Authorities arrested seven people in a meth trafficking sting in Hall and White counties. According to the GBI, the suspects were identified as Dwayne Beck, 42; Christopher Lee Frazier, 36; Mashelia Martin, 54; Preston Lee Esco, 36; and Michael Anthony Jones, 36, all of Cleveland. Authorities also arrested Gainesville residents Ashley Ingram, 32, and Siarrah Ferrar, age 31.
Between March 22 and 27, the GBI said several arrests were made following a joint drug investigation in the two counties. The investigation, dubbed ‘Operation Rolling Hills,’ was launched after the GBI was notified Beck had active warrants for his arrest and was trafficking methamphetamine. Beck was located in White County and arrested following a short car chase. Authorities said they found suspected methamphetamine and a firearm in his possession after the arrest.
The GBI said additional arrests were made following a search of homes in Gainesville and Cleveland. Ingram was arrested at the Gainesville home, Frazier, Ferrar, and Martin were arrested at the Cleveland home, and Esco and Jones were also later arrested at a home in Cleveland.
The seven face a wide range of charges:
- Beck – trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, felon in possession of a firearm, fleeing and attempting to elude, and driving under the influence;
- Ingram – possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a schedule IV Controlled Substance;
- Frazier – violation of probation and was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
- Ferrar – possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. martin was charged with simple battery;
- Martin – simple battery;
- Esco – violation of probation;
- Jones – failure to appear.
Authorities booked the five suspects from Cleveland at the White County Detention Center. Ingram and Ferrar were booked into the Hall County Detention Center, the GBI said.
“Multiple agencies conducted this investigation to make an impact on the current street-level drug distribution within White County and Hall County and promote a safer place for productive citizens,” the GBI said.
