Sheriff’s Office arrests Hiawassee man for manufacturing marijuana
News May 6, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators discovered illegal drugs at a residence searched Friday, April 26 on Foster Road in Hiawassee.
Roy Lee Moneypenny
Investigators arrested Roy Lee Moneypenny, 62, of Hiawassee, on the following charges:
- One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Manufacturing Marijuana)
- One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Marijuana)
- One Count of Possession of Drug Related Objects
The investigation is currently active and ongoing. Additional charges are possible. The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Moneypenny is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
While medical marijuana was legalized in Georgia, cultivation and use of the plant without a physician’s approval remains illicit. Georgia has allowed patients suffering from severe seizures and other illnesses to use cannabis oil since 2015. The state did not allow in-state cultivation, however, and thousands of individuals on the program’s registry risked defying federal law by transporting the drug across state lines. Advocates supported medical marijuana expansion, although the measure involved significant obsticals before cannabis oil could be manufactured and distributed in the state. Six private companies were permitted to grow medical marijuana, but the dispensaries could not operate without a state board license. April 17 marked Governor Brian Kemp’s historic signing of House Bill 324, which allows for legal cultivation and sale of cannabis oil in Georgia.
Domestic violence leads to drug warrant arrest
Arrest Reports, News April 1, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies responded to a residence Thursday, March 28, on Duncan Road in Young Harris in reference to a reported domestic incident involving physical injuries.
Derick Randal Canup
Upon the officers’ arrival, a female victim was located at the residence with visible physical injuries. The victim refused medical treatment at the time, although the victim agreed to later allow a family member take her for medical treatment.
Upon further investigation into the incident, officers located the suspect at the residence. Deputies arrested Derick Randal Canup, 28, of Hayesville, NC, on one count of battery under the Family Violence Act (FVA). Canup was arrested at the scene without incident.
Additionally, Canup was arrested on an active warrant out of Clay County, NC, for failure to appear in court on possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia charges.
Canup was released on bond from Towns County Detention Center on the battery FVA charge and turned over to Clay County authorities on the arrest order.
The battery FVA charge will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Canup is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Eight additional drug suspects arrested in Towns County
News July 20, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies continue their strong push to arrest drug suspects throughout the Towns County area. During the past two weeks, eight additional drug suspects have been arrested as the result of traffic stops and executed search warrants.
On Thursday July 4, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on State Route 180 on a GMC Sonomam pickup and upon further investigation into the traffic stop, Russell Eugene Elder, 60, of Jonesboro was arrested and charged with: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana, and 1-Count of Improper Tag Display.
On Sunday July 1, a Towns County Deputy made a traffic stop on State Hwy. 288 on a Saturn Ion and as a result and upon further investigation Jessica Christine Long, 48, of Hayesville, North Carolina was arrested and charged with 1-Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana, and 1-Count of Defective
Equipment.
On Wednesday, July 17, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the Bald Mountain Community of Towns County on Turtle Cove, and as a result of the search warrant and previous investigation into drug activity at the residence, five suspects were arrested:
- William Rayford Blitch, 49, of Hiawassee: 4-Counts Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, sale of Methamphetamine.
- Wendy Ree Carroll, 34, of Hiawassee: 3-Counts of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, sale of Methamphetamine.
- Jolena Nichols, 49, of Hiawassee : 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of THC Cart Schedule I
- Walter Lee Burrell, 53, of Blairsville: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Diliaudid a Schedule II, 1-Count Drug Related Objects.
- Shelia Marie Watts, 39, of Blairsville: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Diliaudid Schedule II, and 1-count Drug Related Objects.
On Wednesday July 17, deputies and investigators responded to a call of a suspicious person on Crooked Creek Connector and upon answering the call and execution of a search warrant at a residence on Crooked Creek Connector the following suspect was arrested and charged:
Dennis Lee Wheeler, 35. of Hiawassee: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, 1-Count Criminal Trespass, and 1-Count Disorderly Conduct.
The Towns County Sheriff’s Office will continue their strong effort to seek out the drug suspects within the Towns County Area, and additional arrests will be forth coming. The above cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution . All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hiawassee man arrested, charged with alleged rape
News June 29, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office received a Monday, June 24 report of a sexual assault incident which allegedly occurred the evening prior, Sunday, June 23. Towns County investigators, along with the assistance of agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, conducted an investigation into the reported incident.
Peter Hohmann
On Tuesday, June 25, Peter Hohmann, 30, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with rape. He is currently held without bond in the Towns County Detention Center.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office said that the investigation is active and ongoing, and the case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s office for prosecution.
Hohmann is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
UPDATED: Stabbing victim drives to Hiawassee store for help
News April 22, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A non-fatal stabbing occurred this morning, Monday, April 22, at a victim’s residence on Cedar Cliff Road, west of Hiawassee. Multiple sources identified the alleged perpetrator as Anthony “Scott” Barrett and the victim as Danny Gibson.
Friendship Store is located near the Cedar Cliff Road residence where the stabbing took place
Upon receiving a knife wound to the back, Gibson drove himself to Friendship Store at the intersection of State Route 76 and State Route 288 to summon medical treatment. Brian Schrage, an employee of Friendship Store, dialed emergency dispatch, assisting Gibson until first responders arrived. Schrage told FYN that Gibson appeared to be in-and-out of consciousness at the time. The store employee relayed that Gibson had been allegedly stabbed by Barrett after asking to use a cell phone.
Anthony Scott Barrett
Gibson was transported to Union General Hospital in Blairsville with non-life threatening injuries. FYN is awaiting information from Towns County Sheriff’s Office on Barrett’s criminal charges. Barrett is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
UPDATED: Towns County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Anthony Scott Barrett, 60, of Hiawassee is in custody at the Town County Detention Center. Barrett’s charges are expected to be released Tuesday, April 23.
Barrett was charged with aggravated assault, Towns County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Methamphetamine arrests continue in Towns County
Arrest Reports, News April 8, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Substance abuse casts a dark shadow over far too many lives, and law enforcement officers continue the battle to combat the epidemic from a legal standpoint.
Kristy Lynn McGaha
On Monday, April 1, Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kristy Lynn McGaha, 38, charging McGaha with the following offenses:
- Two counts sale of methamphetamine
- Purchase/possession/manufacture/distribution/sale of methamphetamine
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Purchase/possession/manufacture/distribution/sale of marijuana
- Possession/use of marijuana
On Sunday, April 7, Yonah Peppers, 44, was arrested by Georgia State Patrol, charging Peppers with the following violations:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of Schedule 1 controlled substance
- Possession of marijuana – less than one ounce
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
McGaha and Peppers are being held at the Towns County Detention Center without bond.
Yonah Peppers
While circumstances surrounding individual drug use differ, statistics reveal that the proportion of Americans who use methamphetamine on a monthly basis has hovered in the range of .02 to .03 percent since 1999.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine is highly addictive due to its potent action on the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals: dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine induces feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation. Because methamphetamine significantly increases the brain’s levels of dopamine, the substance creates a euphoric rush when users ingest, inhale, or inject the drug.
Methamphetamine impacts the brain’s levels of serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and memory. When the effects of methamphetamine subside, the brain is depleted of both dopamine and serotonin, creating feelings of depression and anxiety. Repeated use of methamphetamine leads to increased tolerance, causing users to require a higher dose to receive the same effect.
In 2018, Georgia Bureau of Investigation listed methamphetamine as the lead substance tested in the state crime lab.
Tennessee man arrested in Young Harris on drug charges
News October 7, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – A traffic stop conducted on Gumlog Road in Young Harris Monday, Sept.30, resulted in drug charges. According to the sheriff’s office, a Towns County deputy initiated a traffic stop on a Ford truck for a traffic offense. Upon further investigation, the driver was identified as Joey Delane Head, 60, of Ducktown, TN.
Head was arrested without incident and charged with the following offenses:
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession Methamphetamine
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession of Schedule IV Drugs
- 1 Count of Possession of Drug Related Objects
- 1 Count of Drugs Not in Original Container
- 1 Count Failure to Maintain Lane
Towns County Sheriff’s Office said that the investigation is currently active and on-going and additional charges are possible. The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s office for prosecution.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hiawassee suspect arrested on methamphetamine charges
City Police, News September 24, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Randall Leo McNabb, 61, of Hiawassee was arrested Monday afternoon, Sept. 16, on methamphetamine charges. According to the police report obtained by FetchYourNews, a subject who was later identified by authorities as McNabb appeared to be avoiding a Towns County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy when Hiawassee Police Department was notified of the suspicious behavior.
Randall Leo McNabb
A traffic stop was conducted by a city police officer on a white Dodge Dakota truck on Bell Creek Road in Hiawassee. “The reason for the stop was the upper brake light out,” Hiawassee Police Department’s report reads in part.
Upon investigation, law enforcement officers allegedly discovered a small quanity of methamphetamine and drug-related objects inside of McNabb’s vehicle. McNabb was taken into custody without incident, and charged with the following crimes:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of drug-related objects
- Possession and use of drug-related objects
The case will be forwarded to Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. McNabb is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Click for additional Towns County news
Hiawassee bank employee charged with forgery, theft by taking
News April 23, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Cherish Serene Stewart, 46, of Hiawassee, was arrested and charged with five counts of forgery in the first degree, and five counts of theft by taking in excess of $1,500.
According to the arrest report obtained from Hiawassee Police Department, the date of the alleged offense was documented as occuring Dec. 21, 2018. The complainant was listed as United Community Bank. A total amount of $5,900 was recorded as allegedly stolen from United Community Bank by Stewart, via the report. A detective with Hiawassee Police Department met with the bank president March 29, upon consultation with an Enotah Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney, in order to acquire additional information on the investigation.
According to Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, Enotah Judicial Circuit may claim an “open investigation/pending prosecution” case which would prevent additional details from being released at this time. FYN will update future information should it become available.
Stewart is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hiawassee traffic stop results in two drug arrests
Arrest Reports, News February 25, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two suspects were arrested after Hiawasse Police Department stopped a white Chevrolet pickup on Highway 76, Wednesday, Feb. 20, within the city limits.
The traffic stop led Hiawassee Police Department to request the assistance of a Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigator. Upon completion of the initial investigation, a quantity of illegal drugs and firearms were discovered in the vehicle.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office secured warrants and arrested two suspects on felony drug charges.
The occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody at the scene and charged with the following offenses:
Jake Scott Davies, 41, of Hayesville, NC
– One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substances Act -(Possession of Methamphetamine)
– Four Counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Timothy Jeffery McCoy, 39, of Marble, NC
– One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act -(Possession of Methamphetamine)
“The Sheriff’s Office looks forward to continuing the partnership and teamwork between the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department in combatting the illegal activity within the Towns County community,” Towns County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Fetch Your News is a local now-news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
Hiawassee man arrested for attempted break-in
Arrest Reports, News January 4, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded in reference to an attempted break-in at a residence on Jack Creek Road in Hiawassee on Dec. 30, 2018.
The victim provided deputies with a photo of the male subject from a security camera at the residence, and the incident was turned over to Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators for follow-up.
Investigators identified the suspect as William Wade Scott, 42, of Hiawassee. Scott was arrested the following day, and taken into custody without incident. Scott was charged with attempted burglary and criminal trespass.
The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Scott is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sheriff compares migrant invasion to an act of war
News November 16, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton reverberated recent concerns during a scheduled appearance before the Towns County Republican Party Thursday, Nov. 15, warning of what he believes are imminent dangers, particularly those attached to the migrant caravans swarming the southern U.S. border.
Social media post from Oct. 11, citing an additional U.S. Code
Sheriff Clinton maintained that the caravan is a choreographed invasion spun into play by left-wing operatives in an effort to gain a tighter chokehold on the future of America. The sheriff adamantly reiterated that violent gang members, specifically those affiliated with brutal El Salvadorian MS-13, are among the South American insurgents seeking entry.
The brazen sheriff stressed that the threat of political violence erupting, propelled by radical agitators, is a legitimate cause for consternation.
“Invasion is an act of war,” Clinton asserted, referencing 18 U.S Code § 2381, adding that government officials aiding in an insurrection are subject to charges, “Treason is punishable by death, but certainly you can’t hold office.”
Sheriff Clinton openly admitted that his unwaivering posture has drawn harsh criticism from detractors. “They hate Towns County. They hate me,” the sheriff stated, divulging that he has been accused of fear mongering, “I don’t do this job to keep me safe…I love America, I love Towns County, and I stand bold.”
In addition to speaking on gangs and the migrant caravan, Clinton discussed gun laws, the opioid epidemic, and the recent midterm elections.
Feature Photo: Razor wire installed along the southern U.S. border – Credit: RT
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. –
For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Man sought for assault on law enforcement faces drug charges
Arrest Reports, News December 3, 2018YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Law enforcement officers from the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and Hiawassee Police Departmet arrested a suspect at a residence on Sampson Road in Young Harris on Sunday, Nov. 25, on outstanding warrants stemming from Towns, Union, and Gordon Counties.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators seized metamphetamine with a street-value of $5,000, illicit Schedule II and Schedule IV drugs, additional drug-related objects, and cash. 
The suspect was identified as Christopher Steven Ray, 34, of Murphy, North Carolina. Ray was taken into custody, and charged with the following offenses:
- One Count Trafficking in Methamphetamine
- One Count Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
- One Count Possession of Methamphetamine
- One Count Possession of Schedule II drugs
- One Count Possession of Schedule IV drugs
- One Count Possession of Drug-Related Objects
- One Count Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers
In addition to the listed charges, investigators served warrants on Ray which involved a previous encounter with the subject on Sept. 6, 2018. The warrants were related to the following crimes:
- One Count Possession of Methamphetamine
- Three Counts Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers
- Two Counts Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Schedule IV drugs
Gordon County Sheriff’s Office held outstanding warrants on Ray for Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer along with several traffic offense warrants.
Union County Sheriff’s Office had previously issued a warrant for Ray for Violation of Probation.
The Towns County Sheriff’s Office warrants and charges will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Ray is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Feature Photo: Evidence seized from the Young Harris residence where Ray was apprehended.
Hiawassee Police Department – Year in Review
City Police, News January 31, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith presented the department’s 2018 activity statistics during the first city council meeting of the new year, Jan. 28.
In 2018, 1,142 traffic stops were conducted by Hiawassee Police Department, with the most activity occurring in July. Smith relayed that the summer spike was due to the Hands-Free Georgia Act. As a result of the traffic stops, 681 tickets were issued, 362 written warnings were given, and hundreds of verbal warnings were extended.
Hiawassee Police Department arrest statistics
Last year, the city police department made 118 arrests, 21 of which were misdemeanor drug violations, and 16 were cited as felony drug offenses. The remainder of the arrests amounted to 11 felonies and 70 misdemeanors. According to data, there were 98 fewer arrests made in 2018 than in 2017. Likewise, fewer drug arrests occurred in 2018 than the prior year. Of the 118 arrests, Smith informed that 80 of the arrests were the result of traffic stops, accounting for half of felony arrests.
Hiawassee Police Department
A total of 335 reports were filed in 2018, consisting of 205 incident reports, 87 accident reports, 32 miscellaneous reports, five domestic violence cases, and two juvenile reports.
While the statistics show that criminal activity has decreased, Hiawassee Police Department remains vigilant in their duties, a reasonable explaination as to why there has been a reduction in arrests. “It’s good to see numbers drop in law enforcement,” Chief Smith said.
(Graphics courtesy of Hiawassee Police Department)
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Sheriff-elect Bobby Deese to serve Clay County
Election 2018, News November 11, 2018
HAYESVILLE, NC – Clay County elected Bobby Deese to serve as their future sheriff on Nov. 6, with Deese garnering 56.6 percent of the votes. Deese, the successor to retiring, two-term Sheriff Vic Davis, states that he intends to meet with employees and the Clay County Board of Commissioners in the immediate future in order to discuss relevant matters.
“I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support I have received during this election,” Deese expressed on election night, “It’s been a long hard process but the election is now over and it’s time to look toward the future. As your Sheriff, I will work for all the citizens of Clay County and do everything possible to give you a Sheriff’s Office to be proud of. Thank you to Steve Byers for the professionalism and integrity of running a clean campaign. We need more of that in today’s politics. Thank you again. I look forward to the next four years.”
While campaigning, Deese avowed to operate a visible, available, professional , and accountable sheriff’s office. Additionally, Deese stated that he intends to “relentlessly pursue those who are supplying our community with drugs.”