Arrests Made in Fernside Dr. Break-Ins

Authorities said they have made some arrests in connection to the ongoing vehicle break-ins in the Fernside Drive area of Stephens County.

Both the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and Toccoa Police Department had received numerous reports of vehicle break-ins along Fernside Drive and on roads off of Fernside Drive in recent days.

As a result, the departments were doing concentrated patrols in the area.

Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell said that on Saturday at about 12:30 a.m., law enforcement was alerted to suspicious activity in the area.

“A citizen saw someone standing near their vehicle,” said Jarrell. “As a result, the officers that were doing the concentrated patrol in that area converged on the scene. One of the Toccoa Police officers got behind the vehicle that matched the description that was given. As a result, the officer attempted to stop the vehicle. A short, low-speed pursuit occurred, at which time the vehicle stopped.”

According to Jarrell, the vehicle stopped near Wesley Circle and the driver, 60-year-old James David Miller of Toccoa, was arrested for DUI-drugs, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, and Failure to Maintain Lane.

Meanwhile, authorities said a passenger in the vehicle, 30-year-old Matthew Ivester of Toccoa, was arrested on outstanding warrants from both the Toccoa Police Department and Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said that while the traffic stop was taking place, deputies from his office went to the residence the vehicle stopped at, 640 Fernside Drive, to talk to the resident.

The sheriff said investigators were familiar with the home because of suspicious activity reports there previously.

Shirley said deputies and investigators asked for permission to search and were granted it because the one of the residents had a fourth amendment waiver.

“As they went inside, they noticed some items that looked similar to some items that had been taken in previous thefts, as well as some methamphetamine in plain view on the dresser,” said Shirley.

At that point, authorities got a search warrant.

Shirley said Toccoa Police detectives were called in to assist in the search and even more was found.

“While they were searching, they also found another 1/4 ounce of methamphetamine, scales, and packaging material and located other tools, equipment and collectibles that linked to thefts in Stephens County,” said Shirley.

According to Jarrell, some of the items found were stolen more than a year ago from other areas of Toccoa, while some of the items were taken in the Fernside Drive break-ins.

As a result of the search, authorities say 52-year-old Tammy Gilleland and 57-year-old Jullian Simmons of Toccoa were arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute and Possession of Stolen Property.

Jarrell said the investigation is ongoing.

“We believe these individuals are responsible for some of the vehicles that have been entered in that area,” said Jarrell. “However, we are not totally convinced at this time that these individuals are responsible for all of the vehicles that have been entered in the city and county. We are asking citizens to still make sure their vehicles are locked and their valuables are secured.”

All four people arrested remain in the Stephens County Jail at last report.