DFACS takes custody of children
Methamphetamine investigation leads to 15 arrests and weapons

by Al Summers
News Editor
alsummers@timescourier.com

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Guns, including rifles, shotguns, and an automatic assault pistol, along with methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia await processing at the Gilmer County Detention Center after it was confiscated last week during a raid by Gilmer County authorities. Contributed photo

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Gilmer County law officers continued to hammer away at the methamphetamine trade in the county with the arrests of 15 people, including one 16 year old female juvenile, last Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 6-7. The arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation by Gilmer County detectives and occurred in the Yukon Road/ Cripple Creek /Clear Lane/John Call Road area of the county at three residences. State probation officers and a representative from the district attorney’s office assisted in the arrests.

Along with drugs and drug paraphernalia, detectives also confiscated a number of firearms, including an automatic assault pistol.

At a residence off of Clear Lane, a four month old baby was taken into protective custody by the department of family and children’s services (DFACS). After all of the arrests had been made, three other children, with ages ranging from eight to 14, were placed in the care of DFACS.

Arrested and charged in the sweep were:

  • Rocky John Glancies, 36, of Ellijay, possession of methamphetamine, possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug related objects;
  • Freddi Lynn Nicholson, 40, of Ellijay, cruelty to children in the first degree, possession of dangerous drugs, possession of methamphetamine;
  • Joshua Scott Craig, 23, of Ellijay, probation violation, possession of methamphetamine;
  • John Paul Sears, 23, of Ellijay, possession of methamphetamine;
  • Christina Ann Farist, 18, of Ranger, possession of methamphetamine;
  • Robert Ryan Lee, 23, of Ellijay, probation violation;
  • Jennifer Ashley Smith, 17, of Acworth, false statement (felony);
  • Shirley Barron Sweat, 33, of Acworth, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
  • Jonathan Robert Turner, 19, of Talking Rock, probation violation, false statement (felony), obstruction of an officer;
  • Billy M. Sweat, 43, of Acworth, wanted by Bartow County authorities;
  • Pearl Anne Stephens, 20, of Ellijay, possession of firearms by convicted felon, cruelty to children in the first degree, possession of drug related objects, possession of methamphetamine;
  • William Edgar Stephens, 45, of Ellijay, cruelty to children in the first degree, possession of methamphetamine, possession of firearm during commission of a felony, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
  • James William Gulledge, 23, of Dallas, probation violation, false statement (felony); and
  • John Cook, 24, of Ellijay, possession of dangerous drugs, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.
  • Gilmer County Chief Detective Stacy Nicholson said, “This is a good investigation to bring to a close. This was a major methamphetamine distribution ring that is now out of business.”

    Most of those arrested remained in the Gilmer County Detention Center at press time Tuesday, Oct 12.

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