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Marcello Banes indicted on additional false tax return charge
Banes was originally indicted in June 2024 on money laundering charges
banes tax charge
Marcello Banes faces an additional charge of making and subscribing a false tax return, according to an superseding indictment filed on March 11.
Evan Newton
Updated: Mar 19, 2025, 5:18 PM
Published: Mar 19, 2025, 5:08 PM
NEWTON COUNTY – Suspended Newton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Marcello Banes is now facing an additional charge in his ongoing federal criminal case. A superseding indictment dated for March 11 lists an additional charge of making and subscribing a false tax return. The indictment alleges that Banes deliberately misrepresented himself when he filed a taxable income of $51,677 for the calendar year 2019.
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Newton County native charged with threatening school in Warren County
Mason Garrett taught at Warren County High School
mason garrett
Mason Garrett, a Newton County man, was arrested for making terroristic threats at Warren County High School. Photo via McDuffie County Sheriff's Office.
Kate Verity
Updated: May 9, 2025, 9:23 PM
Published: May 9, 2025, 9:14 PM

WARREN COUNTY — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested a Newton County native who taught at a school 75 miles east of Covington.

Mason Garrett, 22, was arrested on April 29 for making verbal threats at Warren County High School (WCHS), where he is a teacher. 

According to a press release from the GBI, Garrett – a 2020 Alcovy High School graduate –  allegedly made verbal threats to shoot staff and students at WCHS. The incident reportedly occurred on school premises on April 24.

“On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer requested the GBI to investigate a potential incident involving terroristic threats and acts made by a teacher at the school,” the press release states.

The following day, the GBI arrested Garrett and charged him with one felony count of terroristic threats and acts. He was booked into the McDuffie County Jail.

The GBI is continuing to investigate the situation. Following the investigation, Garrett will be prosecuted in the Toombs Judicial Circuit.

The GBI requests that anyone with information call 706-595-2575. Additionally, anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or on the See Something, Send Something mobile app.