Local news in brief for Nov. 1

Local man arrested on sex charges

The Aiken County Sheriff's Office arrested a North Augusta man concerning a series of sexual assaults involving two young girls.

John D. Jury, 48, of Georgia Avenue is charged with nine counts of lewd acts upon a minor.

The subject surrendered Thursday to investigators at the Sheriff's Office.

Lt. Michael Frank, a spokesperson with the agency, said he would be unable to comment further on the matter and would not say the man knew his victims.

He would only say that between 1996 and 1999, the accused man fondled the two victims at a Graniteville home. The victims ranged in range from 6- to 13-years-old.

He is the owner of Jury Pest Control in North Augusta.

The subject is being held at the Aiken County Detention Center.

Coach turns self in on assault charge

An Aiken Pee Wee football coach, charged with an assault on allegations he slapped an 11-year-old on the side of the head because he had his foot on the equipment, using a helmet as a footstool, turned himself in to police Thursday.

Jimmy Paige, 50, of Aiken, is charged with one count of simple assault and battery, police say.

The football player's grandmother reported the incident to public safety on Oct. 6 and warrants were drawn for his arrest.

He was released Thursday on a personal recognizance bond.

Georgia man killed in state line crash

A fatal crash at the state line between South Carolina and Georgia claimed the life of an Augusta man early Friday after he was ejected from the car he was riding in, officials in Georgia say.

Jessie Aaron Petrosky, 29, of Augusta, lost control of his vehicle on the South Carolina side of the bridge, but was ejected and found dead in Georgia.

The crash occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. when the driver crashed into the guardrail.

The vehicle flipped multiple times, officials reported.

The incident is under investigation.

Aikenite may face federal gun charges

An Aiken man accused of holding his former girlfriend at gunpoint and driving off with her late Wednesday evening was found the next day at his house where police arrested him.

Jimmie L. Johnson, 27, of Walkers Pine Lane, has been accused of entering a Ligon Avenue residence about 7 p.m., armed with a black handgun. He reportedly pointed it at a handful of people inside the home and then threatened the group. He reportedly threw the 18-year-old woman into the entertainment center. A witness told police that Johnson forced the 18-year-old woman into the truck despite her pleas for him to get away, according to police documents.

Police later learned from the victim that the gunman had thrown her out of the vehicle, but she became uncooperative when she learned a witness had called police.

Once Public Safety officers went to his home, the man attempted to escape arrest. He was chased and taken into police custody, according to officials.

Charges are pending, however, he is a felon charged with being in possession of a weapon. He will be charged federally, police said.

Missing woman sought by ACSO

The Aiken County Sheriff's Office is attempting to locate a missing New Ellenton woman.

Dorothy L. McCoy, 54, of Alpine Drive in Aiken.

On Wednesday, McCoy, who suffers from mental illness, walked away from home and did not return. "This is unusual as she normally walks to Reid's and returns before dark," said sheriff's office spokesperson Lt. Michael Frank.

Frank said she took a toothbrush and a handful of other items with her. She is considered an endangered person.

McCoy is 54-year-old. She is 5 feet 7 inches tall and about 130 pounds. She was last seen wearing a pink and white hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this individual is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at (800) 922-9709. Individuals also should call Crimestoppers of the Midlands at (888) CRIME - SC. Callers can remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1000.

Security Federal announces dividend

Security Federal Corporation, parent company of Security Federal Bank, announced a quarterly dividend of $ .08 per share will be paid on or about Dec. 15 to shareholders of record as of Nov. 30.

This is the 72nd consecutive quarterly dividend to shareholders since the bank's conversion in Oct. 1987 from a mutual to a stock form of ownership. The dividend was declared as a result of the bank's continued profitability.

Security Federal Bank has 13 full-service branch locations in Aiken, Clearwater, Graniteville, Langley, Lexington, North Augusta, Wagener, Columbia and West Columbia, and in Evans, Ga. Additional financial services are provided by three of the bank's wholly owned subsidiaries, Security Federal Insurance Inc., Security Federal Investments Inc. and Security Federal Trust Inc.

AAUW deadline is coming up this week

The Aiken branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will have a general meeting and luncheon on Friday, Nov. 14. at 11:30 a.m. at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, VIP Room, second floor.

The speaker will be Dr. Beth Everitt, Aiken County Superintendent of Schools.

The luncheon cost is $9. Make checks payable to AAUW-Aiken branch. To make a reservation for the meeting and luncheon, or for additional information, call 642-7858 or 642-7170. Reservations must be made by Wednesday.

Bunco to benefit Relay for Life

The Busy Bee Relay for Life team will sponsor Relay for Life Bunco Night Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. The cost is $15 per ticket and includes games and dinner. You don't have to know how to play. For more information, call Pat Kaufman at 649-1223. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life.