Stephens County “Operation Clean Sweep” Nets 19 Arrests Over 2 Days
This week, local, state, and federal agencies participated in “Operation Clean Sweep” in Stephens County, resulting in 19 arrests.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and Toccoa Police Department worked in cooperation with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), GBI’s Metro Gang Task Force and Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and Georgia State Patrol to complete the 2-day operation with the goal of minimizing the flow of drugs in Stephens County.
During the two-day period, Sheriff’s deputies, police officers, state troopers and special agents made several arrests in reference to warrants for probation violations and traffic enforcement.
The first day of the operation focused on 4th Amendment waiver searches, warrant services, and “knock and talks” in Stephens County. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, 13 individuals were arrested for charges including: 3 counts Felony Probation Violation, 1 count Felony Arrest Order, 3 counts Possession of Marijuana (Less Than 1 Oz); 3 counts Possession of Methamphetamine; 2 counts Parole Violation, 2 counts Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent; 1 count Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance, 1 count Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent; 1 count Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substances with Intent, 2 counts Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substances, 4 counts Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, 1 count Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and 1 count Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substances with Intent.
The second day of the operation focused on traffic enforcement. On Thursday, Jan. 30, Sheriff’s deputies, police officers, and state troopers conducted approximately 105 traffic stops, wrote 34 citations, issued 70 warnings, and there were 4 K-9 deployments. Six individuals were arrested on charges that included: Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance, Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent; 2 counts of Driving Under theInfluence, Failure to Maintain Lane; Possession of Marijuana (Less Than 1 Oz.), Improper Turn Lane/Change; Expired/No Driver’s License, Failure to Obey Stop Sign, Tag Light Requirement; Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Failure to Maintain Insurance, Suspended Registration, License to be Carried and Exhibited on Demand, Youth Restraint Not Used Properly, Defective Tires; and 1 Habersham County warrant service.
Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright and Toccoa Chief of Police Bruce Carlisle expressed appreciation to the participating agencies for their hard work and dedication with “Operation Clean Sweep,” saying that this multi-agency operation is part of an ongoing collaborative effort in the fight against drug trafficking and gang activity in Stephens County.