05/19/08
"Two Arrests –
Aggravated Assault with Motor Vehicle and Influencing a Witness"
Deputies met with the victim, Kelly
McKenzie, regarding a reported incident in which McKenzie alleged that
Darlene Ashworth had nearly struck him with her vehicle. The incident
reportedly occurred May 2nd in front of the Unitarian
Church on South Park St.
Investigators were assigned the case
and determined McKenzie and Ashworth had an earlier disagreement. When
leaving the Unitarian Church, Ashworth drove toward Kelly McKenzie,
who was getting on his motorcycle. Ashworth then swerved at the last
minute reportedly coming within approximately one foot of striking the
victim. Four witnesses in the vehicle were interviewed. One was a Hope
House employee and three others were clients of the Hope House. All
three clients confirmed the victim’s statement.
According to at least one witness
Ashworth had said "I wonder what would happen if I lost control
of the wheel" just prior to committing the act. According to
witnesses Ashworth swerved to avoid hitting the victim only after
someone in the vehicle yelled at Ashworth. Ashworth reportedly laughed
and said "shame on me". No one was injured during the
incident.
During the course of the
investigation investigators determined Martha Turner, CEO of the Hope
House and daughter of Darlene Ashworth, had instructed the three
clients of the Hope House to lie to investigators and tell them that
Darlene had dropped her phone on the floor and was reaching to pick it
up when she swerved.
Judge Lowe issued two arrest
warrants for Darlene Ashworth for the offenses of Aggravated Assault
with a motor vehicle and Reckless Conduct. Judge Lowe also issued
arrest warrants for Martha Turner for the offense of Influencing a
Witness.
At the completion of the
investigation both were arrested on May 16th, 2008 and
turned over to the custody of the Lumpkin County Detention Center.
Ashworth was release on a $22,600 bond and Turner was released on a
$20,100 bond.
Captain Jason Stover
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office
