August 5, 2002
The Donnell Collins Show airs on a low power TV station in Tifton. Collins also ran a game room in Tifton which is a popular hangout for children. Investigators wonder if that played a role in the crimes he may have committed.
He's charged with molesting children, and investigators say he video taped some of the acts. It's a story that people in this Tifton neighborhood can hardly believe. "As far as allegations, I can't swallow it, I just don't believe it," said Neighbor Tony Clark.
Donnell Collins charged with enticing a child for indecent purposes, three counts of child molestation, and one of aggravated child molestation. "Aggravated child molestation involves an act of sodomy that causes physical injury to child," said Tift Co. Investigator Bobby Brannen.
The charges shock Tony Clark, because Collins has been around children all his life without any reported problems. "Grew up in the neighborhood here. Collins always had place of business for kids they had gameroom more or less place to hang out."
Collins shut down the gameroom, and turned it into his video production company, most notably producing the Donnell Collins show featuring Gospel music from around the area. The show aired on Butterfly broadcasting operated by Northside Baptist church. After Collins' arrested Thursday, the church cancelled the show.
"Certainly shocked regret unfortunate incident in our community," said Pastor Fred Evers. Details behind the incident, including the age and sex of the child who was molested still unclear at this time.
"The child talked to family, DFACS notified us, how we got involved in the investigation," said Brannen.
They then went to Collins home and place of business with a search warrant, where they said they found all the evidence necessary to connect him with the crime.
Donnell Collins was denied bond and remains at the Tift County Jail. Each of his five charges are felony charges carrying up to 20 years in prison.
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