Athens man arrested for assaulting roadie at 40 Watt club

By Joe Johnson

Preston T. Beam, 59, of Cavalier Court, was arrested on December 22nd after a skirmish with a band’s roadie at the 40 Watt club.

The victim was a 52-year-old Athens man who worked for a band that performed at the music venue on West Washington Street on December 19th.

According to police, the roadie was loading band equipment into a vehicle when Beam charged and pushed him up against a doorway, then smacked a phone from his hand when he tried to record the incident.

Police said they were able to view footage of the confrontation right up to when the phone was struck from the victim’s hand.

The victim told police that he was in a relationship with Beam’s ex-wife.

Police arrested Beam three days later on a warrant charging him with simple battery.

He was released upon posting a $1,500 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on February 19th.