Man charged with pornography, and more Chattanooga region news

photo William "Billy" Newcom

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Man charged with pornography

ROCK SPRING, Ga. - Whitfield County, Ga., sheriff's deputies on Friday arrested a former gymnastics instructor and charged him with computer pornography and child exploitation, a news release states.

An investigation revealed William "Billy" Newcom, 38, was a gymnastics instructor for the Creative Arts Guild about two years ago when some cheerleaders, then 13, from a local middle school attended training under his direction. One of the girls who attended began receiving messages and photographs from Newcom about a month ago, the sheriff's office release stated.

The messages included trying to get the now-15-year-old to meet him for sex, authorities said. The girl's mother found the messages on her daughter's telephone, authorities said.

It is not known if there are more victims, they said.

Newcom, of Hope Drive in Rock Spring, was charged with one felony count of computer or electronic pornography and child exploitation. He is being held in the Whitfield County Jail.


Barron's lawyers want files sealed

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Attorneys representing former state Sen. Lowell Barron are asking to seal all court filings related to his grand jury indictment.

Barron is accused of violating state ethics and campaign finance laws. Attorney Joe Espy filed the motion May 8 saying he wants the state's filings to be concealed from the public to ensure Barron receives a fair trial. The DeKalb County Circuit Court judge presiding over the case has yet to rule on the motion.

Barron, who served six terms in the state House, was indicted by a DeKalb County grand jury along with former campaign staffer Rhonda Jill Johnson.


Runners, bikers getting trail

DALTON, Ga. - Runners and mountain bikers in Dalton soon will have a new trail in the heart of the city.

Dalton Parks and Recreation Department Director Steve Card said an opening ceremony for the 1.8-mile hiking and biking trail on Mount Rachel could be held in the next month or so. He said crews hope to complete grade work in the next couple of weeks if weather permits.

Card said the project will cost about $350,000 and is funded through grants.


Chase, crash shut down I-75

ATLANTA - An Atlanta freeway was shut down for much of the day Monday after a high-speed chase, a crash and an investigation into a possible explosive devices.

Cobb County police Sgt. Dana Pierce said the ordeal began when a woman walked into a SunTrust Bank branch claiming she had an explosive device.

Police said they pursued her until she crashed and overturned on Interstate 75.

Ancely Faye Green, 39, of Dallas, was arrested and charged with armed robbery.

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