Lumpkin sheriff touts success of joint effort to close cases

DAHLONEGA - Common goals and a cooperative effort between the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's Office led to the recent convictions of 13 people for offenses ranging from dealing narcotics, to child molestation, to identity fraud, according to Sheriff Mark McClure.

In early 2005, McClure said, his office began a more "community oriented and proactive approach" to narcotics enforcement, took steps to improve the overall investigative process, and established an "even better working relationship" with the District Attorney's Office.

The sentences handed down by the Enotah Judicial Circuit Superior Court "were substantial" and "echo the cooperative effort needed to remove child molesters and drug dealers from the community."

"We encourage community involvement in this process and again reiterate that making this community safer involves everyone," McClure added .

The November 2007 convictions are as follows:

Fredrick Ray Merck
VGCSA - Violation of Georgia's Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Methamphetamine
Firearms charges
Trial - found guilty
Sentence - 25 years with 15 to serve

Johnny Lee Shoffeitt
VGCSA
Sale of Methamphetamine
Pled guilty
Sentence - 15 years with 3 to serve

James Stanley Carney
VGCSA
Sale of Methamphetamine
Pled guilty
Sentence - 15 years with 3 to serve

Ronnie Eric Fair
VGCSA
Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
Pled guilty
Sentence - 3 years probation revoked and 3 years to serve

Rocky Lee Lowe
VGCSA
Sale of Marijuana
Manufacturing Marijuana
Pled guilty
Sentence - 15 years with 5 to serve

Christopher Adam Tolbert
VGCSA
Possession of Methamphetamine
Pled guilty
Sentence - 15 years probation and 90-180 days to serve in a Probation Detention Center

Twilya Mashelle Streetman
VGCSA
Sale of Methamphetamine
Forgery
Identity Theft
Pled guilty
Sentence - 25 years with 15 to serve

Robert Gordon Davis
Child Molestation- second conviction
Pled guilty
Sentence -25 years with 15 to serve

Michael Khanh Nguyen
Aggravated Child Molestation
Pled guilty
Sentence - 20 years to serve 10

Kevin Lamar Cantrell
Child Molestation
Sexual Battery
Trial - convicted
Sentence - 20 years with 8 to serve

Gary Wayne Smith
Child Molestation
Pled guilty
Sentence - 20 years with 10 to serve

William Clerkin
Theft by Receiving Stolen Property-vehicle
Trial - convicted
Sentence - 0 years with 7 to serve

Tonya Adelle Meredith
Identity Theft
Pled guilty
Sentence - 10 years with 2 to serve