White County deputies chase, arrest burglary suspect
News February 10, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – Alert White County deputies arrested a Cleveland man who is suspected of burglary Tuesday.
According to a White County Sheriff’s Office press release, deputies had been searching for Corey Franklin Cantrell for several weeks in connection with a burglary investigation.
While searching for Cantrell, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen vehicle in the Swiss Colony community, which is close to the Sautee Express. Deputies were already in the area when they spotted the stolen vehicle.
Deputies then made contact with Cantrell inside the stolen truck. While attempting to remove him from the vehicle, there was an altercation and Cantrell fled the scene in the stolen truck.
He then parked that vehicle at a nearby residence and stole a second vehicle. When he attempted to flee from the Swiss Colony community in the stolen truck, deputies deployed two sets of spike strips to disable the vehicle, stopping it at the entrance of the Sky Mountain subdivision and, after a brief pursuit on foot, Cantrell was taken into custody.
He is charged with burglary, two counts of theft by taking, fleeing and attempting to elude, obstruction, possession of methamphetamine, reckless driving, probation violation. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
“Our deputies did an outstanding job,” said Sheriff Rick Kelley. “As a result of their determination, training, and experience they were able to safely take Cantrell into custody. Last night, our deputies exhibited their strong dedication in serving and protecting the citizens of White County. I couldn’t be more proud of them than I am today.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Cleveland man charged with battery, stalking
News February 1, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – A Cleveland man has been charged with battery, family violence, aggravated stalking, resisting arrest and cruelty to children, following a domestic violence incident on Ivy Hills Drive on Jan. 14.
White County deputies were called to the scene shortly after midnight where they were confronted by an angry Danny Ramey, age 40, who, according to the incident report, forcefully resisted arrest. The deputy gained control of the situation and placed him into custody.
Ramey was transported to the White County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Cleveland man charged with burglary
Press Release January 28, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Jan. 23, the White County Sheriff’s Office responded to 120 Wildwood Trl., Cleveland in reference to a burglary. Deputies spoke with the victim, who stated the suspect fled from the residence, when they arrived home. The victim advised the suspect previously forced entry into the residence and took an item(s) when they fled. The victim was familiar with the suspect. As a result of the investigation, Mauriceo Wood, age 29, was charged with Burglary 1st Degree. Mauriceo listed his address as homeless.
Murrayville man charged with meth possession
News January 27, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – A 39-year-old Murrayville man was charged with possession of methamphetamine and half dozen traffic offenses following a routine traffic safety stop last week near the intersection of Bill Pressley and Ricky West Road.
White County deputies stopped Brian Ballard’s ’97 Ford F150 pickup and discovered the tag had expired by more than two years. When they ran the tag, they learned it did not come back to the pickup truck. During a search of the vehicle, they located a small plastic baggie that contained a white crystal like substance and a pipe.
Ballard was transported to the White County Detention Center. In addition to possession of meth, Ballard was charged with possession of drug related objects, affixing a plate to conceal identity, operation of an unregistered vehicle and failure to wear a seatbelt. Bond was set at $5,000
Multi-agency drug bust in North Georgia
News, Press Release December 11, 2020
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, several arrests were made across numerous counties in North Georgia as the culmination of a year-long investigation conducted by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, White County Sheriff’s Office, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Community Supervision, the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender’s Task Force, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.
Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized 433 grams of methamphetamine, 4 pounds of marijuana, 89 grams of crack cocaine, 53 grams of powder cocaine, 90 grams of heroin, 3 firearms, more than $19,000 U.S. Currency, and other assets valued at over $20,000. Two stolen ATV’s were also recovered as a part of the investigation.
The primary suspect of the investigation, Bernard Jermaine House, 43, of Buford, was arrested on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, and five counts of Distribution of Heroin, with further charges pending. Four search warrants were conducted on Wednesday at addresses associated with House’s drug trafficking organization. Other individuals arrested are as follows:
Christian Wright, 30, of Gainesville, was charged with two counts of Trafficking Heroin, Distribution of Heroin, Trafficking Cocaine, Trafficking Methamphetamine, and Possession of Marijuana.
Bobby Joe Holloman, 47, of Gainesville, was charged with two counts of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Cocaine.
Jason Brannon, 44, of Homer, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
Tiffany Kinney, 38, of Homer, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
Brendan Hand, 31, of Cleveland, was charged with Possession of Heroin.
DesiRay Rider, 32, of Cleveland, was charged with Possession of Heroin.
Ptia Moss, 27, of Cleveland, was charged with Possession of Heroin, Crossing of Guard Lines with Drugs, and Possession of Drug Related Objects.
Jacob Loden, 21, of Cleveland, was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Related Objects.
Additionally, several other individuals wanted for unrelated crimes were also arrested during this investigation.
For additional information about Appalachian RDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for ARDEO@appalachiandtf on twitter or follow on facebook@appalachianrdeo and/or Instagram.
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, Franklin County, Gilmer County, Fannin County, the Cleveland Police Department, and the Toccoa Police Department, along with the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Hiker who died Tuesday identified as White County woman
News October 14, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities have identified the woman who was killed in a fall from Yonah Mountain Tuesday as Jennifer Randall of White County.
Randall was hiking with her husband and young son when the accident occurred. Sources say Randall had hiked the area several times with her family.
White County Emergency Services responded to the rock face formation of Yonah Mountain on Tuesday at 10:27 a.m. for a reported fall of a female subject from the rock face.
White County Fire Services, EMS and Sheriff’s Office with mutual aid from Helen Fire Department and the Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade responded to the incident.
EMS and Fire personnel had to use a rope system to access the patient, who was pronounced deceased on the scene. Due to the location of the patient personnel had to use the rope system and basket stretcher to lift the victim back to the top of the rock. This was an extremely treacherous area and the safety of personnel were of concern.
It took several personnel to assist in the recovery of the victim, and the seen was cleared at approximately 3:30PM. This is one of those tragic accidents that can occur while hiking in the trail areas of our county.
The White County Sheriff’s Office, and GA Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident.
Residents evacuated following propane leak
News, Press Release August 11, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County 911 received a call at 12:56 p.m. Monday (Aug. 10) advising of a gas leak at 690 Holiness Campground Rd. Firefighters from Fire Stations 2 and 4 responded along with White County EMS and White County Sheriff’s Department.
Mutual aid was requested from Hall County Fire Station 2 and Hall County Hazmat team. Approximately 2,800 gallons of liquid propane leaked from a broken valve on a delivery truck.
Residents were advised via the CodeRed emergency alert system to evacuate the area and a shelter was established at the Park & Rec Department on Asbestos Rd. Firefighters went door to door and assisted residents in the immediate area to evacuate. Several roads in the area closed including Holiness Campground
The Hall County Hazmat team was canceled as the leak was contained before their arrival. Firefighters cleared the scene at 3:12 pm and residents were advised they could return to their homes.
Female inmate found dead in White County Detention Center
News August 7, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County Sheriff Neal Walden confirmed today (Aug. 7) that Mercedes Brackett, 28 of Gainesville, was found deceased in the medical center in the White County Detention Center at approximately 8:30 a.m.
The cause of death is unknown at this time. The Sheriff’s Office has requested the GBI conduct an investigation. Sheriff Walden said Ms. Brackett was arrested on a probation violation.
Fetch Your News will have more information as it becomes available.
Millage rate public hearing set Monday
News July 25, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The White County Board of Commissioners will hold the first of three millage rate public hearings and a called meeting on Monday (July 27) at 8 a.m. in the County Administration Building on Helen Hwy.
The Board will present the proposed millage rate then call for comments from the public in favor of or opposed to the proposed rate.
Commissioners are required to hold three public hearings this year. The second millage rate public hearing is scheduled for Monday (July 27) at 4:30 p.m. in the Administration Building. During the afternoon session, commissioners will consider:
Requests from the Sheriff’s Office, including six new vehicles, two ballistic shied panels for courthouse security, 24 laptops for patrol vehicles and approval of an IT position;
Approval of a contract with Southern Geotechnical Consultants for the 2020 road paving and rehabilitation project for construction materials testing and construction inspection services;
Approval of a contract with ACG Solutions for the county courthouse access control project;
A land use application filed by Joshua Wells to request a conditional use permit on 3.01 acres at 156 Bear Mountain Trail in Helen to be placed in the short-term rental program;
A land use application filed by Cleve McAfee to redistrict property on 8.77 acres at 4389 Hwy. 115 East in Cleveland from C-1 Community Commercial District to C-2 Highway Business with a conditional use for single-family residences;
A land use application filed by Steve Seabold for a conditional use permit on 1.73 acres at 5494 Hwy. 356 in Sautee Nacoochee to be placed in the short-term rental program;
A land use application filed by William Porter for a conditional use permit on 1.38 acres at 121 Laura Lane in Cleveland to be placed in the short-term rental program;
A land use application filed by Wendy Moses for a conditional use permit on one acre at 164 Pine Ridge Drive in Helen to be placed in the short-term rental program.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
GBI, White County deputies investigate murder
News July 1, 2020
CLEVELAND, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and White County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the shooting death of 41-year-old Mitchell Smallwood.
Deputies received a 911 call to 32 Happy Hollow Road in Cleveland on June 30 where they found the victim deceased. Rita Sanders-Luse, 66, has been charged with murder. No other details were immediately available.
BOC will hold public hearing on budget Monday
News June 13, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and called meeting Monday (June 15) at 4:30 p.m.
Finance Director Jodi Ligon will present the proposed fiscal year 2020-2021 budget which call a balanced overall budget of $24,744,021 and a general fund budget of $19,778,496. There are no increases in the 2020 departmental budgets with the exception of an increase in employee insurance premiums of $733,495. The increase in premiums will not be passed along to employees.
The public will then be given an opportunity to speak in favor of or in opposition to the proposal before commissioners conduct the final vote.
Commissioners will also consider the following:
- A surplus resolution for the Sheriff’s Office;
- A land use application filed by Samuel and Louise Hersey to request a conditional use permit on one acre located at 433 Laurel Ridge Road in Cleveland to be placed in the short-term rental program;
- Mid-year board appointments to the White County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors;
- White County DFACS Board;
- White County CVB Board of Directors; Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
The Board will also consider approval and/or the renewal of the following contracts:
- Rushton & Company, LLC letter of engagement fot the fiscal year 2019-2020 financial audit;
- Chattahoochee Group for landscaping at Freedom Park;
- Unlimited Lawn Care for treatment of all athletic fields at Asbestos Road Parks and Recreation Complex, Yonah Preserve Ballfield Complex and Tesnatee Sports Complex;
- Avita Community Partners (Mental Health) General Fund;
- County Health Department General Fund;
- Enotah Court Appointed Special Advocates – General Fund;
- Family Connections – General Fund; Sautee Nacoochee Community Association
- Hotel/Motel Tax Fund;
- White County Board of Library Trustees – General Fund; White County Development Authority; White County Historical Society Hotel/Motel Tax Fund.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
UPDATED: Investigators say apartment complex fire was intentionally set
News May 3, 2020
Updated 5/4/20:
WHITE COUNTY MAN WANTED FOR CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
ATLANTA – Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office are currently searching for the whereabouts of James Christopher Hughes, 63, of Cleveland, Georgia. Hughes is wanted for one count of Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree for his alleged involvement in setting fire to his own home off of Campbell Street in Cleveland on April 29.
“Several occupants were home at the time this fire was set, but thankfully only minor damages were caused and no injuries were sustained. However, this is still an illegal and highly dangerous act that will not be tolerated in Georgia,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “If you have any information on the whereabouts of this individual, please call my Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804.”
Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office are assisting the City of Cleveland Fire
Department and the White County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.
ATLANTA – According to a press release from the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office a fire at a White County apartment complex last week was intentionally set.
The fire was set in a busted hole in the drywall between the bathroom and bedroom area of the apartment. “The occupants of the 19-year-old, 1,200 square-foot apartment were home at the time the arson occurred, but thankfully the fire only caused minor damages and no injuries were sustained,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King.
“If you have any information on the individual or individuals responsible, I ask that you call my Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804.” Rewards are offered of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist(s).
Calls are taken 24 hours a day and callers can choose to remain anonymous. Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit is assisting the City of Cleveland Fire Department and White County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.
Mother charged with murder of her daughter
News March 2, 2020
Quinn Riley Wood
CLEVELAND, Ga. — The White County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation have charged a 21-year-old White County mother with the murder of her 19-month old daughter, Shyloh Wood,
Quinn Riley Wood, 21, is also charged aggravated battery and cruelty to children in the death of her daughter.
Deputies and White County Emergency Medical Services were called to a home on Hunter Road in Cleveland where the child was in distress. The child was transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where she died, according to the sheriff’s office.
An autopsy was performed at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation State Crime Lab on Friday.
No further details have been released.
Three Cleveland teens charged with armed robbery, victim charged with possession of marijuana
News January 16, 2020
Vincent Groce
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — An incident at the Mt. Yonah Trailhead parking lot last week resulted in a charge of armed robbery being filed against three Cleveland teens and a charge of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute being filed against the victim.
According to a report by Captain Clay Hammond of the Criminal Investigation Division of the White County Sheriff’s Office, on Jan. 6 deputies responded to the Mt. Yonah Trailhead parking lot, in reference to an assault. The victim reported he was attacked by two unknown males, with a baseball bat.
Deputies later discovered that the involved parties were familiar with one another and planned to meet at the parking lot. As a result of the investigation, the following people were charged in reference to this incident.
Rebecca Baughcum, 18, of Cleveland (Party to the Crime of Armed Robbery), Vincent Groce, 18, of Cleveland (Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, Criminal Trespass) Dalton Langford, 19, of Cleveland (Armed Robbery), Johnathan Watson, 21, of Hiawassee (Possession of marijuana, with Intent to Distribute).
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Rebecca Baughcum
Dalton Langford
Johnathan Watson
WCSO deputies sieze heroin, meth and marijuana during Sunday traffic stop
News January 1, 2020
CLEVELAND, Ga. – A traffic stop near Tesnatee Gap Road and Frances Drive Sunday evening resulted in the confiscation of a quantity of heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and the arrest of 34-year-old Jeremiah Daniel Mitchell, of Gainesville, a convicted felon.
White County Sheriff’s Office was warned to be on the lookout for a Jeep Compass which the spotted on Hwy. 115 West near Asbury Mill Road. The vehicle had a driver’s side headlight out.
The vehicle turned onto Asbury Mill Road then Frances Drive before it stopped. The driver initially gave officers a fictitious name but later admitted his real name was Jeremiah Mitchell and that he is a convicted felon.
A search of the vehicle yielded three needles used to inject drugs, several clear plastic bags that tested positive for heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana and a Taurus 9 mm handgun.
According to the arrest report, Mitchell said the drugs came from a guy in Hall County. He stated that he was “working the guy” for the Hall County drug unit.
Mitchell was transported to the White County Detention Center where he is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession, of marijuana, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of or attempted commission of a certain crime and driving on a suspended license.
His bond was set at $27,500.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Cleveland man charged with battery — family violence
News November 27, 2019
Tazarie Keshon Richie
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Tazarie Keshon Richie, 39, is charged with battery – family violence after he allegedly struck his 22-year-old live-in girlfriend, Amber Britt, in the face during an argument at their residence at 746 Danny Palmer Road Nov. 19.
Investigator Anthony Sims of the White County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check requested by Britt’s mother who noticed her daughter had a black eye and cut nose during a FaceTime conversation.
Sims attempted to reach Britt at the Taco Bell where she is employed but was unsuccessful. According to the arrest report, he spoke to the manager who said he noticed Britt had a black eye. He further stated Britt told other employees Richie hit her.
Sims called Britt on her cell phone and asked her to come to the Sheriff’s Office. When she arrived, she said she and Richie got into a physical fight on November 19 and he shoved her into a wall causing her to hit her face. She said she did not want Sims to talk to Richie about the incident for fear he would become angry and she did not want him to get into trouble.
Sims then drove to couple’s residence on Danny Palmer Road to speak with Richie. He asked Richie to drive himself to the Sheriff’s Office to talk about the injuries to Britt’s face but he refused. Sims then placed him under arrest and transported him to the White County Detention Center.
After he was booked, Richie requested to speak with Sims. Richie denied doing any bodily harm to her. Sims then reviewed a Paytel call from Richie to Britt, during the call she told Richie they were going to have to sit down and talk about him always putting his hands on her. Richie is overheard to agree with Sims noted that all interviews at the Sheriff’s Office are recorded both audio and video.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com