Additional methamphetamine distribution arrest made by authorities
News May 10, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Thursday, May 9, Sonya Taylor was arrested without incident on warrants for drug charges related to a search warrant which occurred April 20. Sonya Taylor, 43, of Hiawassee, was arrested and charged with the following:
- One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute)
- One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
- One Count of Drug Related Objects
As previously reported, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators executed a search warrant on Saturday, April 20, at a residence off of Mill Creek Road in Hiawassee, Georgia. At that time, investigators arrested Willis Dyer, 60, of Hiawassee, on the following charges:
Willis Dyer
- One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute)
- One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
- One Count of Drug Related Objects
According to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, the case remains under active investigation. 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.
Feature Image: Sonya Taylor of Hiawassee
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.
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Hiawassee traffic stop takes more methamphetamine off streets
Arrest Reports, News December 14, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A traffic stop conducted by Hiawassee Police Department led to yet another drug arrest during the afternoon hours of Saturday, Dec. 8, near the intersection of Main Street and Bell Creek Road.
Amanda Aveline Wheeler, 39, of Hiawassee, was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
Evidence retrieved by Hiawassee Police Department
16-13-30 DRUGS- METHAMPHETAMINE POSSESSION OF
16-13-30 DRUGS- METHAMPHETAMINE SALE/DELIVER/DISTRIBUTE
16-13-30 DRUGS- MARIJUANA POSSESSION LESS THAN 1 OUNCE
16-13-30H POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE IV DRUGS
16-13-32.2 POSSESSION AND USE OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS
A probable cause search was conducted due to an odor of marijuana wafting from the the interior of the vehicle. According to the Hiawassee Police Department, Wheeler offered that a quantity of marijuana was, in fact, present within the glove box of the vehicle, prior to the execution of the search.
“I started the search by opening the glove compartment. Once open, I located a small plastic bag that contained a quantity of marijuana that had a total weight of less than one ounce,” the arresting officer wrote in a report requested and obtained by FYN, “I then continued the search and in the back seat, there was a bag that contained Ms. Wheeler’s personal items. Inside the bag, I located a small black case that contained two plastic bags with methamphetamine, a clear plastic case with methamphetamine, a set of digital scales, and a plastic bag with several empty red plastic bags.”
In addition, Wheeler allegedly possessed a loose benzodiazepine pill, and had an outstanding warrant from Clay County, North Carolina.
Wheeler was transported to the Towns County Detention Center, and faces criminal prosecution.
Wheeler is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
UPDATED: Young Harris man arrested for methamphetamine distribution
Arrest Reports, News September 8, 2018YOUNG 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.
BMW driven by Byers, seized by Towns County Sheriff’s Office
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.
Firearms seized from a Clay County residence
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.
Methamphetamine seized by ARDEO
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.
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.
North Enotah Drug Court Explained
News October 14, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – North Enotah Drug Court Coordinator Barbara Honaker shared the details of the judically supervised program, extended to felony drug offenders as an alternative to imprisonment, with the Mountain Movers and Shakers on the morning of Friday, Oct. 12.
North Enotah Drug Court encompasses the counties of Towns and Union, and works closely with law enforcement to promote positive change in the lives of those convicted of drug violations. “You have to have a heart for what we do,” Honaker explained at the beginning of the presentation. The program addresses addiction while coaching individuals on how to live productive, drug-free lives.
North Enotah Drug Court Coordinator Barbara Honaker
The non-profit organization consists of a team of experts, focused on treating the whole health of the individual, instructs on personal finance, addresses parenting matters, and provides cognitive behavior intervention, in addition to moral reconation therapy. The rehabilitation program requires accountability from enrollees, with rigid guidelines set in stone. Participants receive counseling, attend numerous classes, including Alcoholics and/or Narcotics Anonymous, partake in volunteer service, and receive random drug screening to ensure abstinence from illicit substances and alcohol. Securing and maintaining employment is mandatory. Failure to abide by the stringent regulations set forth results in an “intense contract” which Honaker likened that of house arrest, with additional requirements applied. Honaker explained that enrollees must waive their Fourth Amendment right to search and seizure upon entering the program.
While considered a voluntary decision to enroll, candidates are required to admit before a judge that their arrest was drug-related prior to acceptance into the minimum 18- to 24-month program. Honaker informed that the felony accountability treatment results in a 73-percent success rate, saves taxpayer funds by reducing the number of inmates housed in jails, restores family units, and ultimately, changes lives.
North Enotah Drug Court is in its sixth year of operation, with the first graduation occuring in July of 2015. Upon inquiry, Honaker estimated that approximately 35-percent of participants engaged in opioid abuse prior to graduating from the program, although methamphetmine is the leading substance of addiction in the region.
Additional information on North Enotah Drug Court is available at http://www.northenotahdrugcourt.vpweb.com
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]
Drug Arrests continue in Young Harris
Arrest Reports, News October 15, 2018YOUNG 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 Office seizes vehicle, over $13K in drug distribution arrest
Arrest Reports, News September 29, 2018
Joseph Carson Loog
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 22, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Black Chrysler PT Cruiser on Kelly Road in Hiawassee. Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators assisted the deputies with the traffic stop. Upon investigation, the vehicle was impounded and a search warrant was obtained.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrested Joseph Carson Loog, 41, of Paris, TN.
Loog was charged with the following crimes:
- 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
- 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of methamphetamine
- 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of marijuana
- 1 Count Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- 1 Count Possession of Firearm during the Commission of a Felony
- 1 Count of Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement
- 1 Count of Driving on Suspended License
- 1 Count of No Proof of Insurance
- 1 Count of No Seatbelt
Towns County Sheriff’s Office Investigators, during the course of the investigation, seized a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, $13,973 in cash, a 9mm handgun, a portable scanner, a set of scales, along with other miscellaneous items.
The investigation is active and ongoing; additional arrests and charges are probable.
The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Loog is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Feature Photo: (L-R) Investigator Jay McCarther, Sheriff Chris Clinton, Lt. Aaron Deyton
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, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Habersham overdose leads to felony murder charges
News February 13, 2018
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. – On Feb. 9, 2018, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), the Mt. Airy Police Department, and the Department of Corrections executed five opioid-related search warrants in Habersham and Franklin counties.
During the course of a five-month overdose death investigation of Adam Hicks, ARDEO Agents identified a heroin distribution ring in north Georgia. Authorities executed five search warrants and charged five people with violating the Georgia Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. The investigation also uncovered additional people from Adam Hick’s inner circle that were distributing heroin and oxycodone.
As a result of the evidence and information developed, Habersham County authorities have arrested Ashley Sosbee for felony murder in the overdose death of Adam Hicks. Authorities have worked tirelessly to bring the people responsible for the death of Adam Hick to justice. This investigation speaks loudly to opioid dealers that law enforcement will not sit idly on the sidelines as the people in communities die.
Authorities served search warrants at:
- Chad Harrelson and Brandi Freeman’s residence, 550 Welcome Home Road, Mt. Airy, Georgia;
- James Heumaneus’ residence, 399 Circle Drive, Cornelia, Georgia;
- Bud Heaton and Karen Shope’s residence, 293Airport Road, Baldwin, Georgia;
- Jackie Galliher’s residence, 199 Ivy Hills Circle, Mt. Airy, Georgia; and
- Janie Rogers’ residence, 2276 Kesler Road, Carnesville, Georgia.
Habersham authorities executed arrest warrants for violations of the Georgia Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act for:
Ashley Sosbee 25, of Alto, Georgia;
Jordan Flanagan, 25, of Alto, Georgia;
Brandon Burton, 25, of Cornelia, Georgia;
Dustin Thomas, 22, of Alto, Georgia;
Grant Martin, 21, of Cornelia, Georgia;
Jessica Hancock, 23, of Clarkesville, Georgia; and
Patricia Blacklock, 20, of Gainesville, Georgia.
Habersham authorities also executed arrest warrants for the following people:
Cole Dalton, 19, of Alto, Georgia – Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin;
Bud Heaton, 76, of Baldwin, Georgia – Sale of Controlled Substances Schedule II (Oxycodone), Possession Schedule II With Intent to Distribute Oxycodone;
James Heumaneus, 48, of Cornelia, Georgia – Sale of Controlled Substances Schedule II (Oxycodone);
Janie Rogers, 49, of Carnesville, Georgia – Sale of Schedule II (Oxycodone), Possession of Marijuana Less Than One Ounce, Possession of Controlled Substance Schedule II (Oxycodone);
Karen Shope, 40, of Baldwin, Georgia – Sale of Controlled Substance Schedule I (Methamphetamine) x 2.
Shope has not been arrested yet;
Tina Smelcer, 47, of Cornelia, Georgia – Possession of Schedule II Control Substance;
Tilynn Ivester, 49, of Baldwin, Georgia – Possession of Schedule IV Control Substance;
Brandi Freeman, 33, of Mt. Airy, Georgia – Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute and Abandonment of Dangerous Drugs;
James Chadrick Harrelson, 35, of Mt. Airy, Georgia –Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute and Abandonment of Dangerous Drugs; and
Jacqueline Galliher, 44, of Mt. Airy, Georgia – Possession of Controlled Substance Schedule IV and Possession of Schedule II.
The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County and Franklin County, 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.
North Carolinians ask police for directions, ultimately arrested on drug charges
City Police, News August 14, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – What might appear to some as a seemingly innocent incident led to the arrest of two North Carolina men, charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Drug Related Object, thanks to the work of an observant law enforcement officer.
On the evening of Monday, Aug. 6, a Hiawassee Police Department patrol officer was in the parking lot of a local business when the officer was approached by two white males in a white Ford F250, requesting directions. The officer advised the driver that an incoming call for service needed to be addressed, but if the individuals wished to wait, the officer would return shortly to assist in the matter.
According to the detailed incident report, the officer returned soon thereafter to where the men were awaiting directions, when the driver claimed that they had traveled from Cherokee, North Carolina, in search of a gated campground in the area.
As the driver was speaking, the Hiawassee officer observed that the man was “sweating profusely,” that his eyes appeared “extremely dialated,” in addition to “talking very rapidly.”
The officer asked the driver to exit the vehicle. Upon questioning the driver’s condition, the driver said that he had been in a motorcycle accident, and was currently on “Roxy 10’s,” a prescription pain medication, stating that he had taken the opioid an hour and a half prior to contact with the police department.
The driver was identified as Austin Cody Fuller, 20, of Cherokee, NC, and the passenger as Ronald David Warren, 42, of Bryson City, NC.
Upon requesting assistance from the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, the Hiawassee Police Department officer requested that Warren exit the vehicle. After speaking with the individuals and suspecting illicit activity, the officer requested permission to search the vehicle. According to the incident report, Fuller stated, “I don’t care,” along with “It doesn’t bother me.”
Once consent to search was granted, law enforcement officers located a glass smoking device containing methamphetamine, in addition to two additional baggies of methamphetamine, one within the vehicle, the other inside of the Warren’s pocket, following his arrest.
Allen and Fuller were transported to the Towns County Detention Center.
Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Young Harris man arrested on additional drug charges
Arrest Reports, News July 16, 2018
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Jeffery Dale Plott, 47, of Young Harris, a second time on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, for Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, and Possession of Marijuana.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Plott after conducting a search of a residence on Meadow Lane in Young Harris, on Tuesday afternoon.
Plott was released on bond the time of his arrest for previous charges of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
The investigation is active and on-going, and additional charges may be forth coming.
Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Wanted Blue Ridge man faces additional charges in Towns County
Arrest Reports, News February 4, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on Sims Road in Hiawassee, Monday, Jan. 28, in reference to a unwanted subject.
Upon arrival, deputies located a male subject believed to be the unwanted suspect. Upon completing an initial investigation into the dispatched call, deputies arrested:
Derek Mitchell Mashburn, 25, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, on the following charges:
– One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
– Possession of Methamphetamine
– One Count Possession of Drug Related Objects
– One Count Giving a False Name to a Law Enforcement Officer
Upon further investigation, deputies determined that Derek Mashburn was additionally wanted on probation warrants from Fannin and Bartow Counties.
The Towns County warrants and charges will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Mashburn is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Loitering suspect arrested for methamphetamine at local store
Arrest Reports, News August 15, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Tuesday, Aug. 7, Towns County Sheriff’s deputies, along with an officer from the Hiawassee Police Department, responded to the Lakeview store on Highway 76 East in Hiawassee, in reference to a subject who was loitering on the property.
Upon arriving on the scene, the officers located the subject whom the compliant was received about, still on the store property.
Upon further investigation, the subject identified as Carey Edward Kendall, 37, of Hiawassee.
Kendall was arrested and charged with One Count of Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer, and One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine.
The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sheriff’s Desk: Multimillion Dollar Methamphetamine Operation Results in Arrests
News, Sheriff's Desk September 18, 2017
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.
Hiawassee Police Department: 77 grams of methamphetamine off streets
City Police, News June 20, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On June 18, 2018, the Hiawassee Police Department stopped a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier for operating without a license plate. Towns County Dispatch had also given a “lookout” for the vehicle after it had been reported as driving recklessly. A subsequent search of the vehicle lead
officers to locate approximately 77 grams of methamphetamine, syringes containing
methamphetamine, marijuana, drug related objects, and over $700.
Phillip Goss
The driver of the vehicle, Phillip Goss of Gainesville, Georgia, was arrested and charged with Trafficking
Methamphetamine, Possession of Less than One Ounce of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Related
Objects, and Operating an Unregistered Vehicle.
Angelica Millwood
The passenger, Angelica Millwood of Gainesville, Georgia, was arrested and charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Less than One Ounce of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Related Objects
Both suspects are being held without bond at the Towns County Detention Center.
“This is the first drug trafficking arrest made in Hiawassee, and the largest amount of methamphetamine that we have seen,” Chief Paul Smith said, “These drugs came from Gainesville and were meant to be sold in this area. Stopping the distributors will do the most good for our community and our fight against drugs.”
