Eight Arrested in Toccoa in Connection With Narcotics Ring

Eight people are facing multiple drug charges in Stephens County after investigators broke up a multi-county drug trafficking ring.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said the bust took place on the evening of March 22 at 3415 West Currahee St. off Highway 123 near the Jeanette Jamieson intersection.

Shirley said deputies conducted a three-month undercover investigation after receiving anonymous tips givento the Toccoa Police Department, which were then passed on to his department.

The Sheriff says his investigators were able to gather enough information to obtain a search warrant.

“Investigators were able to collaborate the anonymous tip as well as develop enough new information to obtain a search warrant, which they quickly served,” Shirley said. “During the service of the warrant a significant quantity of Methamphetamine was found at the home as well as marijuana, digital scales, packaging material, and other drug paraphernalia.”

During the search, Shirley said the prime suspect, identified as 53-year old Tracie Flanagan admitted to officers that she had been selling methamphetamine from the residence.

“While still at the residence, and using information obtained during the search, Investigators made contact with multiple drug traffickers who had been delivering drugs to be sold from the residence,” Shirley explained. “Through this contact Investigators were able to arrange for one of these individuals, later identified as Richard Melvin Henry, to deliver approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine to investigators at the residence.”

When Henry arrived, he was immediately arrested by investigators who confiscated two ounces of meth found on him, Shirley said.

According to the Sheriff, investigators continued to make arrests as more suspects came to the house.

“During the search and subsequent investigation, multiple individuals arrived at the residence in order to buy, sell, and trade various controlled substances to Flanagan and her associates,” he said. “In total eight suspects were arrested as a result of this operation and are facing charges of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.”

Flanagan was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute and Possession of Marijuana less than an ounce.

She has since been released on a $16,000 property bond.

56-year old Richard Melvin Henry of Clarkesville was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, and Crossing the Guard line with Contraband.

Henry is being held in the Stephens County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

Also arrested were 33-year old old Brandi Freeman of Alto, 35-year old James Harrelson also of Alto, 56-year old Rebecca Brewer of Toccoa, 39-year old Mikel Bramblett of Clarkesville, 48-year-old Lanita Hunter also of Clarkesville, and 27-year old Steven Tallman of Cleveland, Georgia.

Freeman was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana less then an ounce, and Tampering with Evidence. She has since been released on a $11,000 property bond.

Harrelson was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Marijuana less than an ounce. Harrelson has since been released on a $6,000 property bond.

Brewer was charged with Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and is currently at the Stephens County Jail with a $5,000 bond.

Hunter was charged with Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Hunter has since been released on a $15,000 property bond.

Bramblett was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer. Bramblett has since been released on a $6,000 property bond.

Tallman was charged with Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. Tallman has since been released on a $10,000 property bond.