The Cartersville man was also charged with driving under the influence, and drug possession. Forty-seven-year-old Richard Kenneth Bailey appeared before Judge Scott Smith Tuesday with his attorney, Jana Willingham. Bailey received a 10-year sentence with two years to serve incarcerated and the remainder on probation. He must pay a $1,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service. He must also complete a substance abuse evaluation and follow the recommendations. Bailey has been incarcerated since January 2023; he will receive credit for time served.
Around 8 a.m. on January 26th, 2023, Bailey was involved in a one-vehicle crash on Erwin Street near Oak Hill Cemetery. Cartersville Police officers arrived on scene and cited Bailey for driving under the influence. During the arrest, officers detected the odor of marijuana, his blood tested positive for methamphetamine, and hydrocodone and oxycodone pills were found in the car. Upon searching the vehicle, they found a small explosive device in the trunk of the vehicle.
The area around the crash on North Erwin Street was shut down for five hours as local police and the GBI investigated the device. While the purpose of the device was never revealed during the plea, in January 2023, Channel 2 News reported that a woman identifying herself as Bailey’s mother said the device was meant to be used with fireworks. She reportedly said it was not a bomb.