The (Macon) Telegraph week in review

New Japanese steakhouse opens its doors in Perry

Perry’s dining scene has a new addition with the opening of Koji, a Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar at 100 Valley Drive in the former Applebee’s location. This is the fifth restaurant owned by Rivel “Jumbo” Malonda and the Liu brothers — Ricky, Steven and Hanson, having opened their first Japanese steakhouse in Locust Grove in 2004. Koji features teppanyaki-style dining where chefs cook in front of guests and perform entertaining tricks, including building erupting onion volcanoes. The menu also boasts over 50 sushi roll options, more than 20 nigiri and sashimi choices, and a full-service bar. The owners chose Perry due to the city lacking a hibachi-style dining experience and the area’s ongoing growth, Malonda said. Koji is open for dine-in, takeout, and third-party delivery.

Reported by Becky Purser, published June 5

Macon check cashing manager sentenced in $3M fraud

A manager at Mr. Kevin’s Check Cashing in Macon has been sentenced in connection with a $3 million bank fraud scheme, federal prosecutors say. The check cashing manager, identified as James Meyers, was required to file currency transaction reports for transactions over $10,000 but allegedly filed reports listing check payees who were not present, rather than those who actually collected the cash. Meyers received one year and one day in prison. The case centered on Ronnie Atkinson, 57, who allegedly used fake bills of sale and other people’s identities to obtain loans from Morris Bank in Gray between 2018 and 2022. Atkinson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft and is serving seven years in prison. Bank manager Alan Childs also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and received one year and one day in prison.

Reported by Alba Rosa, published June 4

Rain eases drought, but more needed

Recent rainfall has begun easing one of central Georgia’s worst droughts in over a decade, though experts warn the recovery remains fragile. The latest US Drought Monitor showed parts of central Georgia downgraded from extreme to severe drought. State climatologist Pam Knox noted the drought was unusual because it intensified early in spring rather than summer. Bibb County farmer Russ Elliott saw his strawberry crop thrive in dry conditions but struggled to feed his cattle after winter pasture grass failed to germinate. The Ocmulgee River dropped to roughly 260 million gallons per day at its lowest, stressing aquatic ecosystems. Macon’s drinking water supply remained secure throughout, with Lucas Lake staying well above warning thresholds. Knox cautioned that soil moisture at root level remains low, and another dry spell could stress crops again.

Reported by Margaret Walker, published June 7

41 arrested in Bibb County multi-agency operation

A 90-day Bibb County Sheriff’s Office operation, conducted alongside the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Georgia State Patrol, resulted in 41 arrests and the seizure of 26 firearms, seven pounds of marijuana, 4.6 ounces of cocaine, 13 grams of methamphetamine, and 12 grams of fentanyl, authorities say. Lorenzo Davis was the only individual charged with murder, along with firearm possession during a felony and aggravated assault, according to the news release. Several others face charges ranging from drug and firearm possession to robbery and assault. Sheriff David Davis called the results a reflection of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies committed to reducing crime and violence in the community.

Reported by Alba Rosa, published June 7

Georgia officials urge hurricane prep despite calmer forecast

Federal forecasters predict a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with eight to 14 named storms and a 55% chance of reduced activity, driven largely by the expected development of El Niño. Despite this, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency officials warn that even one storm can cause serious harm, noting that Hurricanes Irma, Michael, Idalia, Debby, and Helene all pushed inland and caused widespread damage across the state. Hurricane Helene was the most damaging storm in Georgia Power’s history, snapping nearly 12,000 poles and downing 1,500 miles of power lines. GEMA recommends households build a three-day supply kit and establish a family emergency plan. Georgia Power has invested $1.3 billion in grid upgrades over the past three years to improve storm resilience. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30.

Reported by Margaret Walker, published June 6

Houston Co. deputy fired amid sexual assault probe

A Houston County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been terminated following a sexual assault investigation. Nakia Benefield, who served as a school resource deputy officer, was identified as a suspect after the Warner Robins Police Department responded to a sexual assault incident on May 18. Benefield had worked for the sheriff’s office since July 24, 2023, and was suspended without pay on May 19. Benefield was given the opportunity to appeal the pending termination through May 29, but no appeal was filed, resulting in termination effective June 1. Sheriff Matt Moulton stated that allegations of criminal misconduct involving a law enforcement officer are among the most serious matters any agency can face, adding that immediate action was taken to remove Benefield from active duty during both criminal and administrative investigations. The HCSO said it will cooperate with WRPD and the Houston County District Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues.

Reported by Alba Rosa, published June 4

This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 3:50 PM with the headline "The (Macon) Telegraph week in review."