Hwy. 66 Drug Bust

Press Release
The Towns County Sheriff’s Office got a break in a month long drug investigation on Highway 66 near the North Carolina state line, when a call was received on a stolen vehicle, drug related activity and an overdose of a female. An investigation revealed that Narcan was self initiated to the female at the scene. Video at the store location revealed drug activity. Sheriff’s K-9 and drug investigators responded. Drugs were found in the possession of Travis Kelley, 27.2 grams of substance which is suspected to be methamphetamine and 1.2 grams of white powdery substance which is suspected to be heroin. As a result, Travis Kelley of Warne, NC was arrested and charged with the following:
• 16-13-30 Purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution, or sale of controlled substances (2 counts)
• 16-13-32.2 Possession and use of drug related objects (1 count)
Sheriff Ken Henderson reiterates our commitment to initiate drug suppression in our community. The sheriff commends the arresting deputies on an outstanding job on the investigation and arrest. Investigation is continuing

Largest meth bust in Towns County history

Business
meth bust

TOWNS COUNTY, Ga – Towns County Deputies executed the largest methamphetamine bust in the county with the arrest of suspect Alex Robinson of Monroe, Ga.

Following a four-month investigation and the three-day round-the-clock operation, a team consisting of the Towns County drug agents, deputies, and Sheriff Ken Henderson converged on a heavily-armed Robinson and arrested him without incident on Thursday, June 17.

Robinson allegedly was found in possession of six pounds of meth, four pounds of marijuana, methamphetamine pills, Xanax, various pills, three handguns, and cash.

Drugs seized following the arrest

Sheriff Henderson released a statement that detailed the distribution of the drugs in Towns County.

“These drugs were targeted for specific locations in Towns County to be cut into smaller amounts and delivered to specific drug dealers in Towns County. This will impact the supply chains of drugs coming into Towns County and sold to our community and youth.

The Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrested a major drug supplier and trafficker in Towns County.
Alex Michael Robinson, 32 of Monroe, GA was arrested on the following charges:
1. Trafficking Marijuana
2. Trafficking in methamphetamine over 400 grams
3. Possession schedule IV-controlled substance
4. Possession of a stolen firearm
5. Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime

AlexRobinson

“The six pounds of methamphetamine and other drugs designated for the Towns County community is significant.
Sheriff Henderson cannot give enough praise for the Sheriff’s Drug Investigative unit and deputies that put in so many long hours on these investigations. In the short five months, our commitment and multiple arrests has impacted drug dealers and supply to our community,” the statement added.

North Carolina woman arrested on trafficking methamphetamine charges

News, Press Release
methamphetamine

The Towns County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol makes a vital bust confiscating about a pound of methamphetamine.

Sunday, June 6, 2021, the Georgia State Patrol initiated a traffics stop resulting in the arrest of Jennifer Lynn Williams 31 of Crumpler, NC. The Towns County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit in conjunction with the Georgia State Patrol took up the investigation confiscating the vehicle.

According to Sheriff Ken Henderson, this is part of an ongoing investigation with this arrest impacting the supply chain and large amounts of dangerous drugs coming into the community and potentially into the hands of local youth.

Based on our investigation Jennifer Lynn Williams is a major supplier of drugs in the area.
Jennifer Lynn Williams is being charged with the following.

• Drug related objects
• Damage to government property
• Drugs not in original container
• Trafficking in methamphetamine
• Giving false name
• Possession of schedule II-controlled substance
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Obstruction of officer
• Possession of a firearm during commission of a felony

Sheriff Henderson would like to thank the Georgia State Patrol, Towns County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, and Drug Unit for their continued commitment to combating drugs in our great county.

Major drug supplier busted in Towns County

News
TOWNS COUNTY, Ga – Towns County law enforcement and Georgia State Patrol arrested an alleged drug supplier in the area.
They arrested  Samuel Elton Moss on the following charges:
• Trafficking methamphetamine
• Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
• Possession of heroin
• Possession of controlled substance
• Possession of THC oil
 .
A traffic stop was initiated by the Georgia State Patrol when Moss attempted to throw drugs out of the vehicle. The arrest of Moss was a result of a 2-month investigation by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office Drug investigations and he was being investigated as a MAJOR DRUG SUPPLIER for Towns County and other counties surrounding Towns County. The large amount of drugs confiscated was on the way to be delivered for sales in the area. This bust interrupted the supply chain keeping a large quantity of meth, heroin and pills from being sold in our community.
Sheriff Henderson stated that he and the Sheriff’s Office are committed to impact and eradicate drugs in our county. He also would like to commend the Georgia State Patrol, Towns County Sheriff’s Office Investigators and deputies on a great job and their commitment to the fight against drugs.

Four arrested in connection to Satuday drug raid

News

HIAWASSEE, Ga – Following multiple complaints about a high volume of traffic along West Union Church Road, Towns County deputies executed a raid of one of the residences.

Early on Saturday, April 24 deputies and investigators entered a home and allegedly uncovered methamphetamine, heroin, and controlled substances in the possession of three individuals.

The three two men and one woman were arrested and charged with the following:

Ryan Ian Rogers

  • -Drugs not in the original container (Gabapentin)
  • -Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
  • -Possession of methamphetamine
  • -Possession of heroin
  • -Possession of a controlled substance (Alprazolam)
  • -Drug-related objects

Anthony James Smith

  • -Drugs not in the original container (Gabapentin)
  • -Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
  • -Possession Of methamphetamine
  • -Possession of heroin
  • -Possession of a controlled substance (Alprazolam)
  • -Drug-related objects

Elizabeth Maria Logan

  • -Giving a false name
  • -Drugs not in the original container (Gabapentin)
  • -Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
  • -Possession of methamphetamine
  • -Possession of heroin
  • -Possession of a controlled substance (Alprazolam)
  • -Drug-related objects

Kyle Mitchell Odom was wanted in connection with the raid, and he was arrested on Thursday, April 29.

Sheriff Henderson thanked the uniform patrol, criminal investigations for their hard work and commitment. He also expressed gratitude to the residents of West Union Church Road for their desire to “take their community back.”

Ryan Ian Roger

Anthony James Smith

drug raid

Elizabeth Maria Logan

Towns County Sheriff’s Office deems “Operation Trial Run” a success

News
Operation Trial Run

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office conducted a drug operation dubbed “Operation Trial Run” consisting of a seven month drug investigation in which undercover agents, along with uniformed patrol officers, arrested suspects throughout the county on various drug and other related offenses. The operation was a seven month evaluation, beginning in May of 2018, running through January, 2019, with the department using an in-house drug agent to aid in the investigations.

Towns Sheriff’s Office reached out to District Attorney Jeff Langley and Union County Sheriff Mack Mason, along with Union’s Drug Unit Supervisor Chad Deyton and other drug agents, for initial assistance in casting the operation off to a productive start. The sheriff’s office stated that Deyton, along with the other agents, provided guidance and direction as to how the unit operated, additionally assisting with some of the early investigations.

DA Jeff Langley

Sheriff Chris Clinton with District Attorney Jeff Langley

During the seven month “Operation Trial Run” investigation, 37 suspects were arrested on over 150 drug and additional various charges. Numerous search warrants were acquired and executed throughout Towns County during the operation.  A total of more than $81,000 worth of illegal drugs were taken off the streets and from residences throughout the county.    

Operation Trial Run” resulted in the seizures of a residential home, vehicles, cash, and firearms valued at more than $322,000.  Once the seizures have been successfully completed and awarded back to the sheriff’s office, the funds can be used for law enforcement purposes to combat illegal activity within the county.     

According to Towns County Sheriff’s Office, “Operation Trial Run” proved to be “very successful.” The agency stated that it has and will continue to operate with an in-house drug agent, and additional suspects have since been arrested and more seizures made, with other arrests and seizures forthcoming in the near future.

“In combatting the drugs activity in our communities, our job is staying focused on getting the bad guy off the street at the end of the day, and not worrying about who gets the credit. This is what makes for truly successful investigations,” Towns County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Terry Connor said. “The Towns County Sheriff’s Office would like to express their sincere appreciation to all departments and law enforcement agencies that has assisted in ‘Operation Trial Run’ which has made it a success: Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Towns County Commissioner’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Appalachian Drug Task Force, Hiawassee Police Department, and Clay County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office.”

   

Sheriff’s Office arrests Hiawassee man for manufacturing marijuana

News
Towns County drug use

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,

                            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.

Eight additional drug suspects arrested in Towns County

News

HIAWASSEE, 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.

Eight Towns County residents arrested on variety of drug charges

News
Towns County drugs

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Deputies with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office continued a spree of drug arrests, arresting a total of eight drug suspects in the past week. On Tuesday, June 25, Towns County investigators and deputies, with assistance from officers with Georgia Department of Community Supervision, in addition to drug investigators from Union County Sheriff’s Office, searched a residence off Mill Creek Road and Cynth Creek Road in Towns County.Towns County GA crime

The following suspects were arrested as a result of the searches:

James Paul Weaver, 38, of Hiawassee, Georgia
was charged with:

1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Sell of Methamphetamine.

Sonia Renee Taylor, 43, of Hiawassee, Georgia
was charged with:

1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count Driving on Suspended License.

Debra Ann Willis, 62, of Hiawassee Georgia was
charged with:

1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of Drug Related Objects.

Matthew Allen Anderson, 39, of Hiawassee, Georgia was charged with:

1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Crack Cocaine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana.
1 Count of Drug Related Objects.

Misty Michelle May, 38, of Hiawassee, Georgia was charged with:

1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Crack Cocaine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana.
1 Count of Drug Related Objects.

On Wednesday, June 26 , A Towns County deputy stopped a Chevrolet Malibu on Duncan Road in Young Harris, Georgia. The traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Elizabeth Morgan Black, 19, of Young Harris, Georgia.

Black was charged with the following:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of THC Oil.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana.
1 Count of Drug Related Objects.
1 Count of Defective Equipment.

Two additional drug arrests have been made in recent
days :

Bobbie Leann Saxon, 38, of Hiawassee, Georgia was charged with:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.

Brent Kyle Weems, 46, of Young Harris, Georgia was charged with:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana.

The Towns County Sheriff’s Office said they will continue their strong effort to seek out 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.

UPDATED: Mistrial declared due to Towns County Sheriff’s drug poster

News
Sheriff Chris Clinton

UPDATED: FYN spoke with a courthouse official who confirmed the mistrial was pronounced by Superior Court Judge Raymond George, based on his ruling that the defendant may not receive a fair trial due to the placement of the arrest poster in the Towns County Courthouse, a venue where trials are held. Jurors were reported as recognizing the defendant, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine, upon entry into the courtroom. According to our source, a new trial is expected to take place.

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) received credible information pertaining to a court case which was rejected last week due to an action taken by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. FYN is in the process of collecting the details surrounding the situation, and has filed a media request with the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office. The jury trial was reported to FYN as a mistrial due to an “Operation Trial Run” poster prominately placed in the Towns County Courthouse which displayed photographs of numerous suspects arrested on drug charges by the sheriff’s office in past months. According to several sources, jurors viewed the poster in question prior to the trial, thus tainting the case, as defendants are presumed innocent prior to a court’s verdict.

Towns County Sheriff’s Office conducted the drug operation dubbed “Operation Trial Run” consisting of a seven month drug investigation in which undercover agents, along with uniformed patrol officers, arrested suspects throughout the county on various drug and other related offenses. The operation was a several month evaluation, beginning in May, 2018, running through January, 2019, with the department using an in-house drug agent to aid in the investigations.

During the seven month “Operation Trial Run” investigation, 37 suspects were arrested on over 150 drug and additional various charges. Numerous search warrants were acquired and executed throughout Towns County during the operation.  A total of more than $81,000 worth of illegal drugs were taken off the streets and from residences throughout the county.    

Operation Trial Run” resulted in the seizures of a residential home, vehicles, cash, and firearms valued at more than $322,000.  Once the seizures have been successfully completed and awarded back to the sheriff’s office, the funds can be used for law enforcement purposes to combat illegal activity within the county.     

According to an April statement from Towns County Sheriff’s Office, “Operation Trial Run” proved to be “very successful.” The agency stated that it has and will continue to operate with an in-house drug agent, and additional suspects have since been arrested and more seizures made, with other arrests and seizures forthcoming in the near future.

All suspects reported as arrested by law enforcement are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Feature Image: Photograph of the poster in question, released to FYN by Towns County Sheriff’s Office in April.

Towns County Sheriff’s Office seizes $27,000 Street-Value in Marijuana Manufacturing Operation

Arrest Reports, News

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – On Monday, Oct. 1, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 7500 block of Gumlog Road. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized marijuana plants with a street value of $27,000.

Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrested three suspects on the following charges:

Chris Lee Brooks, 64, of Young Harris – One count violation of Georgia Substance Control Act, Manufacturing Marijuana – One count violation of Georgia Substance Control Act, Felony Possession of Marijuana – Possession of drug related objects

Ronald Christoper Smith, 44, of Blairsville – One count violation Georgia Substance Control Act, Manufacturing Marijuana – One count violation of Georgia Substance Control Act, Felony Possession of Marijuana – Possession of drug related objects

Thomas Dexter Shook, 42, of Hiawassee – One count violation of Georgia Substance Control Act, Manufacturing Marijuana – One count violation Georgia Substance Control Act, Felony Possession of Marijuana – Possession of drug related objects

All suspects are being held without bond at the time of publication.

The case 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.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting over 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, dial 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

 

Drug Arrests continue in Young Harris

Arrest Reports, News

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – In recent weeks, Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies have continued the execution of search warrants in search of illegal drugs and stolen property.

In the past week, investigators and deputies executed two search warrants in the Young Harris area.

The search warrants were in reference to separate information developed by investigators. The first search warrant was executed on Thursday, Oct. 11, at a residence located on Red Fox Farm Road.

Investigators seized a quanity of marijuana during the search with a street value of $13,500.

Jennifer Ann Max, 52, of Young Harris, was arrested and charged with the following crimes:

  • One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act,
    Manufacturing Marijuana
  •  One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act,
    Felony Possession of Marijuana
  • One Count of Drug-Related Objects

 

The second search warrant was executed on Friday, Oct. 12, at a residence on Meadow Lane.

Investigators arrested two suspects during the course of the warrant execution.

Carl Wallace Merritt, 47, of Young Harris, was arrested and charged with the following crime:

  • One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act,
    Possession of Methamphetamine

Candie Sue Merrit, 44, of Young Harris, was arrested and charged with the following crime:

  • One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act,
    Possession of Methamphetamine

Investigators recovered several items during the execution of the search warrant which had been previously reported as stolen in a burglary in the Towns County area.

The investigation is active and on-going. Additional charges are likely.

The cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts 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]

Sheriff’s Desk: Multimillion Dollar Methamphetamine Operation Results in Arrests

News, Sheriff's Desk
Sheriff Chris Clinton Towns County GA

From the Desk of Sheriff Chris Clinton

Towns County, Georgia

 

I have long believed that one of the secrets to success in criminal investigations is networking and sharing information with other law enforcement agencies.

In 2007, after being elected Sheriff of Towns County, I became a member of the Appalachian Drug Task Force. At that time we had four sheriff’s offices in the task force.

In 2012, the other board members saw fit to ask me to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board. Around that same time, one of the four sheriffs decided to pull out of the task force, leaving only three sheriffs involved. Many tried to pressure me to pull out of the “drug task force” calling it a waste of time. I did not believe this to be true and still do not.

After our board members voted to become a regional drug enforcement office serving North Georgia the name was changed to the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO). By this time, Banks County Sheriff’s Office had joined us and we were back to four. As it stands today, we have grown to include Towns County Sheriff’s Office, White County Sheriff’s Office, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Rabun County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Cleveland Police Department, Lavonia Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

That is a lot of agencies, sharing a lot of criminal intelligence. But, has it been effective?

By 2016, the ARDEO had made seizures of more than $36,000,000.00. ARDEO is one of three Regional Drug Enforcement Offices in the State of Georgia. The other two are the West Metro (Atlanta area) and Savannah, Chatham County. As large as those areas are, the ARDEO has kept pace and, in some areas, surpassed the standard set by the other two.

This past weekend was no exception. The following information was provided originally by Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Mitchell Posey, who supervises our drug agents. On Friday, September 15th, 2017, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office and the FBI’s North Georgia Major Offender Squad disrupted a methamphetamine trafficking ring in North Georgia.

A traffic stop of Angel Luis Rivera- Santiago and Victor Rafael Aponte yielded the seizure of 15 kilograms of methamphetamine. During the subsequent investigation, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office and FBI Agents executed a search warrant at 990 Flanders Road, Dahlonega, GA. Valentine Duarte-Vejar ran from this residence, but was captured in the possession of a handgun. This search warrant yielded a few grams of cocaine and $166,000. Agents continued to follow investigative leads until a conversion lab was located at 843 Cooper’s Creek Road, Suches, Union County, GA. A conversion lab is used to convert liquid methamphetamine to its crystal form.

Agents located a handgun and 15 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine at the lab. ARDEO Agents processed approximately 300 pounds of environmental waste largely containing methamphetamine oil. Agents on scene estimated this lab was capable of producing a minimum of 25-50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine at a time. This short but effective investigation was a federal, state, and local partnership that disrupted and dismantled a drug distribution network’s attempt to flood our communities with this destructive drug for their own financial gain. The street value of the 30 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine is $3,234,000.

Angel Luis Rivera- Santiago, 42, of Norcross, Victor Rafael Aponte, 30, of Dahlonega and Valentine Duarte-Vejar, 25, of Dahlonega were charged with trafficking methamphetamine. Eleoncio Perez-Pineda, 29, of Dahlonega, and Jose Mario Duarte-Vejar, 25, of Dahlonega were later arrested in Dahlonega and charged with conspiracy to manufactory methamphetamine. These five men were transported to the Lumpkin County Detention Center. The immigration status of these men is still pending. This investigation continues.

Valentine Duarte-Vejar ran from this residence, but was captured in the possession of a handgun. This search warrant yielded a few grams of cocaine and $166,000. Agents continued to follow investigative leads until a conversion lab was located at 843 Cooper’s Creek Road, Suches, Union County, GA. A conversion lab is used to convert liquid methamphetamine to its crystal form. Agents located a handgun and 15 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine at the lab. ARDEO Agents processed approximately 300 pounds of environmental waste largely containing methamphetamine oil. Agents on scene estimated this lab was capable of producing a minimum of 25-50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine at a time. This short but effective investigation was a federal, state, and local partnership that disrupted and dismantled a drug distribution network’s attempt to flood our communities with this destructive drug for their own financial gain. The street value of the 30 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine is $3,234,000

None of this would have been possible without the combined efforts and partnerships developed. I think we are on the right track in keeping our community safe from the dangerous criminals and the poison they pedal.

If you have information regarding criminal behavior, please do not hesitate to contact your sheriff’s office at 706-896-4444 or in an emergency dial 911.

 

Undercover investigation leads to Hiawassee drug bust

News

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at a residence off Sims Circle in Hiawassee Thursday, May 10, 2018, following an extensive joint investigation conducted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

During the course of an undercover investigation, numerous drug purchases were made.

Samuel Hedden

Samuel Dwayne Hedden

A total street value of over $7,000 in illegal drugs were seized from the residence, following the execution of the search warrant.

Samuel Dwayne Hedden, 63, was arrested by Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and charged with five counts of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, involving the sale of marijuana, four counts involving the sale of Xanax, three counts involving the sale of methamphetamine, and one count for possession of drug-related objects.

In addition, Hedden was charged with one count of Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The investigation remains open and ongoing. Additional charges are likely.

 

Press Release

News

Union County’s Most Wanted still at large from large methamphetamine drug bust

Featured, News

Blairsville, GA – On Thursday, June 22nd , 2017, 34 people were arrested and warrants were issued for 4 others. One of those ‘others’ has since been apprehended and arrested; but the three remaining are currently Union County’s Most Wanted because, according to UCSO Captain Chad Deyton and UCSO Sgt. Tyler Miller, they are the ringleaders.

Union County’s Most Wanted still at large from largest methamphetamine drug bust in Union County history.  Still at large as of this writing are Michael Edward Parker, James Keith Cordle and Bridgette Maria Banks.

If anyone should see or might know the whereabouts of any of these persons, please contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 439-6066 immediately.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

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