Young Harris traffic stop leads to drug arrest
News July 29, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies continue their push to arrest drug suspects throughout the Towns County area. On Tuesday, July 23, a Towns County deputy conducted a traffic stop on King Cove Road at the intersection of Gumlog Road in Young Harris on a Toyota truck.
After initiating the traffic stop and upon further investigation, the deputy arrested Stephanie Nicolette Phillips, 40, of Marble, North Carolina on the following charges:
- One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine
- One Count Driving on Suspended License
- One Count Tampering with Evidence
- One Count Possession of Drug Related Objects
- Two Counts Defective Equipment (No Brake Lights, Busted Windshield)
“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,” Towns County Chief Deputy Terry Conner said.
The above case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Phillips is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) statistics, methamphetamine arrests throughout the state have increased approximately 16 percent in recent years:
- 12,703 in 2015
- 13,634 in 2016
- 14,742 in 2017
“It’s in every county in our state, and it’s inundated our crime lab,” Deneen Kilcrease, the Chemistry Section Manager of the GBI Crime Lab in DeKalb County, said in February. “County after county, the number one drug is methamphetamine. We only see about half the amount of cocaine that we do methamphetamine.”
Chaplain training hosted by Towns County Sheriff’s Office, Macedonia Baptist Church
News August 26, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office, along with Macedonia Baptist Church, recently hosted a two-day chaplains’ training class. The class was taught by Ricky Thrasher with the Chaplains Ministries. The following pastors attended the seminar: Steve Awtry (McConnell Baptist Church), Brian Schmidt (Calvary Alliance Church), Billy Nicholson (Pine Top Baptist Church), Jeremy Pearson (McConnell Baptist Church), Steven Taylor (McConnell Baptist Church), Danny Byers (McConnell Baptist Church), Donnie Jarrard (Enotah Baptist Church), Bradley Thomas (Macedonia Baptist Church), and Justin Jarrett (New Union Baptist Church).
The chaplains’ training class covered the introduction to Law Enforcement Chaplaincy. The class helped those attending to understand how they can assist, serve, and minister to those in need during stressful situations. The class also covered other topics: stress management, death notifications, and suicide prevention.
“The Sheriff’s Office would like to sincerely extend their appreciation to Macedonia Baptist Church for helping host the training as well as a thank you to all the pastors who attended the class,” Chief Deputy Terry Conner said. “The Sheriff’s Office will be hosting additional chaplains’ training in the near future and any pastors who would like to attend can call the Sheriff’s Office at 706-896-4444 to put their names on a list to be included.”
Hiawassee suspect tased by deputy charged with multiple drug violations
News August 16, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Patrick Ryan Oakes, 40, of Hiawassee, was arrested Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 14, following a brief vehicle pursuit on State Route 288 after Towns County Sheriff’s Office attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Oakes crashed the white Chevrolet SUV that he was driving, slightly damaging a county patrol vehicle, prior to being subdued by taser by law enforcement. Oakes was initially charged with driving too fast for conditions and failure to maintain lane.
Incident captured on film by Towns County Sheriff’s Office
Oakes was subsequently charged with multiple felony crimes as a result of the incident:
- 2 Counts Felony Possession of Illegal Substances (Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession of Methamphetamine)
- 1 Count Felony Aggravated Assault
- 1 Count Felony Destruction of Government Property
- 1 Count Felony Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement
Misdemeanor charges include:
- 1 Count Possession of Drug-Related Object
- 1 Count Reckless Driving
- 1 Count Obstruction of an Officer
- 1 Count Reckless Driving
- 1 Count Violation of Window Tint
- 1 Count Failure to Have License on Person
- ! Count Driving Too Fast for Conditions
- 1 Count Failure to Maintain Lane
Oakes is being held without bond at Towns County Detention Center. The case will be forwarded to Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Oakes is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Feature Image: Patrick Oakes/Facebook Profile
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Two fugitives taken into custody in Towns County
News August 10, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two fugitives were taken into custody during the past week by Towns County Sheriff’s Office, wanted on separate incidents and charges that stemmed from Oregon and Massachusetts.
On Monday, Aug. 5, deputies located Orville Benjamin Jordy, 50, camping on TVA property in the Bell Creek area of Towns County. Jordy was a registered sex offender from Oregon. White County Sheriff’s Office tipped deputies in Towns County to be on the lookout for Jordy. Jordy had been in the Towns County-White County area for several weeks, according to the information. Jordy had left the State of Oregon without notifying authorities. Jordy was arrested by Towns County deputies in violation of the Georgia sex offender laws for failure to register as a sex offender.
On Tuesday Aug. 7, deputies assisted United States marshals assigned to the Fugitive Task Force with the arrest of a fugitive from Massachusetts. The subject was identified as Peter James Spinney, 60, Massachusetts. Spinney was arrested without incident, in a residence located off Lakeview Summit in Young Harris, Georgia. Spinney was wanted on a Probation Violation Warrant. Spinney’s original charges were of an assault type nature, and intimidating a witness.
Drug busts continue in Towns County
News April 28, 2019
William and Bonnie Fitzgibbons
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators obtained and executed two search warrants on separate investigations within the Towns County area. The first search warrant was served at a residence located on Hillcrest Spur in Hiawassee on Wednesday, April 17.
Investigators had previously served a search warrant at the same residence on Dec. 11, 2018. Seizure paperwork was filed on the residence as a result of the 2018 investigation, and both William and Bonnie Fitzgibbons were arrested and charged with numerous drug offenses at the time, and later released on bond.
The subjects were arrested a second time, the result of the recent search warrant executed at their residence on April 17. The Fitzgibbons were each charged with the following offenses:
– One Count of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Distribution of a Schedule II Drug (Dilaudid)
– One Count of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Trafficking of a Schedule II Narcotic Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
– One Count of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (Dilaudid)
– One Count of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Narcotic
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Willis Dyer
Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators executed the second search warrant on Saturday, April 20 at a residence off of Mill Creek Road in Hiawassee. Investigators arrested Willis Dyer, 60, of Hiawassee on the following charges:
– 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
Both cases are currently under active investigations, with additional arrests and charges possible. Towns County Sheriff’s Office stated that the 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.
Young Harris traffic stop leads to methamphetamine arrest
Arrest Reports, News March 26, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – On Saturday, March 23, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a suspect on drug charges following a traffic stop in Young Harris. A Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a White Jeep Liberty on Highway 66 on a traffic violation.
Mary Ann Walker
Upon further investigation into the traffic stop, the deputy arrested Mary Ann Walker, 54, of Calhoun, GA, on the following charges:
- One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
- One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Marijuana)
- One Count Drug Related Objects
- One Count Violation of Brake Light Requirement
The investigation is active and ongoing. The case will be referred to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Walker is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Methamphetamine use can easily lead to a serious addiction, and its abuse is a widespread issue in the United States. Use of the drug creates serious health problems and, in some cases, leads to fatal consequences. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) claimed that approximately 774,000 people were current methamphetamine users in 2017, roughly 0.3 percent of the population. That amount is up starkly from the 667,000 people who were current methamphetamine users in 2016.
Young Harris woman faces drug and obstruction charges
Arrest Reports, News March 11, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – On Saturday, March 2, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on King Cove Road in Young Harris, in reference to a domestic incident. Upon arrival, deputies reported that a white, female subject was located in the yard of the residence. Following an initial investigation, the female was arrested after deputies spoke with the subject.
Summer Wilson
Summer Dawn Wilson, 40, of Morganton, NC, was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act (Posession of Methamphetamine)
- One Count Drug-Related Objects
- Two Counts Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer
- One Count Simple Battery
Towns County Sheriff’s Office informed that Wilson resisted arrest on scene, leading to the obstruction charges.
The case will be fowarded to Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Wilson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Victim and 911 caller involved in deadly crash recall fateful night
Investigative Report, News March 8, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – It has been a day shy of two weeks since a fatal accident took the life of Hiawassee resident Terry Silvers, and FYN has been on special assignment, tracking developments in the tragic case. A grandmother and her granddaughter continue to suffer heartbreaking effects of the deadly crash, and a good samaritan who heroically attempted to prevent the harm faces the lingering aftermath of that horrific night.
Heather Segars, the 911 caller heard pleading for help in disturbing audio released by FYN, met in person with Towns County’s reporter on March 8.
Segars recounted the graphic detail of Feb. 23, a night that remains all too vivid in her mind. Segars said that she was traveling home from work on State Route 76, west of Hiawassee, when she was nearly run off the road by a white Toyota pickup truck. The soft spoken woman was visibly shaken as she described the intense fear experienced that eventful Saturday night. Segars has since entered psychological therapy, and relayed that she has been prescribed a mild sedative in order to help cope with the trauma.
Segars continues to suffer deep guilt, and said that she cannot help but wonder if she had not identified the impaired driver as Terry Silvers, perhaps Towns County Sheriff’s Office would have responded to her call. “I want people to know that I tried,” Segars said in a somber tone. “If Towns County Sheriff’s Office had done their job, not just the night that he died, but the night before, and the times before that, Terry might still be alive, and no one else would have been hurt.”
Terry Silvers, a known opioid user, was involved in one of numerous accidents in Towns County the the night prior to his death, and several witnesses, including a veteran law enforcement officer from a neighboring county, reported Silvers’ to seem unmistakenly under the influence, unfit to drive. Despite Silvers’ reported condition, Silvers was released without facing charges by Towns County Sheriff’s Office after an alcohol sensor and roadside test were conducted. The cause of the accident was listed by the sheriff’s office as shifting firewood in the bed of Silvers’ truck.
Sadly, twenty four hours after the incident, Silvers was dead, and many lives were drastically altered. In spite of Heather Segars steadfast effort to summon help, that help never arrived. In the troubling 911 audio tape, a sheriff’s office patrol siren can be heard racing to another call, leaving Segars heart wrenching pleas for assistance unanswered.
Two additional victims face repercussion from Silvers’ turned-fatal crash.
Tracie Stewart and her 13 year old granddaughter, Tathem, were traveling south on NC-69 in Clay County, NC, on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 23, a night that Stewart says will haunt her memory forever. Stewart was driving her granddaughter to Chevelle’s Restaurant, just north of the Georgia state line, to meet with friends when tragedy struck.
Stewart recalled seeing a black car suddenly brake in front of her, darting into the turning lane, while thinking that it had rear-ended another vehicle. The grandmother tells FYN that she, too, swiftly applied her brakes. “I saw the headlights right in front of me,” Stewart said. “It happened so quick, there was nothing that I could do.” As Stewart relived the fateful night, she described the accident as one of sheer terror. “I felt my arm snap like a twig. Tathem was yelling ‘Mimi, my legs are broke.'” Stewart and her granddaughter were transported to Union General Hospital in Blairsville, GA. “I discovered not only was my hand and wrist crushed, but I also had a lacerated liver and spleen,” Stewart said.
Stewart was later transported to North Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville for specialized treatment. Stewart has since faced three arm surgeries, losing 3.5 inches of bone, and a medical pin was placed in her fractured foot. Fortunately, Stewart says that her granddaughter, Tathem, did not suffer major, physical injuries.
“When FYN released the 911 tape, it was horrific to listen to,” Stewart expressed. “That’s where my anger really kicked in. When (Terry) was in the parking lot of Cornerstone, when you can hear the deputy passing, and Heather (the 911 caller) was begging and pleading for an officer to pull into the Cornerstone and put him into custody… I’m not sure if my ‘rewind’ button will ever be broken as this replays in my mind. I see Terry’s face on the windshield. I think that Towns County Sheriff’s Office could have done totally different to prevent this from ever happening, not to mention that in the past, they have let (Terry) go on multiple occasions.”
FYN has contacted Towns County Sheriff’s Office repeatedly, offering opporunities to respond to the tragedy. Towns County Sheriff’s Office has not replied to our requests for comment.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office continues drug arrests
News August 30, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies continue their strong push to arrest drug suspects throughout the Towns County area.
On Monday, Aug. 19, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on a Ford Taurus on State Highway 75 North in Hiawassee for a brake light violation. Upon further investigation, the following suspects were arrested without incident:
Nathan Lemay, Tracy Shook
Nathan Allen Lemay, 47, of Hayesville, North Carolina was charged with the following: 1 Count Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine, and 1 Count Giving a False Name to a Law Enforcement Officer
Tracy Joy Shook, 49, of Hayesville, North Carolina, was charged with the following: 1 Count Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine and 1 Count Brake Light Violation
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, a Towns County deputy responded to a disturbance call at a residence on Wahu Hu Drive in Hiawassee. Upon further investigation into the reported incident, Laura Jean Carroll, 57, of Hiawassee was arrested without incident. Carroll was charged with the following: 1 Count Drug Related Objects and I Count Simple Battery (Family Violence).
Laura Carroll, Ramona Montgomery
Towns County deputies arrested Ramona Lynn Montgomery, 50, of Hiawassee without incident on warrants for the following: Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Related Objects.
The warrants served were in connection to an incident which occurred on Aug. 6 between deputies and the suspect on Bell View Lane in Young Harris.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office says it will continue its strong effort to seek out drug suspects within the Towns County area. Additional arrests will be forthcoming.
The above cases will be forwarded to the Enota Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Seven arrested as Towns County deputies continue quest for drug suspects
News August 5, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies have continued to remain active this past week, arresting a total of seven suspects. “(Deputies) continue to uphold their pledge to seek out suspects involved in illegal drug activity within the county,” Towns County Chief Deputy Terry Conner said.
Three of the suspects arrested were the result of the obstruction of deputies attempting to arrest a drug suspect.
On Sunday, July 28, a Towns County deputy, assisted by a Hiawassee police officer, attempted to serve an arrest warrant in the parking lot of a local business, and upon further investigation arrested:
Blake Ledford, 34, of Hayesville, North Carolina was charged with the following:
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of a Schedule II Drug.
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Prescription pills not kept in the original container
Blake Ledford
On Wednesday July 31, Towns County deputies, with assistance from officers with The Georgia Department of Community Supervision, conducted a search of a residence located off Gumlog Road in the Young Harris area of the county, arresting four subjects. Towns County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies had an active arrest warrant for Peggy Mulkey, and the three additional suspects arrested at the time had obstructed and hindered law enforcement officers in their search for Mulkey. The suspects were taken into custody without incident. Mulkey was found hiding in a closet in the residence.
The following suspects were arrested as a result of the search:
Peggy Ann Mulkey, 40, of Young Harris, Georgia was charged with:
1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act. Possession of Methamphetamine.
4 Counts of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Dangerous Drugs
1 Count of Drug Related Objects
1 Count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Christina Canterbury, 45, of Young Harris, Georgia was arrested and charged with:
1 Count of Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer
1 Count Drug Related Objects
Amanda Jo Wade, 40, of Young Harris, Georgia, was arrested and charged with:
1 Count of Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer
Allen Bell, 30, of Young Harris, Georgia, was arrested and charged with:
1 Count of Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer.
On Thursday August 1, a Towns County deputy conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 76/515 at Jack Dayton Circle on a white Chevrolet passenger car. As a result of the traffic stop and further investigation, Anthony Wayne Reagan, 24, believed to be from the Hayesville, North Carolina area, was arrested and charged with the following:
1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession Ecstasys
1 Count Driving with no driver’s license
1 Count of Headlight Requirement
On Friday, August 2, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on State Highway 76/515 near Ridgecrest Circle on a Ford Expedition. As a result of the traffic stop and further investigation, the following subject was arrested:
Jacob Crawford, 26, of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Crawford was arrested without incident and charged with the following;
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana
1 Count of Illegal Window Tint
“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 forthcoming,” Chief Deputy Conner stated.
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.
Towns County Sheriff, SROs no-shows at school security training
News July 12, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – The 2019 Georgia Association of School Resource Officers (GASRO) conference was held at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, July 8-10, purposed to provide updated school security training and networking opportunities for school resource officers (SROs) to connect statewide.
Law enforcement officers from cities as far south as Tifton made the voyage to Towns County to attend the school safety seminar, hosted this year by Habersham County Sheriff’s Office who was chosen by GASRO as the result of “the incredible strides (they) have made in connecting with the school community, and in enhancing school safety through technology.”
Following the closure of the school security conference, FetchYourNews (FYN) was contacted by multiple law enforcement agencies who disclosed that Towns County Sheriff’s Office had declined additional training “in their own backyard.” Research revealed that Towns County Sheriff’s Office was, in fact, signed up to attend the state seminar, although no officers attended. Furthermore, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton was personally invited by GASRO to address participants, and in the words of a ranking officer, “refused the chance to network with other departments while representing his own jurisdiction.”
FYN reached out to Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, along with personnel within the agency, offering an opportunity to comment on the matter. FYN did not receive a response from the elected official. Towns County Chief Deputy Terry Conner met with FYN, however, stating that Towns County’s dual school resource officers had attended a training session in White County earlier this year, and due to staffing issues, an executive decision was made to forego the GASRO course.
Chief Deputy Conner politely declined to respond to FYN’s questions concerning Sheriff Clinton’s absence from the school security conference.
FYN received a formal statement from the chief deputy the following day.
“During the last six months, (both SROs) have completed a total of 40 training classes between the two. The State Of Georgia Peace Officer Standards Training requires officers to complete 20 hours of annual training yearly,” Chief Deputy Conner said. “Both Towns County school resource officers completed double the state required training hours during the first six months of this year. The State of Georgia Peace Officer Standards Training requires the 20 hours to include four classes; firearms requalification, use of force, de-escalation, and community policing.”
The statement read that one of the school resources officers has completed four-out-of-four of the required courses, with the second officer to complete the final two requirements in coming months. The chief deputy added that Towns County Sheriff’s Office allows officers to attend training as budget and manpower needs allow, adding that both deputies will receive the required training by year’s end.
“School Resource Officer Programs across the state are experiencing many new challenges when it comes to keeping schools safe,” Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell, host of the GASRO conference, explained to Now Habersham in May. “Whether it be dealing with issues that have been in the schools for years or new trends that are becoming more commonplace, it is imperative that we stay up to date on the latest technologies and training.”
The three-day course involved advancement in vital areas, including criminal investigations in campus settings, evaluation of threat assestments, students and social media, and drug interdiction.
Feature Photo: GASRO training at Brasstown Valley Resort Credit: GASRO
Murphy man charged in Young Harris stabbing assault
News June 14, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – On Wednesday, June 12, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with Towns County Emergency Medical Services and Towns County Fire and Rescue personnel, responded to a residence located on King Cove Road in Young Harris in reference to a stabbing which had occurred. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that the victim had been transported to an area hospital by private vehicle. Upon further investigation, the victim was identified as Robbie Morrow. The scene was secured, and a search warrant was obtained for the residence.
The person allegedly responsible for the stabbing was located on the scene upon the arrival of deputies. After the execution of a search warrant and further investigation into the incident, including interviewing all parties involved, James Falvo, 53, of Murphy, North Carolina, was arrested and charged with the following crimes:
- One count of aggravated assault
- One count of aggravated battery
The investigation is currently active and ongoing at this time. The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit
District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Falvo is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
UPDATE: Towns County Sheriff’s Office corrected the first name of victim after publication, adding that the suspect, James Falvo, was denied bond at his first appearance hearing, and is being held at the Towns County Detention Center.
Towns County 911 speaks out on fatal BOLO
News May 26, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Three months have passed since a fatal crash took the life of Hiawassee resident Terry Silvers, leaving two victims injured, a 911 caller traumatized, and the citizens of Towns County questioning the responsibilty of the authorities involved in the controversial tragedy.
On the evening of Saturday, Feb.23, a “be-on-the-lookout” (BOLO) for a reckless driver was issued by Towns County 911 to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, a call that went unanswered by Corporal Gregory Joseph – the sole deputy assigned to that particular zone – shortly before the deadly collision occurred.
Towns County 911 Director Marty Roberts recently spoke with FetchYourNews (FYN), clarifying the process employed by the emergency agency. “A BOLO is a BOLO,” Roberts explained. “There isn’t different levels of urgency. The dispatcher handled the Feb. 23 call correctly. The key was when the driver was identified as Silvers. We typically do not dispatch a subject’s name.”
Corporal Joseph had responded to an accident involving Silvers the previous night, allowing the father of six to leave the scene without facing charges, despite testimony from witnesses who claimed the now-deceased was obviously impaired. Silvers, who had a criminal record, was known by local law enforcement to suffer from drug addiction. Furthermore, an additional Silvers’ accident took place a few months prior, with the same deputy in question responding to a vehicle rollover.
Family members of Silvers, as well as the 911 caller, have publicly speculated that because Silvers was identified by dispatchers, Towns County Sheriff’s Office may have opted to disregard the turned-fatal BOLO.
Towns County’s 911 director emphasized that the deputy who bypassed the BOLO was not dispatched by 911 to the possible prowler call in the eastern zone, a call which was adequately covered by a second deputy and a Hiawassee police officer. Early into FYN’s investigation, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton denied departmental responsibility in a statement issued to the county’s legal organ, shifting focus toward Towns County 911. The sheriff has yet to answer questions posed by investigative reporters.
Although Towns County 911 is its own separate entity, Roberts said that the responsibility to alter the system lies within the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. “We dispatch according to the protocol the department sets,” Roberts stated. “We are always willing to improve.”
11Alive News in Atlanta is scheduled to broadcast their investigation into Towns County Sheriff’s Office involvement in the well-known tragedy this evening, May 26, at 6 p.m.
Additional articles on the subject, including the audio from the viral 911 call, are available by clicking this highlighted link.
On-Scene Exclusive: Towns County holds active shooter drill, tests medical response
News May 3, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Realistic is the most accurate adjective to describe an active shooter drill which took place in Towns County on the morning of Friday, May 3, 2019. The full-scale training, directed jointly by the Georgia Mountains Healthcare Coalition and the Northeast Georgia Health System, was designed primarily to test the response of emergency medical providers.
A Towns County deputy stands beside a subdued “shooter”
The mock scenario took place outside of Dr. Samuel Church’s office, located behind Zaxby’s restaurant, off State Route 76 in eastern Hiawassee. “Victims” were staged – complete with graphic, cosmetic injuries – at various points throughout the crime scene. Some were in open view, while others were in less obvious locations. The narrative, previously reported by FYN, read that two, escaped inmates – members of the brutal “Ghostface Gang” – shot innocent bystanders outside of the medical provider’s office.
A young “gunshot victim” awaits emergency medical treatment
At 9:11 am, Towns County 911 dispatched emergency responders to the scene of the simulated crisis. Within one minute, law enforcement officers from Hiawassee Police Department and Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the masacre, blocking the roadway with patrol vehicles before “fatally” subduing two shooters in skilled succession. One the threat had been neutralized, four Towns County Sheriff’s deputies secured a perimeter around the scene, and Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith could be seen directing a hysterical actor to a suitable location. Along with civilians, a law enforcement officer was said to have been “fatally shot” during the mock attack.
Brandi Garrett, a resident of Hayesville, volunteered to play the role of a fatally injured “victim”
Towns County Fire and Rescue responders soon arrived at the location, lights flashing and sirens screaming, rendering aid while triaging “victims” according to the severity of their injuries. “Victims” who were fatally wounded were quickly tagged to alert incoming responders of their expired conditions.
Towns County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) raced to the crisis, providing urgent treatment on multiple casualties. Three ambulances transported the “victims” to Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee, and three of the “patients” warranted an air-flight to trauma centers. FYN spoke with EMS Director Ken Nicholson during the drill as he assisted a role-player who suffered a gunshot wound to the abdominal area. “The training was laid out good,” the lead paramedic said. “The victims were scattered in different places, and it went well, working with available resources.”
“I think it went well,” agreed Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, once the exercise had concluded. “It was about as realistic as we could have hoped. While the drill was designed mainly to test medical response, the addition of law enforcement created an authentic scenario. The drill was realistic, and the stress involved helped induce the right mindset.” Chief Smith was the commanding officer of the drill, as it occurred within the city’s jurisdiction. Smith explained that in a real-life situation at that particular location, Main Street would have been partitioned to eliminate traffic, and the media would have likely been staged at a nearby plaza. Georgia Bureau of Investigation would have been tasked with investigating the tragic scene. Towns County Sheriff’s Captain Jim Couch explained that the Towns County Courthouse and Towns County Schools simulated a lock-down for the sake of security during the drill.
Towns County Fire and Rescue prepares a “victim” for transport
Towns County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Brandon Walls observed the agencies’ response techniques, noting areas that could benefit from additional training. Walls described the drill as “quality,” adding that EMA plans to “hotwash” items with the fire department. Clearview at Chatuge Clinic Director Wendell Farmer was present throughout the exercise, along with registered nurse and paramedic, Sherry Minchew, an artistic participant who created the detailed, physical effects on the “injured” role-players.
An active shooter drill was simultaneously held in Blairsville at the farmers market venue, with “patient” transports arriving at Union General Hospital.
Feature Photo: Towns County EMS transports a “gunshot victim” to an awaiting ambulance for treatment
Towns County Sheriff’s Office deems “Operation Trial Run” a success
News April 21, 2019
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.
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.”
Towns County Sheriff’s Office warns of scam
News April 3, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – A circulating scam targeted toward Towns County residents was brought to FYN’s attention. Towns County Sheriff’s Office said the agency has recently received several complaints of attempted phone scams. The caller identified themselves as Towns County Sheriff’s Office personnel, trying to acquire funds or cash via telephone.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office informed that personnel does not call residents by phone in an attempt to obtain funds or cash for any reason whatsoever. If you receive a phone call from a person who identifies him or herself as an employee of the Sheriff’s Office, and you have caller ID, note the number which the call came from.
Note the time that the phone call came through as well. Immediately, call Towns County 911 to have a deputy make a report.
Again, Towns County Sheriff’s Office personel never call residents by phone to acquire funds or cash.