Bond denied, captured fugitive faces numerous charges

Published 4:50 pm Monday, July 9, 2018

THOMASVILLE — In denying Robert Lee Carter II bond Monday afternoon, Thomas County’s chief magistrate enumerated charges that could put him behind prison bars for decades — even for life or result in a death sentence.

At Carter’s first court appearance since being captured Sunday afternoon in the Ochlockonee River, Chief Magistrate Andy Seery read a long list of offenses in the reported assault of a woman, who also reportedly was tied up, Thursday at her Sherwood Drive home.

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Carter is a suspect in a Friday incident in which an Ochlocknee family reportedly was taken hostage and tied up at their home.

He is a person of interest in the disappearance last week of Deanna Shirey, a 70-year-old Thomasville woman, who remains missing.

Seery told Carter he would not get bond because of the serious nature of the crimes with which he is charged.

After explaining the defendant’s rights, Seery informed Carter of the following charges in the Thursday incident:

• Armed robbery in the theft of the victim’s vehicle, valued at $10,000. Seery said the offense could result in a maximum sentence of life in prison, and Georgia has provisions that could bring a death sentence.

• Exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult.

• Physical pain and injury to the victim.

• False imprisonment.

• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a firearm.

• Kidnapping.

• Financial transaction card fraud involving use of the victim’s ATM card at a Thomasville bank.

• Peeping Tom involving watching the victim through windows or doors.

• Stalking, putting the victim under surveillance to harass or intimidate her.

• Motor vehicle theft.

Seery asked Catherine Smith, assistant district attorney, if there are another charges.

“I’m aware there are others under consideration at this time,” Smith told the judge.