Gordon County drug investigation results in 48 charged, including one from Dalton and several from Resaca

Published 6:11 pm Wednesday, March 15, 2017

According to Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston, a long-term counter-drug investigation which began in June 2016 culminated Tuesday and Wednesday in the execution of a number of arrest warrants throughout Gordon County.

“Operation Spring Clean” resulted in a litany of drug distribution and firearms charges against 48 individuals, including at least one from Dalton and several from Resaca. The investigation, which spanned several months, concentrated on the distribution of methamphetamine and other schedule II and schedule I controlled substances. The case involved hundreds of man hours of covert and electronic surveillance, and dozens of undercover drug purchases.

Over the course of the investigation, sheriff’s deputies and detectives seized over approximately five pounds of methamphetamine valued at over $112,000, as well as a number of illegally held firearms.

Among those charged are:

• Jerry Ray Graham, 31, of 2895 Pine Chapel Road, Resaca, sale of marijuana, arrested on Monday.

• Albert Craig Hawkins, 53, of 1451 Heather Way, Dalton, three sales of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, arrested July 26, 2016.

• Zachary Douglas Lumpkin, 21, of 663 Midway Road, Resaca, two sales of methamphetamine, arrested on Monday.

• Michael Leon Patton, 44, of 250 Hufstetler Road, Resaca, two trafficking methamphetamine, sale of methamphetamine, drug-related objects, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, arrested on Dec. 13, 2016.

• Penny Diane Stanley, 45, of 2895 Pine Chapel Road, Resaca, two sales of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, arrested on Monday.