VALDOSTA — A Valdosta man who reportedly shot a police officer has been indicted by a grand jury in Lowndes County Superior Court.
Also, a former elementary school student teacher arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a minor has been indicted by a grand jury on additional charges.
Michael Rajian Bass, 25, was formally accused of aggravated assault on a peace officer, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer, theft by receiving stolen property and three counts of entering an automobile to commit a theft, according to indictment papers from the Lowndes County District Attorney’s Office.
Bass was arrested for an incident that occurred Dec. 8, 2008. At approximately 5:30 a.m., Valdosta Police Department Officer Brian Becton responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 2100 block of Mathis Drive, said Valdosta Police Department Lt. Bobbi McGraw. After noticing a suspicious person in the area, he exited his vehicle and chased the person. While in pursuit, Becton was shot three times.
Additional Valdosta police officers, a K-9 unit with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services personnel were dispatched to the scene. Becton was transported to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment.
The suspect, who reportedly shot himself in the leg as he attempted to flee, was captured in the neighborhood without struggle and transported to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment. He is in custody at Lowndes County Jail.
David Lawton, 26, initially faced conviction on two counts of aggravated child molestation, according to indictment papers. Assistant District Attorney Laura Wood said that Lawton recently received an additional charges of two counts of aggravated stalking and three counts of theft by taking. In August 2008, a juvenile reported to authorities a sexual relationship he allegedly had with Lawton from January to June, said Capt. Wanda Edwards of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. At the time of the relationship, the victim was 15 years old.
A subsequent investigation led to a warrant for Lawton’s arrest. While serving the arrest warrant, a search warrant was also executed, and evidence was collected that corroborated the victim’s story, said Detective Alicia Brantley of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Lawton was arrested on Sept. 18, 2008, and was charged with aggravated molestation.
Prior to his arrest, Lawton, an Albany State University student, was serving as a student teacher at Southeast Elementary School.
Valdosta City School System Public Relations Director Jennifer Steedley told The Valdosta Daily Times in September that Lawton was released from service in the school system after his arrest.
He was also suspended from Albany State University pending the outcome of this matter.
“Albany State University is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards among its faculty, staff and students,” campus officials stated in press release issued immediately after Lawton’s arrest.
“Regrettably, university officials have been advised than an ASU student was arrested... We will fully cooperate with the Valdosta school system and law enforcement officials as the investigation moves forward.”
Bass and Lawton were among some 100 men and women indicted by the grand jury. A complete list of those indicted will be posted in the coming days under the “exclusively online” logo at www.valdostadailytimes.com.
Local News
Grand jury indicts 100 in Lowndes County
Bass, Lawton among those formally accused
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