployed at the exact time as a relative. However, this possibility became reality for Allenhurst, Ga., residents Lt. Col. Anna L. Rego, a log cap support officer, and her son, 1st Lt. Harry Cambrelen, Jr., executive officer for the 359th Inland Cargo Transportation Company.

Rego’s family has a rich tradition of members serving in the military. Rego currently serves in the Army Reserve and Cambrelen is active Army. She has served in the military for 26 years. Her son has served for 18 months.

“The only thing I ever wanted to do was be in the Army, and when my son joined the Army it was the best honor he could have bestowed upon me,” said Rego. “He made me very proud when he joined and I’m hoping my two daughters Barbara and Heather follow his lead.”

Her daughter Barbara Rego is a freshman at Georgia Perimeter College and Heather Rego is a junior in high school. During college, Cambrelen decided to join the Army ROTC program.

Cambrelan was commissioned in May 2011 from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga. In November, Rego had the unique opportunity of promoting her son.

“We promoted him the weekend after thanksgiving. My brother and sister were there and so the internal family was together for the first time in years,” said Rego.

Her husband, Robert M. Rego, is also retired U.S. Army and served 20 years on active duty in the infantry.

“I feel really proud of my wife and son deploying to Afghanistan together,” said Robert Rego. “I was a little concerned, but my wife and son are well trained and know what to do.”

This will be the first deployment for both Rego and Cambrelen. Both mother and son are expected to be at the same base in Afghanistan during their deployment.

Originally, they were expected to serve their deployments in different locations, but through fate Rego’s orders were changed to place them together.

“I didn’t ask for it; it just happened that way,” Rego said. “I have great comfort knowing that God is in charge, and he will take care of both my son and me.”

Rego’s mission while deployed in Afghanistan is to oversee the contracting support overseas. The group Rego is deploying with will be going out on missions as individuals. Her group falls under the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program Support Brigade, which is headquartered in Fort Belvoir, Va.

“During pre-mobilization at Rock Island, Ill., the group had theatre logistics training, which is our technical training,” said Rego. “The group had a two-week course on operational contract support and an additional week of hands-on training.”

In contrast, the training the group is receiving at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, is designed to reinforce basic soldiering skills.

“The training we’ve received here at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, is basic fundamentals that I feel has been effective and relevant,” said Rego. “Although the training does not reflect our mission, I feel we can get to theatre and protect ourselves and come home safely knowing those skills.”

Throughout the training period, the duo has been finding multiple ways to communicate during this deployment, which includes e-mail and phone. They’ve already been able to practice those communication skills while conducting mobilization training in different locations.

They have a lot of support at home from family members, but their biggest support is her husband.

He had a little advice for other families experiencing a multiple family member deployment.

“Keep faith and send them care packages, Skype, email and tell them you love them,” said Robert Rego.

LIBERTY CO., GA (WTOC) - Residents in Allenhurst have been given the okay to leave their homes after a big turpentine spill Wednesday afternoon.

It happened around noon at mile marker 2 near Highway 84, closing Hwy 84 in both directions. Officials say a concrete truck rear-ended a tanker truck carrying roughly 4,000 gallons of turpentine.

Residents near the area who were not evacuated were asked to shelter in place.

Walthourville firefighters arrived at the scene and immediately jumped into action when they saw turpentine leaking from the semi. Neither driver had serious injuries, so the focus turned to keeping the liquid from spreading.

"We got overwhelmed pretty quickly," said Anthony Burns, Walthourville Fire Department. "We had to switch gears and adapt and overcome. EMA responded, City of Hinesville Fire Department responded with an engine to assist in the effort with the diking, damming, and diverting, and that was successful, thankfully. We were able to contain the hazard to the area we had it in."

People living nearby were evacuated because of the fumes from the turpentine, and anyone living within a mile radius is encouraged to stay inside.

The mayor of Allenhurst says the big issue later was the impact on travel.

"The major problem with the accident at this time of the day that's taking so long to get it cleaned up is traffic. This is a major thoroughfare, we are getting ready to hit our rush-hour and so it's a pretty major upset in traffic flow right now," said Mayor Thomas Hines.

Liberty County deputies were posted up at both ends of the crash scene, diverting traffic onto side streets. The scene has been cleared and the area is back open.

GSP, Liberty Emergency Management, DOT, Walthourville FD and PD, Liberty SO, Motor Carrier Compliance Division all responded to the scene.

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Turpentine is oil distilled from the resin of trees -- usually pine trees -- that is frequently used on oil-base paints and varnishes.

When inhaled, the vapor from turpentine can damage to skin, eyes, lungs, the respiratory system and the central nervous system. It is also combustible.

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Copyright 2018 WTOC. All rights reserved.

A firefighter. A business owner. A dishwasher. They were among 82 people arrested as part of a massive, multi-state child exploitation operation conducted across eight southeastern states, including Georgia.

Seventeen children were recovered in the operation, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

"It's not uncommon at all for us to find children in the homes of people who are collecting and viewing child pornography and it's not uncommon for them to be victims of that person," said GBI Special Agent in Charge Debbie Garner.

The operation began four months ago and culminated in three days of investigative actions to include search warrant executions, undercover operations, arrests and sex offender compliance verification visits in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

In Georgia, 31 people were arrested during the sting, which was dubbed "Operation Southern Impact III." Seven of those arrested had traveled to meeting a minor to have sex, the GBI said.

?RELATED: 'Motivation' is in jail for sex trafficking: hear his warning to parents

Investigators in Georgia "targeted those seeking out and distributing the most violent sexual abuse material involving infants and toddlers," according to the GBI news release.

A total of 56 search warrants were executed and 41 knock and talks were conducted in Georgia during Operation Southern Impact III.

OTHER NEWS: Sophie's Nightmare: How a Georgia mother allowed her boyfriend to impregnate her 10-year-old

During the operation, four registered sex offenders were encountered and arrested in Georgia on charges related to child pornography. One of the registered sex offenders arrested during Operation Southern Impact III was initially arrested by the GBI during a very similar operation in 2015.

?RELATED: She vanished right near the local high school; then she was sold for sex

The GBI said 972 digital media and devices were seized as evidence and illegal drugs and firearms were also found.

Those in custody and charged in Georgia as part of Operation Southern Impact III are:

James Barfield IV, 51, Atlanta, GA, home improvement store employee

Dillan M. Bell, 26, Allenhurst, GA, unemployed

Gerald Chamberlain, 34, Rome, GA, golf course maintenance worker

Carol Chellew, 56, Jefferson, GA, county employee

Doug Chellew, 56, Jefferson, GA, department store employee

Timothy Wayne Diggs, 39, Metter, GA, information technology specialist

Keith James Diver, 37, Norcross, GA, restaurant employee

Erick Noe Gonzalez, 26, Buford, GA, landscaper

Erik Gordon, 30, Morrow, GA, shipping company employee

Desmond Lemond Hasley, 27, Douglasville, GA, staffing company employee

Keidron Jayquan Isham, 23, Rome, GA, unemployed

Claude Martin Johnson IV, 21, Augusta, GA, unemployed

Andrew Kim, 30, Suwanee, GA, business owner

Jordan Logan, 33, Grovetown, GA, painter

Jonathan Craig Manning, 28, Rome, GA, railroad worker

Andrew J. Martz, 30, Tyrone, GA, student

Matthew James McDurmond, 26, Cedartown, unknown

Terry Menard, 61, Roswell, GA, multimedia designer

Daniel Joseph Mullinax, 35, Auburn, GA, unemployed

Justin Lee Myers, 22, Cleveland, GA, unknown

Andrew Benjamin Nelson, 42, Marietta, GA, construction worker

Michael David Quinn, 44, Roswell, GA, unknown

Matthew Steven Ramski, 37, Cumming, GA, graphic design artist

Arlen Lemuel Riddle, 46, Muscadine, AL, fireman

Malchijah Robinson, 40, Decatur, GA, unemployed

David Chris Sammons, 33, Eatonton, GA, factory worker

Omar S. Sanchez-Viera, 40, Jonesboro, GA, health supplement company employee

Chad Sitzwohl, 35, Dawsonville, GA, factory worker

Wille D. Slaughter, 33, Valdosta, GA, military veteran

Wan Yeung Tang, 45, Cumming, GA, dishwasher

Tyler Wooten, 21, Sharpsburg, GA, student

MORE: 10 in Floyd County among dozens arrested in multi-state child sex sting

FLASHBACK: Operation Southern Impact II

WEST POINT – Army football has welcomed 75 new players for its Class of 2025, as released on Wednesday. Thirty-three of the freshmen are direct admits from high school; the remaining 42 are coming from the U.S. Military Academy Prep School.

"We are so excited to welcome these future leaders into the Army football brotherhood," said head coach Jeff Monken. "The Class of 2025 will certainly add to our program's success both this year and seasons to come.’’

The Black Knights are coming off a COVID-challenged 9-3 season. Nearly the entire 2020 original schedule was scrapped just ahead of the season opener due to opponents’ decisions based on the virus. A new slate was drawn up and Army went 8-0 at home, including service academy wins over Navy and Air Force.

Army graduated 21 players from last season, leaving some holes in the linebacker unit, but the Black Knights return a lot of experience, especially at the skill positions.

Of the new class, Monken said: “They are an extremely athletic group but are also high achievers in the classroom, and are committed to leadership and serving their nation as Army officers. Our staff did a tremendous job recruiting young men of high character from all across the country who are also high-level competitors and I am very proud to officially add them to this year's team."

Tyler Rafferty of Newburgh Free Academy is the only local player joining the squad and one of just three hailing from New York state. Florida is represented by 12 incoming players, Texas 11, Georgia nine, Virginia five, North Carolina and California four apiece. In all, 25 states are represented by the additions.

Monken has demonstrated during his tenure that the best players will play, and that includes freshmen. A good number of freshmen not only played but started last season.

If you put stock into Rivals.com ranking services, Army was No. 79 as a team recruiting rank and secured one three-star recruit: Jordan Burrell of Blythewood, South Carolina, who played quarterback and safety for the Bengals. Burrell was also offered by Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Marshall, Temple and Virginia Tech.

Rivals also listed 91 two-star recruits who gave verbal commitments, not all of whom signed or were accepted into school.

Army will open its 2021 season on Sept. 4 at Georgia State.

kmcmillan@th-record.com

Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR

Matthew Adoghe

Suwanee, Ga. / Peachtree Ridge H.S. / USMAPS

Josiah Banks

Lewisville, N.C. / Mount Tabor H.S.

Malik Birchett

Mooresville, N.C. / Moorsville H.S. / USMAPS

Shepert Bowling

Katy, Texas / Katy H.S.

Jeremiah Brooks

Lafayette, La. / Acadiana H.S. / USMAPS

Logan Burks

Carmel, Ind. / Carmel H.S.

Jordan Burrell

Tulare, Calif. / Tulare Weston H.S. / USMAPS

Brian Burton

Philadelphia, Pa. / Midway H.S. / USMAPS

Adam Cash

Arlington, Texas / Mansfield Timberview H.S. / USMAPS

Brandon Castro

Loganville, Ga. / Buford H.S.

Michael Cerniauskas

Baton Rouge, La. / Catholic H.S.

Blane Cleaver

Berwick, Pa. / Berwick Area H.S.

David Crossan

Clearwater, Fla. / Calvary Christian H.S. / USMAPS

Kalvyn Crummie

Tuscaloosa, Ala. / Hillcrest H.S. / USMAPS

Bryson Daily

Abernathy, Texas / Abernathy H.S. / USMAPS

Walter Dickson

Trenton, TN / Peabody H.S. / USMAPS

Max Didomenico

Schertz, Texas / Samuel Clemens H.S.

Simeon Evans

Mansfield, Texas / Mansfield Timberview H.S.

Gustavo Gallardo

El Paso, Texas / Andress Texas / USMAPS

Isaiah Gavin

Overland Park, Kan. / St. Thomas Aquinas / USMAPS

Brett Gerena

Valrico, Fla. / Jesuit H.S. / USMAPS

David Gronotte

Crestview Hills, Ky. / Covington Catholic H.S.

Jonathan Horvath

Maitland, Fla. / Orangewood Christian School / USMAPS

David Hoyt

Tampa, Fla. / Tampa Catholic H.S. / USMAPS

Christopher Hunter

Oceanside, Calif. / Oceanside H.S. / USMAPS

Jordan Jackson

Daytona, Fla. / Mainland H.S. / USMAPS

Malik James

Richmond, Va. / Benedictine College Prep. / USMAPS

William Jeffcoat

Pelion, S.C. / Pelion H.S.

Kahleef Jimmison

Newport News, Va. / Woodside H.S. / USMAPS

Bishop Johnson

Lafayette, Ind. / Jefferson H.S. / USMAPS

Gregory Johnson

York, S.C. / Northwestern H.S.

Markel Johnson

Allenhurst, Ga. / Liberty County H.S. / USMAPS

Tyler Johnson

Mount Juliet, Ten. / Mount Juliet Senior H.S. / USMAPS

Daniel Joiner

Raymore, Mo. / North Kansas City H.S.

Christopher Jones

Kernersville, N.C. / Ronald Wilson Reagan H.S.

Matthew Jordan

Gardena Calif. / St. John Bosco H.S. / USMAPS

Bill Katsigiannis

Katy, Texas / Katy H.S.

Chance Keith

Biloxi, Miss. / Biloxi H.S.

Bo Kite

Glen Allen, Va. / Deep Run H.S.

Kyle Lewis

Scottsdale Ariz. / Horizon H.S. / USMAPS

Kaleb Luna

Killeen, Texas / Ellison H.S. / USMAPS

Khalil Miller

Virginia Beach, Va. / Life Christian Academy / USMAPS

Andre Miller

Savannah, Ga. / Savannah Country Day / USMAPS

Ahlon Mitchell

Beverly Hills, Mich. / Detroit Country Day / USMAPS

Williams Montesi

Greenwich, Conn. / Greenwich H.S.

Dennis Moore

San Antonio, Texas / Smithson Valley H.S.

Collin Morrison

Tulsa, Okla. / Bishop Kelley H.S.

Branson Owens

Rochelle, Ga. / Wilcox County H.S.

Raleigh Oxedine

Tampa, Fla. / Jesuit H.S. / USMAPS

Lincoln Parker

Atlanta Ga. / Marist School

Cade Patton

Allen, Texas / Allen H.S.

Gary Phillips

Van Buren, Ark. / Van Buren H.S.

Tyler Rafferty

Newburgh, N.Y. / Newburgh Free Academy

Lucrichart Rameau

Rolesville, N.C. / Episcopal H.S.

Casey Reynolds

Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. / Deerfield Academy

Matthew Rhodes

Auburn, Ala. / Auburn H.S.

Matthew Robbins

Edmond, Okla. / Oklahoma Christian School

Charles Rolenc

Kissimee, Fla. / Bishop Moore H.S.

T.J. Rotello

Lebanon, Ohio / Moeller H.S.

R.J. Rosales

Immokalee, Fla. / Immokalee H.S. / USMAPS

Cameron Schurr

Cumming, Ga. / South Forsyth H.S. / USMAPS

Lucas Scott

Binghamton, N.Y. / Chenango Forks H.S.

Cooper Smith

Bowson, Ga. / Bowson H.S. / USMAPS

Trey Sofia

Austin, Texas / Lake Travis H.S. / USMAPS

Miles Stewart

New Orleans, La. / Lusher Charter School / USMAPS

Terell Taylor

Compton, Calif. / Paramount H.S. / USMAPS

Jett Thomas

Bellair, Fla. / Clearwater Central Catholic / USMAPS

Laquan Veney

Richmond, Va. / Highland Springs H.S. / USMAPS

Camden Vining

Bradenton, Fla. / St. Stephens Episcopal / USMAPS

Damon Washington

East Brunswick, N.J. / Blair Academy / USMAPS

Ashlon Williams

Augusta, Ga. / Aquinas H.S. / USMAPS

Spencer Williams

Brandon, Fla. / Jesuit H.S. / USMAPS

Karsonne Winters

Las Vegas, Nev. / Palo Verde H.S.

Davis Wulf

Wilmington, Ohio / Clinton-Massie H.S. / USMAPS

Thomas Zitiello

Ponte Vedra, Fla. / Ponte Vedra H.S.