Burke County sheriff says Richmond County sheriff refused help in missing persons case

Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams on Monday issued a press release accusing Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree of turning away help in an active missing persons case. Hours later, Roundtree fired back, noting the bordering agency's "ongoing internal concerns."

Investigators from the Burke County Sheriff's Office volunteered and were on the scene Monday helping to search for Kendall Brown, a missing endangered person, according to Williams' news release.

"Despite the collaborative spirit commonly seen in such situations, Sheriff [Richard] Roundtree unexpectedly instructed a member of his command staff to have the Burke County Investigators leave the scene, expressing a reluctance to accept external assistance," Williams wrote in the release. "The decision to decline the support of skilled investigators raises concerns within the community."

Williams went on to say the investigators were contributing their resources and experience to help expedite the search for Brown.

"[The] Burke County Sheriff's Office remains committed to supporting the resolution of the case," Williams wrote. "Our investigators are dedicated professionals with a proven track records, and we are ready and willing to work together to bring closure to this matter."

About two hours after Williams' release was sent to the media, Roundtree released a lengthy statement giving more details about the situation.

At 7:51 p.m. Friday, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office responded to the 1000 block of Patriots Drive for a missing endangered person, later identified as Kendall Brown, 45, according to Roundtree's release. Investigators interviewed people connected with Brown and canvased the area of Patriots Drive to speak with possible witnesses.

At 8:45 p.m., Richmond County investigators contacted the Columbia County Sheriff's Office to conduct an aerial search using drones with infrared capabilities, according to the release. The agencies stopped the search at 12:25 a.m. Saturday.

Later that day, RCSO and members of Georgia State Patrol’s helicopter unit, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm, Department of Juvenile Justice, and one Burke County Sheriff’s Office investigator assisted in the search for Brown covering between 250 to 500 acres of wooded land, according to the release.

At 9:30 a.m. Monday, RCSO investigators continued their search for Brown and discontinued the search at 11:30 a.m., due to inclement weather conditions, according to the release.

"While many local law enforcement agencies participate in what is called 'mutual aid,' as it relates to major incidents, it is extremely unprofessional for any agency to merely show up unsolicited in another jurisdiction and insert themselves into an ongoing active investigation," RCSO wrote in the release. "While the Richmond County Sheriff's Office appreciates any agency who would offer their assistance; however, without having all the privileged information associated with this investigation, it could greatly jeopardize the outcome of the investigation."

Roundtree went on to fire back at the Burke County Sheriff's Office, mentioning "ongoing internal concerns."

"At this time, it would be more prudent for Sheriff Alfonzo Williams and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office to focus on some of their ongoing internal concerns rather than expressing their unjustified criticisms to the media," RCSO wrote in the release. "Sheriff Roundtree is happy to accept assistance from outside agencies upon request so an organized search can be conducted."

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Kendall Brown reported missing

Kendall Brown, 45, was last seen on Jan. 28 at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church on Lumpkin Road in Augusta, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. He is 6-foot, weighs 245 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.

The agency said he is possibly endangered, but the search will continue. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kendall Brown should contact RCSO at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Burke County sheriff calls out Richmond County sheriff in missing person case