Latest news with #MuscogeeCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Muscogee County Sheriff, GBI announce $1.4 million drug bust, 10 arrests from ‘Operation: Hades'
The Muscogee County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced Thursday that 10 people were arrested in a drug enforcement operation called 'Operation: Hades.' The joint effort focused on a narcotics trafficking ring, according to the GBI, involved in the trafficking and distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana in Muscogee County. The sheriff's office said the arrests were the culmination of an eight-month long investigation into what was described as a drug trafficking organization and conspiracy. "This investigation led to the arrest of drug trafficking leader Archie Zanders and his co-conspirators," Sheriff Greg Countryman said in a statement. The operation happened on Monday, with officers, deputies and agents executing nine search warrants in Muscogee County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The search warrants resulted in the following seizures of drugs, weapons, vehicles and cash, worth an estimated $1.39 million: 108 pounds of Marijuana, with an estimated street value of $481,810 20 pounds of Cocaine, with an estimated street value of $895,300 78 grams of Methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $7,800 158 Oxycodone pills, with an estimated street value of 3,950 117 Ecstasy Pills, with an estimated street value of $2,925 11 firearms, including 1 9mm Glock modified to operate in a fully automatic capacity 6 vehicles $106,409 in US Currency Sheriff Countryman said the investigation remains open and there may be additional charges and arrests on the horizon. 'We will not stop until the criminal behavior stops,' Countryman said in a statement online. 'The last time we had a press conference, we told you that we were coming for you. Archie Zanders and his drug-trafficking associates just found this out. We know who you are, and we are coming.' TRENDING STORIES: 10 charged with stealing more than $6M in electronics as part of porch pirate ring 12-year-old killed in crossfire as groups open fire at Atlanta apartment complex Body pulled from Peachtree Creek The sheriff's office and GBI were also assisted by several federal agencies and the Lee County Sheriff's Office in Alabama. The following individuals were charged as a result of the operation. Archie Zanders Trafficking Cocaine Trafficking Marijuana Trafficking Methamphetamine Trafficking Ecstasy Conspiracy to distribute – 2 counts Possession of Psilocybin with Intent to Distribute Possession Of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Possession Of a Schedule II with Intent to Distribute - Oxycodone Possession of a Schedule II with Intent to Distribute - Morphine Possession Of Firearm During the Commission of a Crime Possession Of Firearm by a Convicted Felon Christopher Mabry Trafficking Cocaine Possession Of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Possession of Firearm or Knife During Commission of a crime – 3 counts Possession of a Machine Gun, Dangerous Weapon, Or Silencer Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon - 3 counts Conspiracy To Distribute Hakeem Zanders Conspiracy to Distribute Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon - 2 counts Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Tampering with Evidence Possession of Drug-Related Objects Kenisha Miles Trafficking Cocaine Trafficking Marijuana Trafficking Methamphetamine Possession Of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute - Oxycodone Possession Of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent Distribute - Morphine Possession And Use of Drug-Related Objects Possession Of Firearm or Knife During Commission of Or Attempt to Commit Certain Felonies Drugs Not in Original Container Jama Zanders Trafficking Cocaine Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Possession Of Firearm During Commission of a Crime – 3 counts Possession Of Machine Gun Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon – 3 counts Edward Watson III Trafficking Cocaine Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Possession Of Firearm During Commission of a Crime – 3 counts Possession Of Machine Gun Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon – 3 counts Bobby Nelson Conspiracy to Distribute Earnestine Sumrell Trafficking Ecstasy Possession of Schedule I with intent to distribute – Psilocybin Possession Of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Possession Of Firearm During the Commission of a Crime Henry Royal Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon Possession Of Drug-Related Objects Samantha Elders Excessive Tint Driving While License Suspended or Revoked Driving While License Suspended or Revoked Contempt Of Court - 6 counts Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
More than $1.3 million worth of drugs seized, 10 people arrested in multi-agency operation
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — The Muscogee County Sheriff's Office announced today their 8-month investigation into a local drug trafficking organization that led to the arrest of 10 people and the seizure of $1,391,785 worth of drugs. MCSO's Collaborative Intelligence Group, in conjunction with the MCSO Special Operations Unit, FBI, DEA, GBI, GSP, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office, investigation 'Operation Hades' led to the arrest of drug trafficking leader Archie Zanders and his co-conspirators. Zanders's drug trafficking operation was responsible for trafficking and distributing multiple kilograms of Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana in Muscogee County, Georgia. On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office, along with other agencies, executed 9 search warrants in Muscogee County. These search warrants resulted in the seizure of the following: -108 pounds of Marijuana, with an estimated street value of $481,810.00 -20 pounds of Cocaine, with an estimated street value of $895,300.00 -78 grams of Methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $7,800.00 -158 Oxycodone pills, with an estimated street value of $3,950.00 -117 Ecstasy Pills, with an estimated street value of $2,925 -11 firearms, including one 9mm Glock modified to operate in a fully automatic capacity -6 seized vehicles -$106,409 in U.S. Currency The following individuals were arrested and are facing multiple charges: Archie Zanders Christopher Mabry Hakeem Zanders Kenisha Miles Jama Zanders Edward Watson III Earnstine Sumrell Henry Royal Bobby Nelson Samantha Elders Police say the case is still under investigation and additional charges and arrests may be pending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘We need to honor that sacrifice': The 2025 Peace Officer's Memorial Service
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Law enforcement officers, families, and community members came together at the Bibb Mill Event Center to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by fallen officers. The annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police, recognized fallen officers from across Georgia and Alabama. This year's Roll Call of Heroes included names stretching back to the 1800s, each read aloud and honored in solemn silence. There were 43 names called. Each name that echoed through the room served as a reminder of the lives lost. The service included a proclamation from Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson. As well as representative speakers from the Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff's Office, Muscogee County Prison, and Rutledge State Prison. 'We need to honor that sacrifice both on the part of the officer as well as their families.' said Sgt. Kelly Phillips, the Fraternal Order of Police, Vice President. 'I would hope the public would look at an event like this and realize there are still individuals out there who want to serve, who want to help… and that we're human too.' The Fraternal Order of Police says the memorial is also a reminder to the public that behind every badge is a person, and behind every name is a family. The Peace Officers' Memorial Service is held each year in May, aligning with National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th. The Fraternal Order of Police says it hopes to see even greater turnout next year as the community continues to honor its heroes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
10 people plead guilty in massive drug trafficking case by Muscogee County Sheriff's Office
Editor's Note: The video above is part of WRBL's initial coverage of the announcement of Operation Sweet Silence. COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Nine people arrested as part of the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office's massive 'Operation Sweet Silence' drug bust have plead guilty to drug trafficking charges. According to the United States Attorney's Office Middle District of Georgia, defendant Tommie Mullins, Jr. aka 'TJ' aka 'Bo' aka 'Mini,' 31, of Columbus, came before U.S. District Judge Clay Land and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. Mullins will serve 20 years as part of the plea agreement. Nine co-defendant also pleaded guilty in the case. Trenton Thomas aka Bubbles, 25, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 9 and faces a maximum of life imprisonment Trenton Clemons, 48, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 9 and faces a maximum of life imprisonment Adrian Palmer aka AP, 24, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 6 and faces a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment Darius Jenkins, 23, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 25 and faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment Christopher Hill, 36, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of use of a communication facility to facilitate drug felony on April 25 and faces a maximum of four years imprisonment Corey Turner aka 'Lito' aka 'Lito Red,' 33, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute on April 22 and faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life imprisonment Anthony Champion, 45, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine on April 22 and faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment Javonta Paden, 24, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana on April 22 and faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment Adrian Pleasants, 29, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana on April 22 and faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment. Mullins and the co-defendants still have to face federal sentencing, which is scheduled for Aug. 7. There is no parole in the federal system. These arrest represent a small portion of the total number of people taken into custody as part of 'Operation Sweet Silence.' According to the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office the multi-agency operation resulted in the arrest of more than 100 people. According to the United States Attorney's Office Middle District of Georgia, 'Operation: Sweet Silence' is part of the larger 'Operation Take Back America.' The United States Attorney's Office Middle District of Georgia calls 'Operation Take Back America' a nationwide initiative that, 'marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.' WRBL's previous coverage of 'Operation Sweet Silence' here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
One Columbus child advocate applauds online sexual predator sting that netted 19 arrests
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — There are 19 men sitting in the Muscogee County Jail right now facing human trafficking charges for trying to have sex with minors. They were arrested as part of a Muscogee County Sheriff's Office multi-agency online sting called 'Operation Lights Out.'For one local advocate for the young girls and boys who are the victims of crimes like this, news of the arrests is a victory. Bobbi Starr/Executive Director Micah's Promise 'This is the exact thing that has needed to happen for a very long time, going after the perpetrator, the ones who drive the crimes against children and that are the perpetrator, the johns, the buyers of sex, that drive this issue of human trafficking of children. And they have faced no consequences.' Bobbi Starr runs Micah's Promise, a Columbus non-profit organization that helps minors caught up in sex trafficking. She has seen law enforcement turn away from charging the minors to targeting the Monday's sting operation led by the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office and the GBI was just the type of focus on the problem she has been praying for. 'And the only way to stop this and stop them is to give them really harsh consequences, because really the children are the only ones who have been facing the consequences,' Starr said. Sheriff Greg Countryman also sees it that way.'The young boys and young girls involved, they are not the criminals, they're the victims,' he said. 'And right now what we want to do is that we want to be that voice for them. We want to be the person who will fight for them. We want to be the person who will advocate for them.' Those arrested ranged in age from 21 years old to 68. They came to Columbus from the local area and as far away as Illinois seeking sex with minors. They were lured by an online law enforcement operation that did not include children. District Attorney Don Kelly acknowledges this was a small step. 'This is the tip of the iceberg,' he said. 'This is what we see in a four-day operation. There's a lot more individuals out there who are willing to take advantage of children.' 'Exponentially more,' Starr said. 'This is the tip of the iceberg. This is nothing. Thousands, you know. In the end, the charges here. Here's also what I'm going to be watching and what I'm super hopeful. I heard our district attorney say that he is going to the highest letter of the law, that he is going to hold them to the highest charges possible. I want to see those human trafficking charges. He can win those cases.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
