According to a press release from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, 12 people were arrested Wednesday in connection with a drug trafficking organization.
The release says the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation served the 12 arrest warrants in multiple locations.
The 12 suspects were previously charged with drug violations in Lumpkin County in the past year, and all are being charged with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), according to the release.
The release says all 12 were determined to be affiliated and connected with a drug trafficking organization.
Law enforcement seized multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, multiple kilograms of heroin and a large amount of money throughout the investigation.
According to the release, 34-year-old Jeremy Ball is the primary suspect in the investigation and is currently incarcerated in the Georgia Department of Corrections. Ball is charged with violating the RICO act.
The following Lumpkin County residents were also arrested and charged for violating the RICO act:
- Lisa Andrews, 35
- Justin Walker, 33
- Casey Daughtry, 41
- Kimberly Biggs, 26
- Justin Newell, 30
- Candice Newell, 32
- Morgan Lee, 35
- Cedric Bearden, 41
- Shannon Perry Major, 49
- Carrie Stephens, 38
- Sandra Sullens, 30
Carrie Stephens was being held in the Lumpkin County jail on an unrelated charge when the arrest warrants were served, according to Lt. Alan Roach from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. Likewise, Sandra Sullens was in custody in Cherokee County when the warrants were served.
Two other arrests were made during the incident, including 57-year-old James Graham and 34-year-old Gary Dowdle. Graham is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug-Related Objects, while Dowdle was arrested for outstanding warrants in Habersham County.
The release states the investigation is ongoing, and further charges are pending.
