Lumpkin County drug investigation results in three arrests
News March 5, 2019
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. –On March 3rd, 2019, the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office arrested Michael “Todd” Eriquezzo, 39, during a traffic stop on Georgia Highway 400.
This concluded a six month investigation which uncovered that Eriquezzo was distributing methamphetamine in Lumpkin and Dawson Counties. Lumpkin County K-9 unit located 2 ounces of methamphetamine in Eriquezzo’s car. The street value of the illegal narcotics was $6,000. Tyler Worthington, 25, and Camryn Williams, 18, were arrested with Eriquezzo.
Eriquezzo, Worthington and Williams, all of Dahlonega were charged with trafficking methamphetamine. All 3 were transported to the Lumpkin County Detention Center.
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via IM or at 706-348-7410 or contact your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department.
The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Jackson County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County and Franklin County, along with the Cleveland Police Department, Lavonia Police Department, the Toccoa Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
[UPDATED]-BREAKING: Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office responds to hostage situation
News January 3, 2019
LUMPKIN CO., GA
According to Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, officers are currently working a hostage situation off Oak Grove road. Jarrard explained that the suspect is wanted in Forsyth County for aggravated assault, aggravated assault towards an officer, as well as other violent charges, “He has shot at cops and has been shot at by cops.”
Jarrard also explained that the Forsyth County man stated that he was not going back to jail, and has entered his girlfriend’s Oak Grove residence, where he has taken a hostage. LCSO has called the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for assistance, and S.W.A.T. is currently on scene.
LCSO released a statement on their Facebook page, stating that the situation is under control; travelers are also asked to avoid driving on Oak Grove road near Oak Grove Baptist Church for the time being.
UPDATE:
Jarrard has confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody. According to Jarrard, the stand-off was resolved without any injuries, and the hostage was immediately taken to safety after escaping through a window. Jarrard told FYN, “I’m so grateful that this ended without any major injuries.”
The suspect, Hollis Dean Garmon (46), has been charged by LCSO with family violence battery, commission of a felony, possession of meth, and obstruction. Sonja Marie Pace (46), Garmon’s girlfriend, has also been charged with hindering apprehension of a fugitive. There is also an additional hold for Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.
LCSO hosts upcoming fifth annual gun show to support youth homes
University of North Georgia October 23, 2018
LUMPKIN CO., GA
Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, and the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office is hosting their fifth annual Sheriff’s Gun Show on Saturday, October 27, from 9am to 5pm, through Sunday, October 28 from 10am to 4pm. The event will be held in Dahlonega at 154 Ethan Allen Drive, behind Chestatee Ford on Georgia 400, off Lumpkin County Parkway.
All proceeds from the gun show will benefit the Georgia Sheriff Youth Homes, which was created in the late 1950’s, according to Jarrard, “We got our first child in 1960. There are five houses located throughout the state of Georgia that we have at around 70 kids in, at this time.” The Youth Homes can house about 100 children throughout the state, and they are sustained by only the donations from the public.
Jarrard explained that, “That’s how they’re successful…I would like us to raise as much money as we can this year, to be able to support these youth homes, and to be able to support children in these youth homes. I look forward to seeing you.” The entry fee will be $5.00, and admission is free for kids 12 and under.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
University of North Georgia announces men’s basketball schedule
Community September 5, 2018
DAHLONEGA, GA
By UNG Athletics Communications
The University of North Georgia Athletic Communications department has released the 2018-2019 men’s basketball schedule. Head University of North Georgia men’s basketball coach Chris Faulkner has announced the 2018-19 schedule of contests that includes a nationally televised game on January 9, 2019, against Columbus State in the UNG Convocation Center.
The season gets started with three straight home games, beginning with an exhibition matchup against Emory on November 4. The regular season gets going on November 9 as the Nighthawks host the Peach Belt / Conference Carolinas Challenge with matchups against North Greenville and Erskine.
After a quick trip to Lee, the Nighthawks return home for two more home games against Southern Wesleyan (November 17) and West Georgia (November 20.)
Peach Belt play starts on December 1 as UNG travels to Francis Marion before the final non-conference game of the year on the road at Emmanuel. After finals, the Nighthawks will have four out of five at home in league play, including the matchup with Columbus State on ESPN3.
North Georgia will finish the regular season with five home games out of the last seven, starting with Spirit Night on February 13 against Young Harris.
To view the schedule, click here.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
Lumpkin County Board of Education announces called meeting for August 24
Community, News August 23, 2018LUMPKIN, CO., GA
11 days after they voted on the current millage rate, which will result in a property tax increase, the Lumpkin County Board of Education announced that they will hold a called meeting on August 24. The announcement came after local media and local citizens questioned the integrity behind previous public hearings that involved the millage rate vote.
According to their Facebook page, the purpose of the meeting is to, “hear community feedback regarding millage rates, school system budgets, and school finance.” They also stated that, “all community members are encouraged to attend and to provide feedback or ask questions.If you are unable to attend, but wish to provide feedback, please email our school board members.”
In a separate post on social media, Superintendient, Dr. Robert Brown, released the following statement, “It is ridiculous for anyone to suggest that our school board is not welcoming of public input or attempted to avoid feedback provided at the millage hearings. Our school board members receive phone calls and emails from concerns and supportive citizens on a regular basis. They welcome and seek feedback from a variety of sourced in our community, all in an effort to continue providing a premier education for all students in Lumpkin County.” However, according to a local Dahlonega resident, several attempts at contacting members of the board and the superintendent were all left unanswered.
FYN also called and emailed each board member, as well as the superintendent, but did not receive a response.
The meeting will be held at the Lumpkin County Central Office at 6pm.
Fatal car accident on North Bear Whelchel Road in Lumpkin County
News August 22, 2018
LUMPKIN CO., GA
According to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, all Southbound lanes on GA 400 near Whelchel Road are closed, due to a single-vehicle accident involving a 1997 Toyota 4Runner, which resulted in two fatalities; a male, age 2 and female, age 4. The wreck occurred on Wednesday evening, August 22.
The children were announced deceased on the scene, as a result of the roll-over accident. The mother, who had recently relocated to Dahlonega, was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, and the father was notified soon after. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol, and according to Cpl. J.A. Caldwell, charges are pending until the investigation is complete.
UPDATE: According to an open records arrest report from Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Tiffany Grubb, (24), was arrested on August 23, and charged with, so far: reckless driving, (misdemeanor), two counts of DUI-Endangering Child Under 14-years-old while DUI (misdemeanor), failure to maintain lane (misdemeanor), two counts of safety belts; child passenger restraining system; penalty for violation (misdemeanor), an unspecified warrant, and DUI/alcohol/Less Safe (misdemeanor), driving with a suspended or revoked license (misdemeanor). According to an eye witness, one of the two car seats was located in the trunk of Grubb’s vehicle and was not being used, and the other car seat was not being used properly.
In a statement released by Georgia State Patrol Public Information Office, on Aug. 22, at approximately 8:20 p.m., a 1997 Toyota 4Runner was involved in a crash on SR 400 at Whelchel Road in Lumpkin County. The driver, Tiffany Grubb, age 24 of West Palm Beach, FL, failed to maintain her lane of travel and overturned several times. Her two children, Jah’Ziya Glover, age 4 and De’Jean Glover, age 2, were killed in the crash. Ms. Grubb was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide (1st degree), Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, two counts of endangering a child under 14 while DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane and Driving while Suspended.Updates will be provided as soon as they are received.
The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
Dahlonega Man Arrested in Drug Investigation
News September 1, 2017
Approximately 300 suspected alprazolam pulls confiscated during drug raid this week.
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – On Tuesday, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Deputies, and members of the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) conducted a drug investigation that led to the seizure of approximately 300 suspected alprazolam pills and the arrest of 21-year-old John David Herrin of Dahlonega.
Herrin is charged with possession of a schedule IV controlled substance with intent to distribute, misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement officers, and abandonment of dangerous drugs.
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via Instant Message or at 706-348- 7410 or by contacting your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department.
The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County and Franklin County, along with the Cleveland Police Department, Lavonia Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety,, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
UNG Student Reports Being Raped While Jogging Wednesday
News May 26, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Lumpkin County authorities are investigating the alleged rape of a female student at the University of North Georgia who was jogging near the Dahlonega reservoir Wednesday evening when the attack took place.
Lt. Chris Pfrogner of the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office said the attack happened sometime between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The victim described her assailant as a white male, with brown hair and a beard. He was wearing a dark blue or black shirt and is believed to be in his late 20s to early 40s.
“I can tell you that we have been working on this investigation non-stop since it was reported,” Pfrogner said. “Currently we have not had anything suspicious reported to us which would be related to this incident. We are not telling anyone to stay off the reservoir trails. Right now this is an isolated incident. We recommend people (especially women) walk in groups, and if they see anything suspicious to contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information about the case should contact the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office at 706-864-3633 and ask to speak with an investigator.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.fetchyournews.com
Video Camera Leads to Arrest of Three Hall County Suspects Accused of Theft from Parked Autos
News March 29, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – A joint investigation conducted by the sheriff’s offices in Lumpkin and Hall counties has led to the arrest of three Hall County residents suspected of thefts from parked cars in both counties.
Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said most of the thefts took place in the late night, early morning hours and a video camera at a parking lot of an apartment complex that led to the arrests.
“It was a joint effort ” Jarrard said. “Investigators in Hall and Lumpkin counties did a great job making these arrests. “The suspects would go to one car and if it was locked, they would go on the next one until they found one that was unlocked.”
Austin Lasseter, age 22, Mitchell Evans, 20, and Emily Jordan, 20, all from Hall County, were initially brought to the Hall County jail where they were charged with multiple felonies before being transported to Lumpkin County where they face additional felony charges.
Public Safety Radio Communications was Hot Topic at Lumpkin County Commissioner Work Session
News March 9, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Lumpkin County commissioners and officials with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office spent much of Tuesday’s work session in a discussion about how to provide public safety personnel with adequate radio service.
9-1-1 Communications Director Mike Stapleton said, “Our problem is when you get to the northern end of the county, there are no cell towers, no connectivity and no power. The terrain is beautiful, but it does not cooperate with our radios very well.”
Stapleton explained that the current VHF analog radio system has numerous dead spots throughout the county and continued use of the system could lead to parts failure and a loss of radio service that could put public safety workers in unnecessary danger.
His recommendation to commissioners is to purchase the system designed by Mobile Communications that will operate digital transmitters at the current Crown Mountain and Black Mountain Communications sites and to add receiving sites at Station 6 in the Nimblewill area, the new water tower near the intersection of Burnt Stand and Auraria and the Hester Valley area near Turner’s Corner. The system has a build out price of approximately $390,000 and comes with minimal recurring monthly costs. The plan leaves the existing analog system in place as a backup.
The system would not only facilitate improved communications among local public safety employees, but also with state agencies like the Georgia State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources.
Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said, “This is the most economical way to have the best coverage. If we have a disaster anywhere in the county, and need to bring in outside resources, the old analog system will still monitor it but 99 out of 100 times, they will want to be on digital because the signal is so much better.”
The down side, Jarrard pointed out, is for those citizens who own scanners, those scanners will become obsolete.
Commissioners are expected to vote on the issue at the next regular meeting.
KKK Sign Atop Dahlonega Business Draws Protest
News February 17, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Dozens of protesters gathered on Main Street in Dahlonega Thursday morning after a Ku Klux Klan sign, along with a Klan flag and Confederate battle flag appeared overnight atop of one of the downtown businesses.
Lt. Chris Pfrogner of the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office said the business owner didn’t know who placed the sign and flags there but she began having them removed immediately. The City removed the 6 foot by 2 1/2 foot banner that featured the picture of a hooded Klansman and the words “Historic Ku Klux Klan Meeting Hall.”
Pfrogner said because the incident took place on private property, the Sheriff’s Office could not investigate unless the property owner files a report for criminal trespass. He added that as of Friday morning, he was not aware that a report had been filed.
Dahlonega man charged with rape, child molestation
News September 11, 2019
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Jonathan Black was arrested by Lumpkin County deputies last week and charged with statutory rape and aggravated child molestation.
White County deputies were called to the home of Robert Kirk in reference to their 15-year-old daughter. Parents reported she had run away earlier that day. The daughter was quickly located and returned home. Her parents also reported their daughter met Black at a Lumpkin County High School football game. They alleged he took her home and had sex with her.
Following an investigation, a warrant was obtained for Black’s arrest. He was taken into custody and transported to the Lumpkin County Detention Center.
No other information is available at this time.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Two Lumpkin County residents charged with sale of methamphetamine
News August 19, 2019
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL DRUG ENFORCEMENT OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE
Kelly Ann Haas
DAHLONEGA, Ga. On Thursday, August 15, 2019, following a 3-month long investigation, Members of the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office along with Agents of the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) executed two search warrants in Lumpkin County. ATF Agents and the Georgia Department of Corrections also assisted in the raid.
Search warrants were executed at 223 Royal Court, Dahlonega, GA and 265 King Arthur Court, Dahlonega, GA.
Kelly Ann Haas (38) of 223 Royal Court, Dahlonega was arrested at her residence and charged with: Sale of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Xanax (schedule IV narcotic).
Andrew Evans
Andrew Jonathon Evans (20) of 265 King Arthur Court, Dahlonega, and son of Haas, was
arrested at his residence and charged with three (3) counts Sale of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to distribute, Sale of Buprenorphine, and four (4) counts of Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Both suspects were transported to the Lumpkin County Detention Center.
Approximately 2 ounces of Methamphetamine was seized throughout this investigation
Additional Charges are pending.
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via Facebook IM or at 706- 348-7410 or contact your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department.
The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Jackson County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County and Franklin County,
along with the Cleveland Police Department, Lavonia Police Department, the Toccoa Police
Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public
Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
BREAKING: Car theft and auto break-ins reported in Lumpkin County
News November 7, 2018
LUMPKIN, GA
This is an ongoing story; check back with Fetch Your News for updates.
The Lumpkin County Sheriff Office confirmed with Fetch Your News that a car has been reported stolen in the Pink Williams Road area in Lumpkin County, and entering auto reports have been received in the Frank Christian Road and Ben Higgins areas.
After the vehicle was stolen, the suspect proceeded to enter additional automobiles with the intent to steal. Lumpkin County investigator, Jason Canupp, does not have a suspect yet, but he asks for anyone who may have information, or who may have seen anything suspicious the night of November 6, to please contact him at the Lumpkin County Sheriff Office.
Canupp also reminds citizens to always remove any valuables from car if possible, don’t leave anything valuable in plain sight, and to lock their doors every night.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
Lumpkin Sheriff’s Office, ARDEO make drug bust
News December 21, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – An investigation by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) led to the arrest Tuesday (Dec. 19) of 45-year-old Tony Anthony Monteith, of Dahlonega.
Agents seized methamphetamine, marijuana, clonazepam and hydrocodone with a street value of $2,200. Monteith was charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of clonazepam (a schedule IV controlled substance), and possession of hydrocodone. He was transported to the Lumpkin County Detention Center.
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via IM or at 706-348-7410 or contact your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department. The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White, Lumpkin, Towns, Banks, Habersham, Stephens, Rabun and Franklin counties, along with the Cleveland and Lavonia Police departments and the Georgia National Guard Counter, Drug Task Force, Department of Public Safety and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Wahsega 4-H Director Back in Jail on Child Porn Charge
News November 3, 2017
Paul Travis Williams
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Paul Travis Williams, the 4-H director who was arrested last month on a charge of possession of child pornography and subsequently released on $10,000 bond, is back in the Lumpkin County Detention Center.
Williams, 48, was arrested again last week after authorities added 30 new counts of accessing child porn.
The initial investigation was conducted by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the University of Georgia Police Department following a cyber tip showing that suspected child pornography had been uploaded from inside the Wahsega 4-H Center.
Williams’ attorney Catherine Bernard stated in an email, “Travis Williams maintains his innocence on these charges, and it is unfortunate that the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office is employing deceptive tactics despite Travis’ good faith cooperation with law enforcement.
“The sudden re-arrest on October 26th was unnecessary. On October 11th, the lead investigator called Travis and informed him that a warrant had been issued and that he could turn himself in the next day. At that time, the investigator specifically volunteered a promise that he wasn’t going to “play the game” of having Travis re-arrested on new warrants for the same charge as the investigation continued.”
Sheriff Stacy Jarrard
But Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said, “He would never say that because he had no way of knowing how many more counts may be coming.”
Bernard also said, “It appears that the Sheriff’s Office is attempting to try this case in the media before even making any evidence available to a grand jury or to Travis and his counsel.”
Jarrard strongly denied the accusation, saying, “We held only one press conference and that was so we wouldn’t have to respond to so many media inquiries at different times.”
Bernard said her client has complied with all conditions and instructions from the court and law enforcement. “Travis will be seeking to return to bail as soon as possible so that he can defend himself against these charges,” Bernard added.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com