Hall Co. drug search yields two arrests

GAINESVILLE - Two Gainesville residents were arrested by Hall County authorities on Tuesday during the course of a drug investigation.

According to a media release from Multi-Agent Narcotics Squad (MANS) Lt. Scott Ware, MANS agents were executing a search warrant at a residence on Marlow Drive near West Ridge Road when they discovered an assortment of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a semi-automatic pistol.

Ware said the drugs, which included approximately 19 grams of crack cocaine and 20 grams of high-grade marijuana, had a rough street value of $2,200.00

Following the search, Ware said agents arrested 38-year-old Leland Darius Prather and 54-year-old Paul Jerome Statham, both of whom were later booked into the Hall County Jail.

Both suspects now face charges of Possession of Cocaine With The Intent to Distribute and Possession of Marijuana With The Intent to Distribute, with Statham facing an additional charge of Possession of a Fiream by a Convicted Felon.

Ware added that deputies with the Hall County Sheriff's Office Crime Suppression Unit assisted in the arrests.