by Al Summers
News Editor
alsummers@timescourier.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detectives and deputies from the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department and agents from the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force (DTF) have made a number of arrests in what Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson says is “an ongoing battle against illegal narcotics, users, and suppliers.”
Jamie Elaine Conner, 24, of Ellijay, was arrested and charged with possession of ecstasy, possession of a Schedule III drug, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and theft by taking of a motor vehicle.
Johnnie Rena Waters, 56, of Ellijay, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule V controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, and theft by receiving stolen property.
Carl Wayne Watson, no age or address given, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
William Gerald Lowery Jr., 32, of Chatsworth was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, as was Timothy Lee Reed, no age given, of Ellijay.
An arrest on Sunday, Oct. 9, by Gilmer County Sgt. Billy Brackett and Deputy Scott Albritten produced approximately 27 grams of substance that preliminary tests show was cocaine and a small amount of methamphetamine. Records show Edgardo Landeverde, 20, of Ellijay, was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine and possession of methamphetamine. Nicholson said, “These two officers are to be commended for their efforts.”
In other law enforcement activity, Gilmer County deputies were dispatched to a residence on Tower Road on Wednesday, Oct 5, regarding an unknown disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies determined that the incident had been a home invasion and burglary that had resulted in a robbery and the aggravated assault of the homeowner.
Reports state that two males kicked in the door of the residence, assaulted the homeowner, and then robbed the victim of personal property items before fleeing.
After obtaining a description of the perpetrators, they were apprehended within an hour. Arrested were Roberto Lucas, 29, and Victor Ramos Bautista, 19, both of Ellijay.
Lucas was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and one count of aggravated assault on a crime victim, one count of robbery, one count of burglary, 11 counts of forgery (first degree felony), one count of felony obstruction of an officer, fleeing and attempting to elude an officer, DUI, and other traffic violations.
Bautista was charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of robbery, one count of burglary, and 11 counts of forgery (first degree felony). Both remain in custody in the Gilmer County Detention Center.
Another incident occurred the next day, Thursday, Oct. 6, on Searcy Road. Reports show that Corey Patrick Welch was stabbed multiple times with a knife during a fight with Edgar Cody Cross. Detective Pamela Louk arrested Cross, 29, and he was charged with one count of aggravated assault.
The reason for the fight has not been determined, but Welch was unarmed at the time of the incident.
The sheriff also said he appreciated the citizens’ help and support in the fight against drugs in the county. “I said during last year’s campaign for the office of sheriff that I was concerned with the illegal narcotics problem faced not only by this area, but the country as a whole. I, along with the deputies and officers of the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with agents from the DTF are continually working and investigating information regarding narcotics and other criminal offenses.
“These investigations take a tremendous amount of time to conduct, often taking place after normal business hours and consisting of hours of surveillance. This is to make sure every arrest will have the evidence and court worthy documentation for a conviction,” said Nicholson.
The county’s top law enforcement official added, “We ask our citizens to be patient. We are working diligently to provide Gilmer County and its citizens with a safe place to live. If you have any information regarding narcotics, call the DTF hot line at 1-888-328-6384. You will remain anonymous.”