Towns County Sheriff’s Office awarded over $13K in cash, vehicle, handgun seizure
News August 10, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Wednesday, Aug. 7, Towns County Sheriff’s Office was awarded $13,973 dollars in cash, a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, and a 9MM handgun as a result of a traffic stop and drug investigation. The award was the result of a seizure filed by the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office on behalf of the Towns County Sheriff’s Office.
Joseph Loog
On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 22, Towns County Sheriff’s deputies made 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 further investigation, the vehicle was impounded and investigators obtained a search warrant for the vehicle.
Towns County investigators and deputies arrested Joseph Carson Loog, 41, of Paris. Tennessee. Loog was charged with the following:
- 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. On July 19, the defendant Joseph Loog entered and closed his case with a guilty plea. On Aug. 7, a Condemnation and Forfeiture Hearing was held, and the results were that the seized property that being the $13,973 in cash, the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, and the 9MM handgun was hereby condemned and forfeited to the Towns
County Sheriff’s Office.
“The Sheriff’s Office would like to sincerely thank the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for all their hard work and assistance with filing the Condemnation and Forfeiture paperwork, and with the prosecution of the criminal charges,” Chief Deputy Terry Conner said.
Under Georgia law, the government must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that seized property is connected to a crime, or that there is no other likely source for the property other than criminal activity. Property owners who file an innocent owner claim bear the burden of proving that they neither knew nor consented to any illegal use of their property. Up to 100 percent of forfeiture proceeds go to law enforcement in Georgia.
Eight Towns County residents arrested on variety of drug charges
News June 29, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Deputies with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office continued a spree of drug arrests, arresting a total of eight drug suspects in the past week. On Tuesday, June 25, Towns County investigators and deputies, with assistance from officers with Georgia Department of Community Supervision, in addition to drug investigators from Union County Sheriff’s Office, searched a residence off Mill Creek Road and Cynth Creek Road in Towns County.
The following suspects were arrested as a result of the searches:
James Paul Weaver, 38, of Hiawassee, Georgia
was charged with:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Sell of Methamphetamine.
Sonia Renee Taylor, 43, of Hiawassee, Georgia
was charged with:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count Driving on Suspended License.
Debra Ann Willis, 62, of Hiawassee Georgia was
charged with:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of Drug Related Objects.
Matthew Allen Anderson, 39, of Hiawassee, Georgia was charged with:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Crack Cocaine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana.
1 Count of Drug Related Objects.
Misty Michelle May, 38, of Hiawassee, Georgia was charged with:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Crack Cocaine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana.
1 Count of Drug Related Objects.
On Wednesday, June 26 , A Towns County deputy stopped a Chevrolet Malibu on Duncan Road in Young Harris, Georgia. The traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Elizabeth Morgan Black, 19, of Young Harris, Georgia.
Black was charged with the following:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of THC Oil.
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana.
1 Count of Drug Related Objects.
1 Count of Defective Equipment.
Two additional drug arrests have been made in recent
days :
Bobbie Leann Saxon, 38, of Hiawassee, Georgia was charged with:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Methamphetamine.
Brent Kyle Weems, 46, of Young Harris, Georgia was charged with:
1 Count of V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana.
The Towns County Sheriff’s Office said they will continue their strong effort to seek out drug suspects within
the Towns County area, and additional arrests will be forth coming. The above cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Trio arrested on methamphetamine charges following traffic stop
News June 10, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office continued their pursuit of drug suspects in recent weeks, arresting three suspects on drug related charges following a traffic stop, Wednesday, June 5. A sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep Cherokee on State Highway 76/515 in Young Harris, initially for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation and execution of a search warrant, the following suspects were arrested on the listed charges:
Daniel Scott Carver, 55, of Young Harris:
- One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
- One Count of Drug Related Objects
- One Count of Speeding
- Three Counts Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Sale of Methamphetamine)
Dewey Carver, 56, of Young Harris:
- Three Counts Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Distribution of Methamphetamine)
David Lamar Lovell, 61, of Young Harris:
- One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
(Possession of Methamphetamine)
- One Count Possession of Drug Related Objects
The cases are still active, and under further investigation. Additional 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.
Drug detection course for law enforcement cancelled in Hiawassee
News May 24, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection Enforcement (ARIDE) training was cancelled this week due to a lack of law enforcement officers who enrolled in the two-day course, scheduled to take place in downtown Hiawassee. A total of 13 participants from surrounding areas, including four Hiawassee Police Department officers, planned to take part in the drug detection training. The Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) required a minimum of 15 enrolled officers, however, to hold the course.
According to information received from GPSTC, no Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies signed up for the class.
In late March, Hiawassee Police Department announced their intention to host the training, May 23 – 24, held at Hiawassee City Hall. The 16-hour course was designed to enhance law enforcement officers’ ability to recognize psychophysical and clinical indicators of impairment consistent with a subject who is under the influence of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, while taking appropriate action.
“A training officer with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA contacted Sgt. Travis Gibson with the Clayton Police Department, seeking a location in North Georgia to host the class” Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith told FYN in March. “Sgt. Gibson, a part time officer with Hiawassee Police Department, requested the use of the Training Room at the Hiawassee City Hall for the two day course. The class is open to all law enforcement officers who wish to attend. Sgt. Gibson, a Drug Recognition Expert, will be one of the two instructors.”
The course was intended to build upon skills learned in Standard Field Sobriety Testing training in which law enforcement officers would have focused on identifying and assessing motorists suspected of driving under the influence, Smith explained. The purpose was to reduce the amount of impaired drivers, and in turn, lessen impaired driving collisions.
The two-day ARIDE course was free of charge for qualified law enforcement officers. Prior DUI – Standard Field Sobriety Testing training was required.
Whereabouts of Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton still in question
News May 22, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga – “Where is Sheriff Clinton?” has been a resounding question in the community for many months, if not years, and it is an inquiry no one seems capable, or willing, to answer. FetchYourNews (FYN) began looking into the schedule of Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton in late February after rumors began to swirl on the lead lawman’s whereabouts, leading to an editorial article which unfortunately offered little insight. Three months later, the query into how the elected official spends his time mostly remains a mystery.
Sheriff Chris Clinton’s on-duty call log hours from March, 2018 to March, 2019
“In reference to your open records request, the Office of Sheriff does not maintain a calendar for the sheriff. The sheriff’s wife maintains a family calendar that the sheriff appears on. The sheriff is the only person who can provide the information requested. It is estimated that the request will require 91.25 hours of the sheriff’s time at the sheriff’s hourly rate of $7.38/hour to perform the task requested. The estimate is based on retrieval and printing for redaction, redacting, and scanning into an electronic form.
“There are an estimated 365 pages of material to be printed at $0.10 / page,” Clinton continued. “Estimated cost to fulfill the request: Sheriff’s time to access, retrieve, print, redact, and scan to electronic form per your request — approximately 91.25 hours @ $7.38/hour = $ 673.43 (You will not be charged for the first 15 minutes.) 365 pages @ $0.10 / page = $36.50. Total estimated cost = $709.93.”
11Alive Chief Investigator Brendan Keefe’s social media page
In lieu of paying what FYN considered an excessive fee for public information, FYN sent an additional request to the Towns County Sheriff to visually review the original copy of the elected official’s appointments, a request which went ignored. On FYN’s third attempt, which was carbon copied to 11Alive News in Atlanta, Towns County Sheriff’s Administrator Vicki Ellis referred FYN to Towns County Sheriff’s Executive Secretary Shirley Clinton, the sheriff’s mother, who scheduled an appointment to review the calendar housed in the sheriff’s courthouse office.
An inspection of the calendar on May 22 proved futile as page after page revealed no entries. Occassional meetings appeared, along with multiple, weekly radio station appearances, and mandatory training engagements. Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) appointments were listed throughout, a group which consists primarily of retired residents that the sheriff has referred to in the past as personal “lobbyists.”
An entry on the sheriff’s sparse calendar
UPDATED: Mistrial declared due to Towns County Sheriff’s drug poster
News May 20, 2019
UPDATED: FYN spoke with a courthouse official who confirmed the mistrial was pronounced by Superior Court Judge Raymond George, based on his ruling that the defendant may not receive a fair trial due to the placement of the arrest poster in the Towns County Courthouse, a venue where trials are held. Jurors were reported as recognizing the defendant, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine, upon entry into the courtroom. According to our source, a new trial is expected to take place.
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) received credible information pertaining to a court case which was rejected last week due to an action taken by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. FYN is in the process of collecting the details surrounding the situation, and has filed a media request with the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office. The jury trial was reported to FYN as a mistrial due to an “Operation Trial Run” poster prominately placed in the Towns County Courthouse which displayed photographs of numerous suspects arrested on drug charges by the sheriff’s office in past months. According to several sources, jurors viewed the poster in question prior to the trial, thus tainting the case, as defendants are presumed innocent prior to a court’s verdict.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office conducted the drug operation dubbed “Operation Trial Run” consisting of a seven month drug investigation in which undercover agents, along with uniformed patrol officers, arrested suspects throughout the county on various drug and other related offenses. The operation was a several month evaluation, beginning in May, 2018, running through January, 2019, with the department using an in-house drug agent to aid in the investigations.
During the seven month “Operation Trial Run” investigation, 37 suspects were arrested on over 150 drug and additional various charges. Numerous search warrants were acquired and executed throughout Towns County during the operation. A total of more than $81,000 worth of illegal drugs were taken off the streets and from residences throughout the county.
“Operation Trial Run” resulted in the seizures of a residential home, vehicles, cash, and firearms valued at more than $322,000. Once the seizures have been successfully completed and awarded back to the sheriff’s office, the funds can be used for law enforcement purposes to combat illegal activity within the county.
According to an April statement from Towns County Sheriff’s Office, “Operation Trial Run” proved to be “very successful.” The agency stated that it has and will continue to operate with an in-house drug agent, and additional suspects have since been arrested and more seizures made, with other arrests and seizures forthcoming in the near future.
All suspects reported as arrested by law enforcement are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Feature Image: Photograph of the poster in question, released to FYN by Towns County Sheriff’s Office in April.
11Alive News completes investigation into Towns County Sheriff’s Office involvement in fatal crash
News May 15, 2019
HIAWASSSEE, Ga. – Nearly twelve weeks after a North Carolina motor vehicle accident left one man dead, two victims injured, and an eyewitness traumatized, WXIA-TV 11 (11Alive News) in Atlanta, in cooperation with FetchYourNews (FYN), has completed an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. A broadcast is expected to be televised on WXIA-TV 11 in coming days. The initial segment is scheduled for release Tuesday, May 21, at 11 pm. A detailed report will follow Sunday, May 26.
On the evening of Saturday, Feb. 23, a head-on vehicle collision took the life of Terry Samuel Silvers, a Hiawassee native, leaving a grandmother and granddaughter wounded, and Heather Segars, a good samaritan who attempted to prevent the deadly crash by summoning Towns County authorities, devastated. Public outrage flared upon learning the facts surrounding the fatal collision, prompting the Atlanta-based news channel to conduct a dual investigation.
Copy of Terry Silvers’ toxicology report
Renowned WXIA-TV 11 Chief Investigator Brendan Keefe contacted FYN shortly after the viral-release of the 911 audio recording in which the frantic caller, Heather Segars, pleads for law enforcement to respond to an erratic driver, later identified to dispatchers as Terry Silvers, while headed westbound on State Route 76 in Young Harris, GA. A Towns County Sheriff’s Office cruiser’s siren can be heard bypassing distraught Segars, who pursued Silvers’ vehicle across the state line until the time of the fatal impact, in response to a previous call which two officers had adequately covered.
The deputy in question, Corporal Gregory Joseph – also known as officer “112” – responded to two prior accidents involving Silvers, one of which occurred the night before the fatal crash. Despite testimony from numerous witnesses who stated Silvers clearly appeared to be impaired – including an adament account from an on-scene, veteran law enforcement officer from a neighboring county – Silvers was again released to return to the roadways without facing charges. According to Georgia’s Police Officer Standard Training (POST) records, Corporal Joseph has never participated in roadside drug-detection training, nor has the deputy received sufficent DUI training in over a decade.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton issued a statement to the county’s legal organ in the weeks following the highly controversial accident, denying departmental responsibilty, much to the dismay of many of the citiizens the lead lawman had sworn to serve.
FYN recently received a requested copy of Silvers’ toxicology report from the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office which revealed Silvers did not have alcohol in his system at the time of his death. A screening for additional substances was not conducted, however, despite widespread knowledge that Silvers battled an opioid addiction. Family, friends, and law enforcement officers attested that Silvers was a well-known substance abuser in the community. North Carolina authorities stated that in the event of a death when the manner is apparent – such as a vehicle fatality – toxicology screenings are typically limited to alcohol detection.
FYN spoke with 911 caller Heather Segars on the morning of May 15, inquiring into her current thoughts and condition.
“I’m holding on with a very thin rope every day,” Segars shared. “I still have anxiety today. I’ve had to be put on Valium. Some days are better than others.” Segars said she holds Towns County Sheriff’s Office responsible for the cost of her psychiatric treatment and the lost wages which ensued as a result of the accident, but foremost, Segars said what she wants most is for Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton to be held accountable. “I want to know why Sheriff Clinton won’t take responsibilty. I would like to see change in the department. We deserve someone with experience on issues like this. I would like to see Clinton resign. I’d also like a public apology from his wife for posting unrelated things about my past under his social media account after the accident.”
FYN continues to offer a platform for the sheriff to comment.
Continue to follow FYN as the release of the WXIA-TV 11 investigation approaches.
Feature Image: Terry Silvers
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
Suspect in Hiawassee stabbing charged with aggravated assault
News April 25, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Anthony “Scott” Barrett, the suspect involved in the Monday stabbing of Danny Gibson, has been charged with aggravated assault, Towns County Sheriff’s Office said. Additionally, Barrett is being held in Towns County Detention Center on a probation violation warrant out of Fannin County, GA.
On Monday, April 22, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to investigate a report of a knife stabbing. Deputies, along with emergency medical services, responded to the Friendship Store located at the intersection of State Route 76 and State Route 288 in Hiawassee. Gibson, the victim, drove his truck to the store and requested the clerk to call 911. The incident was reported to have occurred at a residence located nearby, off Cedar Cliff Road, east of the store.
Deputies responded to the location on Cedar Cliff Road and secured the residence. The house and surrounding area were searched for the suspect. Deputies discovered the suspect hiding in a Ford Explorer. Barrett was taken into custody without incident.
Gibson was transported by ambulance to Union General Hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening knife stab to the back.
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. Barrett is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Reward offered for information on Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds’ truck theft
News April 9, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office is offering a $500 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft and criminal damage which occurred at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Anyone with information is asked to call the Towns County Sheriff’s Office at 706-896-4444. Any and all information will be kept confidential, the agency said.
Recovery of stolen fairgrounds’ truck in Lake Chatuge
Man killed in Clay County crash involved in Towns County accident evening prior
News February 27, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee resident Terry Silvers, 52, was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Clay County, NC, Saturday evening, Feb. 23, after the northbound truck that he was driving entered into the southbound lane of NC-69, colliding with another vehicle.
Most recent social media profile photograph of Terry Silvers
The driver and passenger of the oncoming vehicle sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Silvers died at the scene of the accident, due in part to firewood from the bed of the truck ejecting into the cab of the vehicle, North Carolina Highway Patrol stated. Road conditions are not believed to be a contributing factor in the fatal crash, with North Carolina Highway Patrol determining during the initial investigation that the truck Silvers was driving did not appear to brake prior to impact.
FYN learned that Silvers was involved in an accident on Bugscuffle Road in Towns County, Friday, Feb. 22, the evening prior to the fatal crash. According to the submitted Towns County Sheriff’s Office report, the truck that Silvers was driving crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic, colliding with a roadside fence.
Accident report sketch of the incident on Bugscuffle Road, the night prior to the fatality
Towns County Sheriff’s Office’s written summary of the incident stated that firewood in the bed of the truck shifted, causing Silvers to lose control of the vehicle. The report stated that alcohol or substance screenings were not conducted, and no charges were filed.
The cause of the fatal Clay County collision remains under investigation. North Carolina Highway Patrol has requested a toxicology test on the victim with results expected in coming weeks.
Fetch Your News is a local now-news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
Hiawassee traffic stop results in two drug arrests
Arrest Reports, News February 25, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two suspects were arrested after Hiawasse Police Department stopped a white Chevrolet pickup on Highway 76, Wednesday, Feb. 20, within the city limits.
The traffic stop led Hiawassee Police Department to request the assistance of a Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigator. Upon completion of the initial investigation, a quantity of illegal drugs and firearms were discovered in the vehicle.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office secured warrants and arrested two suspects on felony drug charges.
The occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody at the scene and charged with the following offenses:
Jake Scott Davies, 41, of Hayesville, NC
– One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substances Act -(Possession of Methamphetamine)
– Four Counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Timothy Jeffery McCoy, 39, of Marble, NC
– One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act -(Possession of Methamphetamine)
“The Sheriff’s Office looks forward to continuing the partnership and teamwork between the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department in combatting the illegal activity within the Towns County community,” Towns County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Fetch Your News is a local now-news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
Hiawassee man arrested for attempted break-in
Arrest Reports, News January 4, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded in reference to an attempted break-in at a residence on Jack Creek Road in Hiawassee on Dec. 30, 2018.
The victim provided deputies with a photo of the male subject from a security camera at the residence, and the incident was turned over to Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators for follow-up.
Investigators identified the suspect as William Wade Scott, 42, of Hiawassee. Scott was arrested the following day, and taken into custody without incident. Scott was charged with attempted burglary and criminal trespass.
The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Scott is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Towns County Sheriff’s Christmas Parade: “Making Spirits Bright”
Community, Upcoming Events November 1, 2018
Click image to enlarge
Towns County Sheriff’s Office seizes $27,000 Street-Value in Marijuana Manufacturing Operation
Arrest Reports, News October 7, 2018YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – On Monday, Oct. 1, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 7500 block of Gumlog Road. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized marijuana plants with a street value of $27,000.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrested three suspects on the following charges:
Chris Lee Brooks, 64, of Young Harris – One count violation of Georgia Substance Control Act, Manufacturing Marijuana – One count violation of Georgia Substance Control Act, Felony Possession of Marijuana – Possession of drug related objects
Ronald Christoper Smith, 44, of Blairsville – One count violation Georgia Substance Control Act, Manufacturing Marijuana – One count violation of Georgia Substance Control Act, Felony Possession of Marijuana – Possession of drug related objects
Thomas Dexter Shook, 42, of Hiawassee – One count violation of Georgia Substance Control Act, Manufacturing Marijuana – One count violation Georgia Substance Control Act, Felony Possession of Marijuana – Possession of drug related objects
All suspects are being held without bond at the time of publication.
The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting over 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, dial 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Chatuge Gun Club hosts 10th Annual Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes fundraiser
News October 1, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Chatuge Gun Club, sponsored by Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, hosted the 10th annual fundraiser for the children of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes (GSYH). “A good time was had by all” was the statement of Chatuge Gun Club President Ed Jones, strongly seconded by Sheriff Clinton, along with those that participated in the event.
Each year for the past decade, Sheriff Chris Clinton and the Chatuge Gun Club has partnered to raise money for Georgia’s most at-risk youth. The children, through no fault of their own, find themselves in need of someone to care for them, teaching them the skills they will need to become successful adults.
Over ten years ago, Sheriff Clinton went to Chatuge Cun Club President Ed Jones with an idea. There had, according to the Sheriffs’ Association, never been a fund raiser for these children in our area. Thankfully, that has changed. Out of that meeting came an annual partnership that has consistently helped Towns County be one of the “Top Ten” contributors to the GSYH per capita. When one considers there are 159 Georgia counties and five with GSYH campuses, that in itself is impressive. Towns County has reached the number two spot for top contributors and has never been lower than the top ten since Sheriff Clinton and Chatuge Gun Club members teamed up to help provide for these children in need.
This year, rather than a trap shoot, gun club members suggested a steel plate match. The interest was high and the event was a huge success with ten teams of five. It was a fast-paced day with two relays of five firing at two different stations. Meanwhile, down on the lower range sat a dueling tree where many a competitor challenged friends to a race against each other on the dueling tree. The dueling tree has six swinging arms and starts with three on each side. Competitors try and get all six targets to their opponent’s side, with a total of twenty rounds and at least one magazine change.
This year’s event drew good participation from law enforcement, with deputies from Towns, Union, Rabun, and Fannin County Sheriff’s SWAT participating. There were plenty of good-hearted rivalries and more than one called out for a match on the dueling tree. At times, the dueling tree gave shooters the opportunity to redeem themselves after a bad run. Other times, it added insult to injury. No one forgot that it was about having a good time for a great cause. At the end of the day there were no injuries but maybe a few bruised egos, with a promise to return next year more prepared.
Many of the deputies from surrounding agencies asked Sheriff Clinton when the next match would be. “That was a first this year. I think the excitement is high for shooting steel and being able to go head to head on the dueling tree,” Sheriff Clinton said, ” It gave these deputies time to reacquaint with old friends, meet new ones, and have a great time of fellowship and good-hearted competition and all the proceeds go to help children. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.”
Sheriff Clinton thanks Ed and Verlee Jones, Thad Bynum, Duane Mowrey, and all the volunteers (too many to name) from the Chatuge Gun Club for their hard work and willingness to give of their time and effort to help these children. Sheriff Clinton would like to thank their sponsors for making this all possible. They were: Dr. Dan Eichenbaum, MD, PA, Bynum Insurance Agency, Crane Creek Vineyard, Jacky Jones Ford, Correctional Resource Group, Southern Health Partners, Twiggs Construction, Coosa Creek Marketing Products, and Combined Public Communications.
Sheriff Clinton would also like to congratulate Union County Deputy Brandon Hogsed for having the top score as an individual shooter. Hogsed, along with second-place shooter Deputy Seth Dyer, led Union County’s team to a first place victory. The top five competitive shooters were:
- 1st Deputy Sheriff Brandon Hogsed – Union County
- 2nd Deputy Sheriff Seth Dyer – Union County
- 3rd Deputy Sheriff Bill Conway – Towns County
- 4th Sheriff Chris Clinton – Towns County
- 5th Tom Halasz – Chatuge Gun Club
Top five teams were:
- 1st “Ragamuffins”
- 2nd Union County Sheriff’s Office
- 3rd Towns County Sheriff’s Office (Team Five)
- 4th Towns County Sheriff’s Office (Team One)
- 5th Bynam Insurance
All individual shooter and team scores are available at chatugegunclub.com
Towns County Sheriff’s Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) volunteers are planning a third annual fund raiser for the GSYH on Oct. 27 at Sundance Grill in Hiawassee with food, drinks, and live music by The Chris Clinton Band, George and Andy, and Bill Rinaldo from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now.
For more information, contact Towns County Sheriff’s Office at 706-896-4444.