Latest news with #NorthwestGeorgiaDrugTaskForce
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Operation Clean Air uncovers rampant vape sales to minors in Paulding County
The Brief "Operation Clean Air" led to the arrest of seven individuals in Paulding County for selling vape products to minors, with nine out of ten targeted stores found guilty. Undercover operations using underage buyers exposed a widespread issue of vape sales to minors, prompting local residents to support the crackdown for community and school safety. Law enforcement officials plan to continue compliance checks to ensure store owners adhere to regulations and prevent underage vape sales. PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. - Seven people have been arrested in Paulding County as part of a crackdown on stores accused of selling vape products to minors. SEE ALSO: 7 arrested in Paulding County underage vaping sting, deputies say What we know The Paulding County Sheriff's Office, working in coordination with the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force, launched "Operation Clean Air" two months ago after local school officials reported a spike in students caught with vape devices on campus. "We started hitting stores," said Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jordan Yuodis. "Of the 10 stores we went to, nine of them sold to minors." Undercover operations using underage buyers revealed a widespread problem across the county, according to investigators. "We started using people who were under the age to shop for vapes, and almost every store we went to, a minor was sold a vape," Yuodis said. "Our job is to make the community and the schools safer." What they're saying Local residents say the crackdown is long overdue. "I think it's about time they crack down on it and keep these kids safe," said Cheney Bromm, a Paulding County resident. "We don't know what [vaping] will do to them yet, not enough research, so I think it's a good idea." Another resident, Madon Burrell, described the impact of vaping in local schools. "Underage smoking can be a problem, especially in the schools," he said. "You can walk in a school bathroom and there are kids — just a bunch of kids — huffing on vapes." Law enforcement officials say the operation is far from over and warned store owners and employees that compliance checks will continue. "If you're doing that type of activity and not doing what you're supposed to do as the owner, the next time you go to sell a vape it might be someone underage, it might not be," Yuodis said. "You never know when we're going to show up." The Source FOX 5's Denise Dillon spoke with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office and the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force for this article.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Massive drug bust in Paulding County: Meth, fentanyl, and firearms seized
The Brief Authorities seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, and 14 firearms during a drug bust in Paulding County, leading to the arrest of John Burch. The investigation began after neighbors reported suspicious activity, and officials emphasize the importance of removing fentanyl and firearms from the streets for public safety. Additional arrests may follow as the investigation continues, with Burch facing numerous charges related to drug distribution. HIRAM, Ga. - Authorities in Paulding County seized methamphetamine, fentanyl and more than a dozen firearms during a drug bust at a home in the Lake Swan neighborhood, leading to one arrest and the possibility of more. What we know John Burch, 45, was taken into custody after investigators with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office and the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the residence. Officials say the investigation began after neighbors reported suspicious activity at the home, which sits on a street where children are often seen playing. Inside, deputies found bags of meth and fentanyl, as well as 14 firearms. "That fentanyl alone could have killed literally thousands of people," said Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson. "So getting these types of drugs, especially fentanyl, off the streets is vital to public safety." Henson added the firearms seized will no longer be available for potential criminal use. "Those are guns that are not going to go out and be able to be used in the commission of any types of crimes," he said. Burch faces numerous charges. Investigators believe he was selling drugs from the home, and the sheriff's office said additional arrests could follow as the investigation continues. What they're saying Jason Coutu, who lives one street over, said the bust did not come as a shock given the area's growth in recent years. "It's crazy. I mean, it is crazy. But it's everywhere," said Coutu. "I'm just glad Paulding County is doing a good job and taking care of it." Sheriff Henson said his office remains focused on reducing crime and drug distribution in the community. "I don't care if it's a gram or pounds—anytime you get drugs off our streets, you get guns off our streets that are in the hands of criminals, then we've done something good," Henson said. "So I chalk this one up as a win for the good guys." What we don't know Burch's next court date was not immediately known. The Source FOX 5's Denise Dillon spoke with Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson and residents of the Lake Swan neighborhood in Hiram for this article.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Judge orders ‘drug house' to be seized, given to law enforcement in Paulding Co.
A house in Paulding County has been seized by the State of Georgia to be used by law enforcement after a judge determined it was a 'drug house' where illegal drugs were sold. According to court documents, the property is worth over $230,000. On Sept. 6, 2023, the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force and Paulding County Sheriff's Office searched a home in the Yorkville area of Paulding County. Lenny Scott Moody and Stacey Marie Schmeck were arrested after agents seized 567 grams of methamphetamine and 446 grams of marijuana. Both Moody and Schmeck admitted to selling the drugs from the home over many years. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Oct. 18, 2023, the Paulding County District Attorney's Office launched a civil asset forfeiture action to seize all property and assets related to their illegal drug sales activities. On April 4, 2024, Moody was sentenced to 15 years (to serve five years in prison) for possession of drugs with intent to distribute. On Feb. 4, 2025, Schmeck was sentenced to 10 years (to serve 3 years in prison) for possession of drugs with intent to distribute. On May 8, 2025, the Paulding County District Attorney's Office prosecuted the case in Superior Court, where the judge ordered the home to be turned over to the state. TRENDING STORIES: 10-year-old boy critical after being shot in the head Marjorie Taylor Greene weighs in on college student facing deportation after wrongful traffic stop 3 dead, 2 injured in tractor-trailer crash that left I-75 shut down for hours [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
Alleged drug trafficker used cartel connections to buy drugs to sell in northwest GA community
Three people are facing charges after deputies said they found pounds of meth at a northwest Georgia home. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] For the past several months, the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force has been investigating a homeowner who lived on Tolbert Road in Rockmart. Investigators say evidence obtained led them to believe the homeowner was using his cartel connections to buy drugs to sell in Haralson County. On Friday, the NWGDTF served a search warrant at the home on Tolbert Road. Officials said they found four and a half pounds of methamphetamine, several nonprescribed schedule four prescription pills, scales, baggies, smoking devices and other drug trafficking paraphernalia along with a gun. TRENDING STORIES: Gwinnett County police searching for man who broke into home, showered, left with house key Teenage girl shot multiple times at DeKalb County home What to know as US tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China go into effect Authorities arrested Nicky Scott Proctor, 61, Tabatha Michelle Miller, 45, and Tracey Lanette Brookshire, 53, all of Rockmart. Proctor was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a Schedule IV drug. Miller was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. Brookshire was charged with possession of methamphetamine. She was also booked on an outstanding bench warrant. Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams said he's appreciative of the great work of the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force. 'I am very appreciative of the great work done by our Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force in taking down this major drug trafficker and removing him and his poison from our communities,' said Williams. 'We stand firm in our commitment to hunt down, arrest and prosecute anyone that brings drugs into Haralson County. Do not get comfortable, we will not stop.' The trio is currently behind bars at the Haralson County Jail. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
31-year-old Metro Atlanta man charged with selling drugs to high school students
Authorities said a tip led to the arrest of a Cobb County man accused of selling drugs to minors. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Paulding County Sheriff's Office said an anonymous tip led them to investigate 31-year-old Marc Daniel Yero of Cobb County. Officials said after a three-month-long investigation, agents confirmed Yero was selling THC vapes and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide LSD primarily to 'high school aged children'. Yero's arrest came after the sheriff's office conducted a traffic stop. Deputies said Yero had THC vapes and $1,200 in cash. He was charged with three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a Schedule I substance. More charges are forthcoming. TRENDING STORIES: DeKalb judge resigns from judicial oversight panel after comments on Gaza conflict Man runs into Lake Lanier to try and avoid traffic stop, officials say Savannah Chrisley goes to White House as she fights to get pardon for parents Todd and Julie 'This arrest was made possible because of the information received from a source who wished to remain anonymous. We can't do it alone,' Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force Commander Steven Sweatt said. Knowing the hard work of our Task Force Agents and Deputies is keeping this poison off the streets and out of the hands of our high school kids is extremely rewarding.' 'The Paulding County Sheriff's Office is committed to ensuring that our students are safe and protected. Individuals like Mr. Yero have no place on our streets soliciting drugs to children. Parents, please talk to your children and ensure they are making good decisions. If you come to our county and break the law, especially involving children, you will be arrested,' Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson said. To report drug activity in your neighborhood, call the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force at 770-646-9175 or send a message via the Paulding Sheriff mobile app. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
