Sheriff’s Office targets high crime, drug and gang areas; multiple arrests result

STAFF REPORT :::

An operation of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and C.A.G.E. Deputies resulted in multiple arrests May 26 and 27.

Targeted were high crime, gang and drug activity areas across the city of Griffin and Spalding County. Many of the charges pertained to alleged drug offenses and violations of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act.

“Because it was graduation weekend, we wanted to be out and highly visible in some of our troubled areas in both the city and county while also having additional man power available to support on-duty city and county officers on calls if needed,” said Sheriff Darrell Dix. “There were lots of people on the streets celebrating with their families and we wanted to do what we could do to make sure they could them enjoy their weekend and celebrate with their graduates.”

The enforcement action also resulted in locating suspects wanted for various crimes from the city of Griffin and Pike, Upson and Butts counties.

“As has been the case since Jan. 1, you are going to continue to see an increased law enforcement presence across the county. You will also see increasing pressure on those that choose to affiliate themselves with criminal street gangs and deal drugs in our community no matter who they are or where they live. I also want to say thank you to the men and women of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and dedication to their jobs. They are doing an outstanding job and working harder than ever to make this county safer.”

Those arrested include –

Britney Ward, who is charged with violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act, possession of marijuana less than one ounce and disorderly house

Jamarcus Jones, who is charged with violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act, possession of Ecstasy and possession of marijuana less than one ounce

Jhontavious Ponder, who is charged with violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act, possession of Marijuana less than one ounce and obstruction of a law enforcement officer

Gerald Wayne Smith, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects

Curtis Johnson, who is charged with violation of the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, nine counts of possession of drug related objects, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, abandonment of a dangerous drugs and several outstanding felony warrants for narcotics and weapon charges

Michelle Harmon, who was charged with possession of drug related objects

Christopher West, who was charged with sale of methamphetamine: warrants from Butts County and possession of drug related objects

Rex Kendrick, who is charged with driving without insurance, concealing the identity of a vehicle and warrants from the city of Griffin

Tiarra Hightower, who is charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce

Ricky Ammons, who was arrested for violation of probation out of Pike County

Tyree Crosland, who was arrested for possession of Ecstasy, obstruction of a law enforcement officer and burglary and theft by taking: warrants from the city of Griffin

Moammal Day, who is charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce

Javous Johnson, who is charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce

Deja Favors, who is charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce

Tyree Haggins, who is charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer, public drunk and loitering

Gordon Crozier, who is charged with violation of probation and outstanding warrant from Upson County

Lester Chambless, who is charged with giving a false name and date of birth and violation of probation

Reginald Collier, who is charged with driving on suspended license and giving a false name and date of birth

Kitty Bennett, who is charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce

Sarah Sheehan, who is charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce

Charles Hestley, who is charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce