Stolen items recovered during investigation into suspected chop shop and drug op
Three people are in jail in connection with the investigation into a suspected chop shop and drug operation in Banks County.
39-year-old James Wayne Dockery, 37-year-old Durbin Erie Miller, III, and 29-year-old Emily Marie Huff were arrested Thursday by Banks County Sheriff’s investigators. The officers picked up the trio while executing search warrants on their homes on Queen Road in Gillsville.
Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed says investigators “recovered an overwhelming amount of stolen property” including tools, equipment and vehicles. In addition to the stolen items, Speed says investigators also discovered a firearm, approximately a half-pound of methamphetamine and a felony amount of marijuana.
“We have reached out to numerous agencies near our jurisdiction in order to return the recovered property to its rightful owners. Thankfully, we have been able to return some items to identified victims within the last two days,” Speed says. “Victims appear to be within the local regions surrounding Banks County. The investigation is currently being reviewed by U.S. Federal authorities for possible prosecution through the federal court system.”
The Banks County Sheriff’s Office says investigators were still recovering items at the scene Friday evening. All three suspects are being held in the Banks County Detention Center. Additional charges are pending.
