An investigation has led to the arrest of sixteen people in DeKalb, Georgia, after police uncovered illegal gambling and drug activity. Police raided the home in a major bust, which saw them uncover 101 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, as well as drug and gambling paraphernalia.
Of the sixteen arrested, only Joseph Higgins was charged with anything worse than possession of marijuana. Higgins was actually charged with trafficking the meth, as well as unlawful possession of controlled substances and marijuana. He also has several outstanding warrants.
The rest of those caught won’t be charged any further than holding weed, and won’t be charged for the illegal gambling. According to the sheriff’s office, police will still be investigating the group, but nothing around the gambling is being called into question.
The county sheriff’s office listed those arrested in a named and shamed situation:
- David Hughes, 57, of Fyffe
- Mark Mayes, 52, of Pisgah
- Johnny Martin, 73, of Fyffe
- Austin Coots, 29, of Fyffe
- Kelli Hudson, 31, of Fyffe
- Randy Guest, 67, of Fyffe
- Rickey Martin, 69
- Leonard Whaley, 55, of Valley Head
- Billy Cisco, 58, of Fyffe
- Willie Wright, 50, of Rainsville
- Micah Freeman, 44, of Fort Payne
- Mark Smith, 50, of Scottsboro
- Melessa Mulligan, 54, of Rainsville
- John Mulligan, 59, of Valley Head
- Edwin Guest, 32, of Fyffe
DeKalb sheriff weighs in on illegal gambling bust
In a statement, DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said:
“Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to be two of the deadliest threats facing our communities today.
“These poisons are destroying families, fueling violence, and claiming lives at an alarming rate. Every gram we seize is a potential life saved.
“Our deputies’ investigators and task force agents remain restless in their pursuit to remove these drugs and the individuals who distribute them from DeKalb County.
“We will continue to work day and night to keep our citizens safe and to hold accountable those who profit from the suffering of others.”
Featured image: Flickr, DeKalb Sheriff’s Office
