YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Michael Dean Byers, 46, of Young Harris, was apprehended and arrested following a traffic stop on Friday, Sept. 7, after three felony warrants for trafficking methamphetamine were issued. Towns County Sheriff’s Office seized the BMW 325 that Byers was driving.
According to law enforcement officials with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), a search of Michael Byers’ home on Sept. 5, in Young Harris off of KIng Cove Road, led to the discovery of an ounce of methamphetamine.
FYN has learned that Byers was wanted in connection with an ARDEO operation, “Unicoi Pipeline,” a 16-month investigation involving a dozen law enforcement agencies which led to the seizure of 15 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at over $750,000.
According to law enforcement officials, Charles Michael Ledford and Bobby Roger Burch were responsible for distributing methamphetamine in North Georgia, and Clay County, North Carolina, over the course of a two year period.
According to GBI Special Agent in Charge Mitchell Posey, three pounds of methamphetamine was concealed in a battery in Burch’s truck after allegedly leaving Ledford’s Conyers residence, traveling toward Hayesville, North Carolina.
Authorities state twelve additional pounds of methamphetamine were discovered upon execution of a search warrant at Ledford’s home.
In addition, law enforcement seized firearms from Burch’s residence in Clay County, North Carolina, many of which were alledgedly stolen.
UPDATED: Charles Michael Ledford, 48, of Conyers was arrested for trafficking methamphetamine. Ledford was transported to the Rockdale County Detention Center.
Bobby RogerBurch, 47, of Hayesville, NC was arrested for trafficking methamphetamine. Warrants are pending in Clay County, NC for Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substances, Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, and Possession of Stolen Firearm. Burch was transported to the Hall County Detention Center.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton would like to express special appreciation to ARDEO, Enotah District Attorney’s Office, and the additional law enforcement agencies that assisted in the joint operation.
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