Inmate Who Allegedly Lied About Justin Gaines Could Be Charged

Walton County authorities say charges are possible for the inmate who allegedly lied about the location of missing Gwinnett County teen Justin Gaines.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office identified the inmate Friday as Thelma Ruth Ballew, 51, of Augusta.

“We’re going to charge her with everything we can possibly charge her with,” Sheriff Joe Chapman told the Gwinnett Daily Post, which reported Ballew has been in jail on unrelated burglary charges.

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The inmate allegedly lied to authorities when she said Gaines’ remains would be found in an old well in the High Shoals area near the Apalachee River in Walton County.

Searchers from the Walton and Gwinnett sheriff’s offices, Department of Natural Resources and Georgia State Patrol searched the area, including three wells and a pond, for several days before suspending the search on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Nothing connected to the case was found.

Gaines, of Snellville, was 18 at the time he was last seen on Nov. 2, 2007 at Wild Bill’s near Duluth.

It was the second time since last year that a tip on Gaines’ whereabouts led to a fruitless search.

In March 2014, crews searched a wooded area near Dacula, which reportedly included an old well, but came up empty.

Photos: Walton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook; www.justingaines.com