The Burke County Sheriff’s Office auto shop in Augusta, Georgia, was raided by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, sparking new concerns about the business owner’s connections and legal troubles.
Last year, an investigation by the I-TEAM revealed Sheriff Alfonzo Williams’ ties to the owner of the shop, Daniel Cates, whose business, Cates Firestone, was already under federal scrutiny.
Cates and Grady Brandon Mobley were implicated in a long-running illegal gambling operation, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit winnings funneled through various businesses, including Cates Firestone. Both men received probation sentences, but Mobley recently violated his probation by using alcohol and getting arrested.
Williams, who had vouched for Mobley as a “model citizen” during his trial, now faces scrutiny for his connections to the troubled individuals. Campaign records also show that both the Mobley and Cates families were significant donors to Williams’ sheriff campaign.
The recent ATF raid on Cates Firestone and Cates’ residence has raised questions about the nature of the investigation and what authorities were searching for. While details remain scarce, Cates is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court for a probation revocation hearing.
As the community awaits more information on the unfolding situation, concerns about the sheriff’s ties to individuals with legal troubles continue to grow. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.