Two arrested in Young Harris for possession of methamphetamine
Arrest Reports, News March 18, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, GA – Deputies and investigators with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects on drug charges following a March 12 traffic stop.
Andrew Hogsed
Deputies stopped a white Ford Astro Van on Highway 17 in Young Harris, GA, on a traffic offense. According to the sheriff’s office, the driver provided the deputies with a false name. Upon further investigation into the traffic stop, the following suspects were arrested and charged with the listed offenses:
Emily Silknitter
Emily Ann Silknitter, 35, of Murphy, NC
- One count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine) - One count drug Related Objects
- One count Violation of Tail Light Requirement
- Two counts Seatbelt Violation (Juvenile)
- One count Giving False Name to Law Enforcement
Andrew Chase Hogsed, 23 ,of Murphy, NC
- One count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine) - One count of Drug Related Objects
The investigation is active and ongoing. The case will be referred 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 deputy who bypassed fatal BOLO released Silvers night before crash
Investigative Report, News March 9, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FYN uncovered troubling new details leading to the Feb. 23 accident that left one man dead, two victims injured, and a 911 caller in need of trauma therapy.
On the evening of Terry Silvers’ fatal crash, an unresponsive be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) was issued by Towns County 911 to Towns County Sheriff’s Office. In the dispatched audio recently released by FYN, a siren can be heard passing a 911 caller who pursued Silvers’ vehicle into North Carolina, initiating an urgent call for law enforcement’s help.
FYN recently discovered that the same Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy who did not respond to the turned-fatal BOLO was the deputy who released Silvers the night before tragedy struck. Towns County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Greg Joseph, also known as 112, bypassed the frantic 911 caller in order to respond to a possible prowler on Clark Drive in eastern Towns County. Deputy “112” released Silvers the previous night following an accident on Bugscuffle Road in Hiawassee.
Terry Silvers, in a photo submitted by his daughter, Amber
FYN received inside information that Towns County Sheriff’s Office Deputy 116, Eddie Spradlin, the county officer heard chastising the 911 dispatcher for issuing the BOLO on the released tape, requested the specific assistance of Hiawassee Police Department in response to the possible prowler. Towns County Sheriff’s Office dual, on-duty deputies were assigned to eastern and western zones.
A Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Hiawassee Police Department officer were already on scene, actively clearing the residence, at the time the unanswered BOLO was issued for Silvers’ vehicle, prior to the deadly accident.
According to a local newspaper, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton stated that Deputy 112 Joseph was responding to provide back-up for the “only other deputy on duty,” referencing the possible prowler call as the reason that the BOLO was ignored. What Sheriff Clinton failed to mention was that not one, but two law enforcement officers were already on scene, securing the residence. “While we cannot possibly be there in time to prevent every tragedy, our deputies do a superb job of protecting our community with the resources available,” the sheriff is quoted as saying in the March 6 publication, “They perform their duties at the highest levels of professionalism, and they care deeply about our community and the safety of all citizens.”
While FYN remains strong advocates of law enforcement, FYN’s questions concerning the Silvers’ case remain unanswered by Towns County Sheriff’s Office.
On March 8, Sheriff Clinton published Deputy 112 Joseph’s body camera footage from Silvers’ Bugscuffle accident on the evening prior to the fatal crash. Despite testimonies from witnesses claimimg that Silvers’ was clearly in no condition to drive, Silvers was released without charges by Towns County Sheriff’s Office. As previously reported by FYN, multiple individuals have come forth to claim that Silvers was repeatedly released by Towns County Sheriff’s Office despite evident impairment following numerous accidents. In combination with widespread knowledge of Silvers’ opioid use, citizens are questioning why law enforcement failed to take a proactive role. In the published footage, Deputy 112 Joseph states that he has responded to accidents involving Silvers in the past while the tow truck operator on scene later questions Silvers’ sobriety. “Mr. Silvers, how many wrecks you going to have on this road?” the deputy asked. Silvers was administered an alcohol sensor and horizonal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, and released without charges the night prior to his death.
FYN discovered that Silvers was arrested in May 2008, by Hiawassee Police Department for driving under the influence of opioids. According to the arrest report, former Hiawassee Chief Jimmy Wright performed a HGN test which Silvers failed. In the report, the late chief stated that Silvers exhibited evident disorientation and slurred speech.
In a social media post attached to the body camera footage, Sheriff Clinton stated in relation to the unresponsive BOLO that never was “a judgement call made by anyone employed by, supervised by, or otherwise under the control or responsibility of the Sheriff of Towns County.” Clinton seemingly shifted blame to Towns County 911, causing online outrage in response.
An administrator with Towns County Sheriff’s Office added comments concerning the department’s need for back-up without acknowledging the fact that a Hiawassee Police Department officer was on scene. In addition, the sheriff’s administrator provided an informational link in a seeming attempt to disassociate the sheriff’s office from Towns County 911. UPDATE: Following the release of this article, the sheriff’s administrator deleted comments made.
In accordance with state law, FYN filed a simple, open records request with Towns County Sheriff’s Office March 6 for the written report on the prowler incident. Towns County Sheriff’s Office replied that due to increased prisioner transport to the courthouse, the department’s road patrol lieutenant and captain had not yet approved the report, and that it will not be available for release until as late as March 15.
Georgia’s Open Records Act allows a maximum of 72 hours for delivery of public records, or a viable reason as to why they cannot be produced.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office has not responded to FYN’s requests for comment on Silvers’ case.
WSB-TV and 11 Alive news in Atlanta have taken interest in FYN’s investigation.
Additional Details Surrounding Silvers’ Fatal Accident Surface
News March 5, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – New discoveries have surfaced surrounding the death of Terry Samuel Silvers, a 52 year old Hiawassee resident who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 23, in Clay County, N.C. Additional witnesses have come forth on Silvers’ behalf, attesting to Silvers’ condition on the evening preceding his death. Furthermore, FYN uncovered the circumstances surrounding the unresponsive, emergency call issued to Towns County Sheriff’s Office the following night.
FYN released information three days after Silvers’ passing, exposing that Silvers had been involved in a vehicle accident on Bugscuffle Road in Towns County, the night prior to the fatal crash. Towns County Sheriff’s Office’s accident report, which was submitted to FYN by a third-party, stated that alcohol and substance screenings were not conducted by law enforcement Feb. 22. FYN since learned that alcohol testing was, in fact, administered to Silvers by the responding deputy.
Terry Silvers was traveling south on Bugscuffle Road when his vehicle entered into the oncoming lane of traffic, colliding with a roadside fence. The accident report states that shifting firewood in the bed of Silvers’ truck contributed to the collision. FYN contacted the owner of the property damaged in the incident, Daren “Bear” Osborn, a veteran law enforcement officer from a neighboring county.
Most recent social media profile photograph of Terry Silvers
Osborn told FYN that he was present when Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene, and asserted that despite alcohol testing conducted on the now-deceased, Silvers, in his observation, should not have been behind the wheel Feb. 22.
“I didn’t smell alcohol, but based on my training and experience, 32 years, I recognized (Terry) was in no shape to drive due to his condition,” the off-duty deputy explained, “What strikes me as odd is that an alco sensor and HGN was done which does not indicate drug use.” Osborn described Silvers as exhibiting confused behavior while showing evident signs of impaired judgment.
“Alco sensors” are commonly known as breathalizers. HGN, horizantal gaze nystagmus, is a standardized field sobriety test for alcohol-induced impairment.
John Bagley, Osborn’s neighbor, agreed that Silvers was unfit to drive. “(Terry) wrecked right across from my house,” Bagley said. “He was in no shape to be driving. I think there should have been additional tests done. It could have saved his life.”
Throughout the week following Silvers’ death, FYN spoke with over a dozen individuals who relayed that Silvers was a known opioid user with a long history of accidents. Family, friends, and neighbors claimed that Silvers had been released by Towns County Sheriff’s Office on multiple occasions without facing charges.
Terra Silvers, the daugter of Terry Silvers, contacted FYN through our website. “My father, Terry Silvers, had to lose his life due to lack of effort on behalf of Towns County Sheriff’s Office…,” Silvers wrote, “It’s just not fair. They are to protect and serve, but instead they want to let those that are under the influence go. All I can say is I’m really going to miss my dad. He was a good man, respectful, and would help anyone with anything he could. He didn’t deserve this.”
Numerous, additional family members, citizens, and unaffiliated law enforcement officers relayed that Terry Silvers was known to suffer from addiction, with many adding that Silvers’ case was not an isolated incident. One citizen shared her thoughts in the comment section of a previous article published by FYN. “Sad, but there are so many more examples of the TCSO (Towns County Sheriff’s Office) being ‘easy’ on local addicts…,” the remark reads.
On Feb. 23, the evening following the Bugscuffle Road accident, Silvers was traveling west of Hiawassee on Highway 76, when a good samaritan placed a 911 call to Towns County emergency dispatch upon witnessing a white Toyota pickup truck driving recklessly. Heather Segars, a local resident, pursued whom she soon identified as Silvers. pleading for law enforcement to respond to the turned-fatal incident.
As Segars followed Silvers into the parking lot of Cornerstore BP, a gas station at the intersection of Highway 76 and Highway 17, a siren can be heard in the 911 audio, passing the distraught caller. FYN learned that Towns County Sheriff’s Office was responding to a possible prowler off Highway 75, the road that leads to Helen, GA. Two officers had arrived on scene at the residence on Clark Drive at the time the be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) was issued to Towns County Sheriff’s Office. The initial, responding officers cleared the residence, with no disturbance found.
After deliberation and close consultation with the Silvers’ family, along with conversations with the traumatized 911 caller, FYNTV.com released the Feb. 23 emergency audio to allow the public to hear the disturbing interaction firsthand. The Silvers’ family and good samaritan maintain that Towns County Sheriff’s Office could have prevented the Feb. 23 fatality. FYNTV attached a recording of a phone call between a Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy and the 911 dispatcher that took place shortly after the deadly crash occurred, revealing the Towns County deputy chastising the dispatcher for issuing the BOLO.
FYN contacted Towns County Sheriff’s Office prior to the release of previous articles pertaining to Terry Silvers’ death, offering opportunity to issue a statement on behalf of the department. Towns County Sheriff’s Office has not responded to FYN’s request.
Clinton announces 2020 re-election bid for sheriff
News September 19, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton made an appearance at the Thursday, Sept. 19, Towns County Republican Party meeting to publicly announce his intent to seek re-election in 2020.
“I am absolutely seeking your vote, your support, for my campaign in 2020,” Clinton said. “I plan to run for sheriff of Towns County again, and I’m going to be running based on my track record because I think our track record at the sheriff’s office is really second to none, certainly in the history of this county. I think the truth speaks for itself.”
Clinton was elected in 2007 following a special election. No challengers have officially announced candidacy for Office of the Sheriff at this time.
FetchYourNews attracts over 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month, and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com with a 60,000 Facebook page reach.
If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of our counties of coverage, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
UPDATED: Hiawassee subject in custody, tased after police pursuit
News August 14, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga.- A Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy engaged in the pursuit of a fleeing vehicle, following an attempted traffic stop, Wednesday, Aug. 14, on State Route 288 in Hiawassee.
A social media profile photo of Patrick Oakes
Patrick Ryan Oakes, 40, of Hiawassee, led authorities on a short chase this afternoon before wrecking the white Chevrolet SUV that he was driving, causing slight damage to a county patrol vehicle. Towns County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the suspect was subdued by taser prior to his arrest. Oakes was transported by deputies to the Towns County Detention Center in Young Harris.
FetchYourNews is awaiting additional information on the incident from officials at this time.
Oakes is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
UPDATED: Oakes was initially charged with driving too fast for conditions and failure to drive within a single lane. Additional charges are in pending status. Oakes is being held without bond as of Aug. 15.
UPDATED:
Fetch Your News is a now news network, attracting 300,000+ page views and 3.5 million impressions per month throughout our counties of coverage in northern Georgia and western North Carolina. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 viewers per week on our Facebook page.
Young Harris traffic stop leads to additional methamphetamine arrests
News June 17, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – As in recent weeks, Towns County Sheriff’s Office has continued their pursuit of drug suspects in the Towns County area. On Friday, June 14, a Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape on State Highway 339 in Young Harris for a traffic violation. Upon investigation, two suspects were arrested on drug related offenses.
Joe William Strain, 49, of Young Harris, was arrested and charged with the following:
- One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
- One Count Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer
Perry Green, 56, of Young Harris was arrested and charged with the following:
- Two Counts Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
- One Count of Improper Tag Display
The cases remain active, and under further investigation. Additional drug arrests and charges are likely. 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.
Feature Image: (L-R) Joe Strain, Perry Green
Arrest warrant served at Hiawassee residence connected to Hayesville human remains
News June 5, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and invesigators arrived at a residence off Bell Street in Hiawassee shortly before 6 pm, Saturday, June 2, to serve a Clay County, NC arrest warrant for Caleb Anthony Ellis, 17, of Hayesville, NC.
Caleb Ellis
FYN learned that Ellis was taken into custody by authorities without incident on an out-of-state misdemeanor charge. Ellis was transported to Towns County Detention Center for processing, and is being held without bond.
Of interest is that the location where Ellis was apprehended was the residence a female subject was taken for questioning two days prior, following the discovery of human remains in Clay County. A second subject, Brett “Dakota” Wilson, fled the residence in question shortly before law enforcement arrived May 31. Wilson, 22, was located and arrested in Cherokee County, NC on prior warrants, June 1.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office, serving the warrant for Ellis’ arrest
While it is unknown if Ellis has been questioned in the case, and no suspects have yet been charged by authorities, Clay County Sheriff’s Office informed FYN that a person of interest has been identified. While law enforcement has confirmed the discovery of human remains, and deemed the death suspicious in nature, the victim’s identity has not been officially identified by officials.
FYN is awaiting a press release from Clay County Sheriff’s Office at this time.
TCSO continues to make methamphetamine arrests
News May 30, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Monday, May 20, a Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to a call on Mining Gap Road in Young Harris. “The call was in reference to drugs which were discovered,” the sheriff’s office said. The deputy, upon further investigation into the call, arrested Richard Green, 29, of Hiawassee, Georgia.
Richard Green was arrested and charged with the following:
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
One Count of Drug Related Objects
On Wednesday, May 22, Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies, along with State of Georgia probation officers, conducted a search of a residence located off Gum Log Road in Young Harris, Georgia. Upon completion of the search, over $10,000 worth of illegal drugs, 2 firearms, cash, scales, and other items were recovered. Investigators arrested two suspects, Zachary Ramsey, 28, of Young Harris, and Emily Anderson, 23,
of Young Harris.
Zachary Ramsey was arrested and charged with the following:
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Trafficking in Methamphetamine)
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to Distribute)
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
One Count Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony
One Count Possession of Drug Related Objects
Emily Anderson was arrested and charged with the following:
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Traffiking in Methamphetamine)
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute)
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Schedule II Drugs)
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Schedule IV Drugs)
One Count Violation of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony
One Count Possession of Drug Related Objects
On Thursday, May 23 , during the early morning hours, Clay County Sheriff’s Office Deputies pursued a Jeep Cherokee into Towns County on Highway 66 in Young Harris. The occupants in the vehicle were observed tossing items out of the vehicle after it entered Town County, authorites said. Towns County investigators, along with deputies searched the area, recovering a firearm, as well as illegal drugs which had been thrown out of the fleeing vehicle. Towns County Sheriff’s investigators arrested the following suspects:
Travis Edward Brown, 41, of Marble, North Carolina, and Christin Elise Stinchcomb, 38, of Andrews, North Carolina. Travis Edward Brown was arrested and charged with the following:
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
One Count Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
One Count Tampering with Evidence
Christin Elise Stinchcomb was arrested and charged with the following:
One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
One Count Tampering with Evidence
Clay County Sheriff’s Office has placed a hold on both suspects in reference to the prior warrants.
All cases are still active, and under further investigation. 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.
New information on Towns County Sheriff’s Office training discovered
News May 17, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) opened an investigation into the death of Terry Samuel Silvers, a father of six known to suffer from substance abuse, shortly after an accident claimed the Hiawassee resident’s life Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. The fatal collision left two victims injured, an eyewitness traumatized, and the community questioning whether Towns County Sheriff’s Office should have done more to prevent the tragedy.
Towns County Deputy Corporal Gregory Joseph responded to two prior accidents involving Silvers, releasing the now-deceased on both occassions without charges, despite widespread knowledge of Silvers’ drug use, and testimonies from several witnesses who claimed Silvers was obviously under the influence of intoxicants at the time of both incidents.
New information recently updated by Georgia’s Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) reveals that the deputy in question attended six hours of drug-impared detection training through the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia (PAC) a week prior to a late-November, 2018, roll-over accident involving Silvers. As in the case of a subsequent incident in which Deputy Joseph responded, occurring on the evening before Silvers’ death, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) was conducted, a test which does not properly indicate drug impairment.
A two-day Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection Enforcement (ARIDE) course for law enforcement is scheduled in Hiawassee next week. According to a document obtained by FYN on May 16 from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC), there is no record of Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies listed as upcoming participants. Of note, four Hiawassee police officers plan to attend the training, two of whom trained in the past.
During the course of our investigation, FYN conducted numerous interviews with former deputies of the Towns County Sheriff’s Office who unanimously cited lack of training and leadership as reasons for their resignations.
As seen in Corporal Joseph’s body camera footage from Nov. 27, witness Belinda Munger is heard telling the deputy that Silvers had a habit of driving under the influence of intoxicants, posing a danger to innocent citizens. Also in question is a telephone call answered by the responding deputy during the incident.
“I was woken up to the sound of shattering glass,” Munger told FYN, shortly after Silvers’ death. “I jumped out of bed, ran to my kitchen to see what was going on. I looked out my window and saw Terry’s truck hanging off my bank, almost going through my mother’s house. I called 911 while putting my shoes on to head out the door. Terry had gotten off in the ditch, taken out the neighbor’s mailbox, continuing down the ditch, hitting tree stumps which caused his truck to flip. He was so heavily medicated, he did not realize that he had even flipped his truck.
“He asked if someone could pull his truck out so he could go home. Officer Joseph arrives on scene. I explained what had happened and let them know that it was obvious; he was under the influence of pills. The officer asked Terry for his ID. Terry stumbles to get to his vehicle, where he searched for a long while for his ID and insurance. I asked the officer if he saw Terry stumbling as he walked to his vehicle, but the officer did not even acknowledge what I said. Another officer arrived on scene and I advised him of what was going on, also that they needed to test him. I was very open with letting them know how ridiculous it was that they did not think anything was wrong with Terry. It was very obvious, he couldn’t even hardly keep his eyes open and was slurring his speech.
“The ambulance arrived, and Terry refused to let him transport or check him,” Munger continued. “They as well could tell he was medicated and nothing would be done. The other officer advised Officer Joseph that I was upset, and that I wanted him tested. Officer Joseph came back to tell me he had checked out fine, but I knew different. Then, I asked both officers, ‘Will it take him killing someone for you all to do something with him?’ I told them how ridiculous it was that, once again, they were letting him go free knowing how he was under the influence of pills… Later that day, I reached out to Sheriff Clinton one last time, and left a message with his secretary. But like usual, there was no attempt of a return phone call from the sheriff.” Munger can be heard in the video, telling the deputy that Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton should be contacted before Silvers’ “kills someone.”
Approximately three months later, the evening prior to the fatal crash, Silvers was involved in an additional accident on Bugscuffle Road in which Deputy Joseph responded. Again, Silvers was released by Towns County Sheriff’s Office. The property damaged in the Feb. 22, belongs to neighboring Union County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Daren “Bear” Osborn. “Based on my training and experience, 32 years, I recognized (Terry) was in no shape to drive due to his condition,” the off-duty deputy explained in March. “What strikes me as odd is that an alco sensor and HGN was done which does not indicate drug use.” Osborn described Silvers as exhibiting confused behavior while showing evident signs of impaired judgment.
An “alco sensor” is commonly known as breathalizer. Family members and friends of Silvers stated that Terry was not a drinker, but recognized in the community and to law enforcement as an opioid user. North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office did not perform a post-mortem screen on Silvers for narcotics, however, opting to only conduct ethanol testing for alcohol.
John Bagley, a witness who spoke with FYN shortly after the tragedy agreed with Lt. Osborn, stating that Silvers was clearly unfit to drive on the night prior to his death. “(Terry) wrecked right across from my house,” Bagley said. “He was in no shape to be driving. I think there should have been additional tests done. It could have saved his life.”
WXIA – 11 (11Alive News) will broadcast a televised investigation into Terry Silvers’ death, beginning Tuesday, May 21, at 11 pm. An in-depth segment will follow Sunday, May 26.
Below is the disturbing 911 audio previously released by FYN from the night of the fatal crash…
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23f_zncSj5g[/embedyt]
Sheriff’s Office arrests Hiawassee man for manufacturing marijuana
News May 6, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators discovered illegal drugs at a residence searched Friday, April 26 on Foster Road in Hiawassee.
Roy Lee Moneypenny
Investigators arrested Roy Lee Moneypenny, 62, of Hiawassee, on the following charges:
- One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Manufacturing Marijuana)
- One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Marijuana)
- One Count of Possession of Drug Related Objects
The investigation is currently active and ongoing. Additional charges are possible. The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Moneypenny is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
While medical marijuana was legalized in Georgia, cultivation and use of the plant without a physician’s approval remains illicit. Georgia has allowed patients suffering from severe seizures and other illnesses to use cannabis oil since 2015. The state did not allow in-state cultivation, however, and thousands of individuals on the program’s registry risked defying federal law by transporting the drug across state lines. Advocates supported medical marijuana expansion, although the measure involved significant obsticals before cannabis oil could be manufactured and distributed in the state. Six private companies were permitted to grow medical marijuana, but the dispensaries could not operate without a state board license. April 17 marked Governor Brian Kemp’s historic signing of House Bill 324, which allows for legal cultivation and sale of cannabis oil in Georgia.
Domestic violence leads to drug warrant arrest
Arrest Reports, News April 1, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies responded to a residence Thursday, March 28, on Duncan Road in Young Harris in reference to a reported domestic incident involving physical injuries.
Derick Randal Canup
Upon the officers’ arrival, a female victim was located at the residence with visible physical injuries. The victim refused medical treatment at the time, although the victim agreed to later allow a family member take her for medical treatment.
Upon further investigation into the incident, officers located the suspect at the residence. Deputies arrested Derick Randal Canup, 28, of Hayesville, NC, on one count of battery under the Family Violence Act (FVA). Canup was arrested at the scene without incident.
Additionally, Canup was arrested on an active warrant out of Clay County, NC, for failure to appear in court on possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia charges.
Canup was released on bond from Towns County Detention Center on the battery FVA charge and turned over to Clay County authorities on the arrest order.
The battery FVA charge will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Canup is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Eight additional drug suspects arrested in Towns County
News July 20, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies continue their strong push to arrest drug suspects throughout the Towns County area. During the past two weeks, eight additional drug suspects have been arrested as the result of traffic stops and executed search warrants.
On Thursday July 4, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on State Route 180 on a GMC Sonomam pickup and upon further investigation into the traffic stop, Russell Eugene Elder, 60, of Jonesboro was arrested and charged with: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana, and 1-Count of Improper Tag Display.
On Sunday July 1, a Towns County Deputy made a traffic stop on State Hwy. 288 on a Saturn Ion and as a result and upon further investigation Jessica Christine Long, 48, of Hayesville, North Carolina was arrested and charged with 1-Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana, and 1-Count of Defective
Equipment.
On Wednesday, July 17, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the Bald Mountain Community of Towns County on Turtle Cove, and as a result of the search warrant and previous investigation into drug activity at the residence, five suspects were arrested:
- William Rayford Blitch, 49, of Hiawassee: 4-Counts Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, sale of Methamphetamine.
- Wendy Ree Carroll, 34, of Hiawassee: 3-Counts of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, sale of Methamphetamine.
- Jolena Nichols, 49, of Hiawassee : 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of THC Cart Schedule I
- Walter Lee Burrell, 53, of Blairsville: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Diliaudid a Schedule II, 1-Count Drug Related Objects.
- Shelia Marie Watts, 39, of Blairsville: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Diliaudid Schedule II, and 1-count Drug Related Objects.
On Wednesday July 17, deputies and investigators responded to a call of a suspicious person on Crooked Creek Connector and upon answering the call and execution of a search warrant at a residence on Crooked Creek Connector the following suspect was arrested and charged:
Dennis Lee Wheeler, 35. of Hiawassee: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, 1-Count Criminal Trespass, and 1-Count Disorderly Conduct.
The Towns County Sheriff’s Office will continue their strong effort to seek out the drug suspects within the Towns County Area, and additional arrests will be forth coming. The above cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution . All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputy’s administration of Narcan prevents overdose death
News April 11, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Opioid abuse is a far-reaching epidemic in the United States, and Towns County is no stranger to the adverse affects. Opioids are a class of drugs which include prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin, in addition to illicit heroin. An opioid overdose can be deadly, and the primary signs that death may be imminent includes slowed or ceased breathing, pinpoint pupils, and unconsciousness or non-responsiveness. In some cases, symptoms of an opioid overdose involves limpness, pale or clammy skin, a purple or blue tint to fingernails and lips, and vomiting.
On April 4, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton awarded a local deputy for her actions in preventing the death of an overdose victim with the use of naloxone, a medication also known as Narcan, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
“On January 26, 2019, Corporal (Lisa) Joseph was dispatched to an overdose call at a residence in northwest Towns County,” Towns County Sheriff’s Captain Jim Couch stated. “Upon arriving, she was greeted by the home owner and a small child, the owner stated that a friend had come to the residence while he was away and was found inside the residence, sitting in a chair and was in a comatose condition. He believed the friend had overdosed on a narcotic. He further stated he was aware that the friend was a drug user and stated he may have taken an overdose of heroin or some other type of narcotic drug.
“Corporal Joseph located the person, a 26 year old male, who was seated inside and appeared to have low signs of life. She found that he had an excessive pulse and she could not awaken him. The dispatched emergency medical personnel had not arrived yet, so she performed s sternum rub with no response. Corporal Joseph, fearing that the male was in immediate danger, administered a single dose of the agency-supplied Narcan by injection into a nostril. Corporal Joseph continued to try to awaken the male and after approximately thirty 30 seconds, the male opened his eyes and appeared to be coming out of the comatose state. Upon the arrival of emergency medical personnel, Corporal Joseph notified those personnel of her actions relating to the administering of the Narcan product. After speaking with emergency medical personnel that were on the incident scene it was determined that the actions of Corporal Joseph did in fact cause an immediate change in the male and did halt further damage that the drug ingested would have caused, including death. In their words, ‘She save that man’s life’.”
When administered, opioids bind to the brain’s receptors, affecting the functionality of the central nervous system as a result. More specifically, they depress or slow the functions of the central nervous system, decreasing respiration. An overdose occurs when the dose of opioids is higher than what the body and brain can tolerate, and breathing slows to a dangerous level or stops altogether. According to medical professionals, it is important, even with the use of Narcan, for people who experience an opioid overdose to receive immediate, emergency treatment. Opioid overdoses can lead to not only death, but can result in permanent mental and physical damage.
Feature Photo: (L-R) Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, Cpl. Lisa Joseph, Capt. Jim Couch
Methamphetamine arrests continue in Towns County
Arrest Reports, News April 8, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Substance abuse casts a dark shadow over far too many lives, and law enforcement officers continue the battle to combat the epidemic from a legal standpoint.
Kristy Lynn McGaha
On Monday, April 1, Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kristy Lynn McGaha, 38, charging McGaha with the following offenses:
- Two counts sale of methamphetamine
- Purchase/possession/manufacture/distribution/sale of methamphetamine
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Purchase/possession/manufacture/distribution/sale of marijuana
- Possession/use of marijuana
On Sunday, April 7, Yonah Peppers, 44, was arrested by Georgia State Patrol, charging Peppers with the following violations:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of Schedule 1 controlled substance
- Possession of marijuana – less than one ounce
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
McGaha and Peppers are being held at the Towns County Detention Center without bond.
Yonah Peppers
While circumstances surrounding individual drug use differ, statistics reveal that the proportion of Americans who use methamphetamine on a monthly basis has hovered in the range of .02 to .03 percent since 1999.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine is highly addictive due to its potent action on the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals: dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine induces feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation. Because methamphetamine significantly increases the brain’s levels of dopamine, the substance creates a euphoric rush when users ingest, inhale, or inject the drug.
Methamphetamine impacts the brain’s levels of serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and memory. When the effects of methamphetamine subside, the brain is depleted of both dopamine and serotonin, creating feelings of depression and anxiety. Repeated use of methamphetamine leads to increased tolerance, causing users to require a higher dose to receive the same effect.
In 2018, Georgia Bureau of Investigation listed methamphetamine as the lead substance tested in the state crime lab.
Brother of victim claims Sheriff’s Office could have prevented fatal accident
News March 1, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Terry Silvers, 52, a resident of Hiawassee, suffered fatal injuries Saturday, Feb. 23, in Clay County, NC, after the pickup truck that he was driving collided with another vehicle on NC-69. FYN released information three days after the deadly crash, divulging that Silvers had been involved in an accident in Towns County the night prior to his death.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Friday evening incident on Bugscuffle Road, and Silvers was released without charges. The accident report stated that alcohol or substance screenings were not conducted. Towns County Sheriff’s Office reported that the accident was the result of shifting firewood in the bed of Silvers’ truck.
Multiple individuals contacted FYN to speak on behalf of Silvers, two of whom requested to go on-record, asserting that they believe Silvers would still be alive had local law enforcement reacted to prior incidents in a different manner.
“Towns County Sheriff’s Office needs to be investigated,” Mark Silvers, brother of the victim, began. “Not only did Terry wreck the night before. but there were more times before that. Towns County law was on scene, and my brother was let go. He should have been locked up. People were telling them that he was messed up, and if they’d done their job the night before the fatal night, my brother would be alive. Towns County law should be fully responsible for his death. If they’d done their job and locked him up Friday night, my brother would still be with us today. He’s been let go many times.”
Most recent social media profile photograph of Terry Silvers
Mark Silvers went on to say that his brother battled an opioid addiction. “Even though he wasn’t drunk, the law should have known he was on drugs. A lot people told them, ‘What was it going to take? Him to kill someone or kill himself before they do something?’ and by that time, it was too late.”
Silvers iterated that numerous individuals had conveyed to Towns County Sheriff’s Office on multiple occassions that Terry Silvers was under the influence of narcotics, and that Silvers should not return behind the wheel without facing legal consequences.
Belinda Munger, a former Towns County 911 dispatcher and neighbor of Silvers, additionally contacted FYN, stating that Silvers had a history of drug use and accidents. On different occassions, Munger stated that Towns County Sheriff’s Office responded to accidents which Silvers was involved, although the now-deceased was not taken into custody. Munger reported that in December, 2017, Silvers was involved in an accident in front of her home. Munger said that she described what ensued to responding deputies. “We also had told them he was under the influence of pills and it was very obvious…,” Munger explained. “I was very distraught, had he not hit the tree, he would have ran into my house, into my son’s bedroom. The officers advised my neighbor, when she showed up, that they did not have to notify her, even though it was her property where he wrecked. I tried to reach out to (Towns County) Sheriff (Chris) Clinton, but there was no attempt of a returned phone call from him. Nothing more came of this call.”
Upon suggestion from a confidential source, FYN filed an open record request to review 911 audio of the “be-on-the-lookout” (BOLO) issued to Towns County Sheriff’s Office immediately prior to Silvers death.
Heather Segars, a local resident, called 911 to report Silvers’ white Toyota driving recklessly on Highway 76, immediately prior to the fatal accident. Throughout the audio, Segars pleads for law enforcement to quickly respond. “He’s gonna kill somebody” is repeated on the graphic tape.
In the recording, a blaring siren can be heard as Segars pulls behind Silvers into the parking lot of Cornerstone BP, at the intersection of Highway 76 and Highway 17, in Young Harris. “There’s the law right there that’s passing me,” Segar says, to which the dispatcher responds,”Yeah, they’re going to another call.” Segars then identified the driver as Terry Silvers. Segars continued to follow Silvers’ vehicle as it exited the Cornerstone BP parking lot, headed north on Highway 17 toward the Georgia-North Carolina state line, with Segars begging the dispatcher to remain on the line. “Please, they’ve got to hurry…I’ve got to make sure he gets pulled over,” Segar pleads in the dramatic audio, “Where are they at?!”
Law enforcement sketch of the incident on Bugscuffle Road, the night prior to the fatality
The emergency recording documents Segars pursuing Silvers into Clay County, NC. The 911 operator stated prior that Clay County Sheriff’s Office had been notified. “Are they close?” Segars asked, “He’s in other lanes, cars coming.”
Segars can be heard screaming and weeping as she witnessed the fatal accident occur near King’s Pharmacy, south of Hayesville. Silvers re-entered into the southbound lane of traffic, colliding head-on with another vehicle occupied by a grandmother and her granddaughter. The family sustained non-life threatening injuries. “Oh God, he’s dead…,” Segars is heard crying, “I tried to tell y’all to hurry!”
Segars told someone at the scene, “I’ve been on the phone with 911 since Hiawassee…Oh God, he’s dead. I’ve been on the phone since Papa’s Pizza.” A siren can be heard arriving at the scene of the accident as the tragic call ends.
According to emergency responders, Silvers died upon collision with the oncoming vehicle, the result of firewood ejecting into the cab of the Toyota pickup that he was driving. North Carolina Highway Patrol stated that Silvers did not appear to brake prior to impact, and that road conditions were not unfavorable at the time of the deadly crash. North Carolina Highway Patrol requested a toxicology screen on Silvers, and the investigation remains open. Results of the toxicology test are expected in coming weeks.
FYN contacted Towns County Sheriff’s Office, offering an opportunity to provide a response. A statement had not been received at the time of publication.
Tennessee man arrested in Young Harris on drug charges
News October 7, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – A traffic stop conducted on Gumlog Road in Young Harris Monday, Sept.30, resulted in drug charges. According to the sheriff’s office, a Towns County deputy initiated a traffic stop on a Ford truck for a traffic offense. Upon further investigation, the driver was identified as Joey Delane Head, 60, of Ducktown, TN.
Head was arrested without incident and charged with the following offenses:
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession Methamphetamine
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession of Schedule IV Drugs
- 1 Count of Possession of Drug Related Objects
- 1 Count of Drugs Not in Original Container
- 1 Count Failure to Maintain Lane
Towns County Sheriff’s Office said that the investigation is currently active and on-going and additional charges are possible. The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s office for prosecution.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.