by Al Summers
News Editor
alsummers@timescourier.com
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An Ellijay man has been arrested and charged with furnishing alcohol to a person under age 21.
According to Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, James Manning, 67, was arrested by Gilmer County Detective Chris Clinton Thursday, April 14.
A search warrant was executed at Manning’s home where detectives discovered a cache of alcohol and guns, along with $11,400.
The arrest came during the course of an investigation where two female juveniles were treated at the North Georgia Medical Center emergency room Friday, April 1, for conditions that warranted medical attention.
One of the girls spent time in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) before she could be interviewed by Gilmer County investigators. The other female was treated and released.
Illegally obtained alcohol is believed to have played a role in the girls being brought to the hospital.
Four males, including two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the case that involved the girls.
Evidence from that investigation corroborated other evidence that Manning was selling alcohol to minors out of his residence. It was then that detectives obtained the search warrant and executed it.
According to Clinton, both investigations are ongoing.
Nicholson told the Times-Courier, “Alcohol violations are usually looked upon as minor infractions, but when it is sold to minors who end up in the hospital, it becomes a major issue. We are going to pursue such issues with a maximum effort.”