18 arrested in widespread drug case (2024)

By Submitted Article on April 28, 2022

Sheriff’s Office/CMANS Press Release

Last week, the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad completed a lengthy investigation which lead to the arrest of 18 suspects in Pickens County. This investigation was conducted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Passed in 1970, The RICO Act is a federal law designed to combat organized crime in the United States. It allows prosecution and civil penalties for racketeering activity performed as part of an ongoing criminal enterprise. The State of Georgia has a similar statute in which these suspects have been charged. Such activity may include, kidnapping, murder, money laundering, counterfeiting, drug trafficking, and a host of other unsavory business practices.

To convict a defendant under RICO, the government must prove that the defendant engaged in two or more instances of racketeering activity and that the defendant directly invested in, maintained an interest in, or participated in a criminal enterprise affecting interstate or foreign commerce. This particular investigation involved the Sale and Distribution of Methamphetamine.

The following individuals are charged in this investigation:

Keith Underwood, 42, of Nelson, GA, RICO, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Schedule II. Alan Hughes, 61, of Jasper, GA, RICO, Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Controlled Sub x2, Possession of Firearm during Commission of Crime, and Possession of Drug Related Object. Mitchell Flowers, 40, of Ball Ground, GA, RICO, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Marijuana (Felony), Possession of Firearm during Commission of Crime x 4, and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon x 4. Christopher co*ker, 42, of Jasper, GA, Possession with intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Related Object. Sharron Holbert, 44, of Waleska, GA, RICO, and Trafficking Methamphetamine. Rebecca Chalfant, 49, of Canton, GA, RICO, and Possession of Methamphetamine. Jennifer Corbin, 48, of Jasper, GA, Possession of Methamphetamine. Ashely Crawley, 35, of Cumming, GA, RICO. Denny Wofford, 67, of Acworth, GA, RICO. Kim McClure, 54, of Jasper, GA, RICO. Ricky Smith, 65, of Marble Hill, GA, RICO. Shawna Smith Yarber, 41, of Canton, GA, RICO. William “Jeff” Prather, 50, of Jasper, GA, RICO. Amy Ray, 64, of Ball Ground, GA, RICO. Patrick Nunn, 37, of Jasper, GA, RICO. Paula Jarrett, 49, of Ball Ground, GA, RICO. Richard Bishop, 46, of Waleska, GA, RICO. Kayla Brown, 26, of Ball Ground, GA, RICO, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Schedule IV narcotics.

Major John New, Director of the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad explained, “This investigation was thorough and systematic. The case agents and intelligence analysts involved in the investigation gathered a vast amount of quality evidence against these defendants. Furthermore, this investigation could not have been accomplished without the assistance of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney, Alison Sosebee, and the support of the Pickens County Sheriff, Donnie Craig. Their assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated”

The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad is a joint task force working in Cherokee County and Pickens County to investigate drug related violations. Participating agencies include the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, the Pickens Sheriff’s Office, the Canton Police Department, the Woodstock Police Department, the Holly Springs Police Department, the Ball Ground Police Department, the Cherokee County Marshal’s Office, the Cherokee School District Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, the District Attorney’s Office for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit, and the Georgia State Patrol. Citizens may call in tips anonymously to (770) 345-7920 or may speak to an agent by calling (678) 493-7625.

1. Keith Underwood, 42, of Nelson, GA, RICO, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Schedule II
2. Alan Hughes, 61, of Jasper, GA, RICO, Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Controlled Sub x2, Possession of Firearm during Commission of Crime, Possession of Drug Related Object
3. Mitchell Flowers, 40, of Ball Ground, GA, RICO, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Marijuana (Felony), Possession of Firearm during Commission of Crime x 4, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon x 4
4. Christopher co*ker, 42, of Jasper, GA, Possession with intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Related Object
5. Sharron Holbert, 44, of Waleska, GA, RICO, Trafficking Methamphetamine
6. Rebecca Chalfart, 49, of Canton, GA, RICO, Possession of Methamphetamine
7. Jennifer Corbin, 48, of Jasper, GA, Possession of Methamphetamine
8. Ashely Crawley, 35, of Cumming, GA, RICO
9. Denny Wofford, 67, of Acworth, GA, RICO
10. Kim McClure, 54, of Jasper, GA, RICO
11. Ricky Smith, 65, of Marble Hill, GA, RICO
12. Shawna Smith Yarber, 41, of Canton, GA, RICO
13. William “Jeff” Prather, 50, of Jasper, GA, RICO
14. Amy Ray, 64, of Ball Ground, GA, RICO
15. Patrick Nunn, 37, of Jasper, GA, RICO
16. Richard Bishop, 46, of Waleska, GA, RICO
17. Paula Jarrett, 49, of Ball Ground, GA, RICO
18. Kayla Brown, 26, of Ball Ground, GA, RICO, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Schedule IV narcotics.

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