An Eighteen month-long investigation results in the arrest of seven and yielded trafficking amounts of methamphetamine and firearms.
According to a news release from Trent Hillsman, Special Agent in Charge with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), on July 26th and July 27th several arrests were made across North Georgia as the culmination of an 18-month investigation.
The release states, the investigation began in White County in early 2020 and eventually led agents to seize approximately four pounds of methamphetamine with an approximate street value of $28,000.00, along with nine firearms, and $8,000 in drug proceeds.
Hillsman stated, seven individuals, including three Cleveland residents, were arrested and charged with violating the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The investigation was conducted by the White, Lumpkin, and Hall County Sheriff’s Departments, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.
The investigation is still active and ongoing.
Those arrested and charged:
Mary Pamela Clay, 61, of Cleveland
Ralph Lonnie Cochran, 57, of Cleveland
Travis Blake Cooper, 38, of Dahlonega
Dennis Jason Dick, 49, of Gainesville
Bradley Patrick Harkins, 33, of Dahlonega
Kathryn Cochran Lambert, 59, of Cleveland
Stacey Callaway Oliver, 41, of Clermont
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via Facebook IM (@AppalachianRDEO) 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, Gilmer County, Fannin County, along with the Cleveland Police Department, the Toccoa Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
