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🌱 Patch AM: Why a former Athens officer now faces disturbing new federal charges

Also check out An Evening of Comedy with Karen Morgan on the Athens Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Cheers Athens! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a former Athens officer now faces disturbing new federal charges
  • What’s replacing Buvez and how will it reshape Athens’ music nights?
  • What did a former UGA teammate reveal about the RaceTrac killing?

Also on today's calendar: Winter in Boulevard: A Musical Revue and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Athensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Athensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Periods of clouds and sun, with a high of 49 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 60, low: 38.
  • Saturday: Low clouds, with a high of 61 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Former Athens-Clarke County Police officer charged with producing bestiality images involving horses, dogs (11alive.com) — A former Athens-Clarke County Police officer is facing new federal charges alleging production of illegal images involving animals, following earlier accusations tied to child exploitation. Investigators say the case began after a family member of two minors reported concerns to Commerce police, leading to a GBI probe and the discovery of additional material. Authorities emphasize their intent to pursue significant prison time if there’s a conviction.
   

2. From Buvez to Deadbeat Club, Owner Confirms Change for the New Year (flagpole.com) — A beloved Athens hangout, Buvez, will close at year’s end and reopen in February as the Deadbeat Club, a music-first bar with cocktails named after Athens songs. Owner Bain Mattox hopes the revamped venue will fill the void left by Caledonia, while encouraging locals to support remaining spots like Hendershot’s and other independent businesses.
   

3. Testimony heard in Crumpton trial about confession made in RaceTrac slaying (onlineathens.com) — Testimony in an Oconee County murder trial has revealed new details linking former UGA football player Akhil Crumpton to a 2021 RaceTrac killing, including his return to Athens Ridge Apartments minutes after the shooting. Former teammate Juwan Taylor described Crumpton’s emotional confession, later formalized with help from an Athens attorney, as prosecutors connect evidence from Georgia and a separate Philadelphia shooting.
   

4. SEE IT: Archive photos from 25 years of Nuçi's Space in Athens (onlineathens.com) — Athens music lovers can look back on 25 years of Nuçi’s Space through a rich photo gallery spanning its 1999 construction to recent fundraisers and Walk of Fame honors downtown. The images highlight local musicians, community events, and leaders who built the beloved health and resource center for Athens artists. It’s a visual history of how deeply Nuçi’s Space is woven into the city’s culture.
   

5. Reviewed: Drive-By Truckers – The Definitive Decoration Day (uncut.co.uk) — Drive-By Truckers fans in Athens will appreciate this deep dive into Decoration Day, much of which was recorded at Chase Park Transduction here in 2002. The review traces lineup changes, Jason Isbell’s early songwriting, and themes of Southern identity and adulthood. It also spotlights a 2002 acoustic set recorded in Athens that captured the first live performance of “Outfit.”
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Me and my granddaughters calico kitten got lost yesterday and we cannot find her.
    We suspect a door or a window was open and she got out. Has anyone seen her anywhere around the Stonehenge subdivision, maybe around Heelstone Ave… (Nextdoor Atl Hwy and 78)
  • Hi Everyone!
    This is my beloved cat Whiskers. Him and his sister typically go in-and-out of the house however he left on 12/07/2025 (this passed Sunday) and has… (Nextdoor Five Points)
  • University of Georgia posted a job opening for Assistant Professor of Science Education in Athens. Apply here.
  • Hut American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Team Member in Athens. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Athens here.

Ok Athens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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