Crime
Columbia County deputy Brandon Sikes killed, another injured While Serving Protective Order
Both deputies were engaged in the service of the protective order to the suspect, later identified as James Blake Montgomery.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, two Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputies were shot while attempting to serve a Temporary Protective Order.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:24 p.m. near Exit 194 on the westbound side of Interstate 20.
According to Columbia County investigators, Deputy Brandon Sikes was fatally shot during the encounter, while Deputy Gavin White sustained a gunshot wound to the face.
Both deputies were engaged in the service of the protective order to the suspect, later identified as James Blake Montgomery.
Following the shooting, Montgomery attempted to flee the scene in a recreational vehicle (RV).
His escape was halted when the RV was ensnared by a cable barrier on I-20. Law enforcement personnel from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol responded swiftly to the scene.
Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle confirmed on Sunday morning that Montgomery was found deceased inside the RV.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a cache of dangerous items, including pipe bombs, bomb-making materials, multiple firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, and several jars containing unidentified liquids.
Investigators also revealed that Montgomery was allegedly involved in the illegal sale of steroids.
Deputy White remains in critical condition but has been able to communicate with medical staff. Sheriff Whittle acknowledged that White faces a long and challenging recovery ahead.
Deputy Brandon Sikes is survived by his wife, Amber Sikes, who is also a member of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing investigations, Interstate 20 near Exit 194 was closed in both directions for over nine hours.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the highway was reopened to traffic shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.