Before drug agents took Corry Beth Purcell into custody earlier this month in a multi-county drug raid, she was allegedly funneling drugs into three states. The Clayton woman was distributing “significant amounts” of methamphetamine, heroin, LSD, and possibly fentanyl in Georgia and the Carolinas says Rabun County Chief Deputy Scott Cheek.
During their investigation, officers executed search warrants in Rabun, Stephens, and Towns counties. Those searches led to Purcell’s arrest and that of another alleged drug trafficker, Dexter Adams of Hiawassee. Officers also arrested Crystal Louetta Carpenter of Clayton on lesser charges.
“This arrest will make an impact, not only in Rabun County but other communities within Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina,” says Chief Deputy Cheek.
Joint investigation
The GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) and the sheriff’s offices in Habersham, Rabun, Stephens, Towns and Walton counties conducted the raids. The Macon County, North Carolina, sheriff’s office also assisted.
Collectively, officials seized approximately 700 grams of methamphetamine, 14 grams of heroin, 10 grams of cocaine, 300 grams of marijuana, and 1 gram of LSD. They also confiscated unidentified pills.
“We are currently waiting on crime lab results for the unknown substance, which we predict to be fentanyl,” says Cheek.
The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is around $74,800.
Purcell is now being housed by Marshals on a federal warrant. She’s charged with racketeering, four counts of trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking heroin, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. She also faces a felony firearm charge.
Authorities similarly charged Adams, but with fewer counts. He’s accused of racketeering, trafficking meth and heroin, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Adams remains in the Rabun County Detention Center.
Both Purcell and Adams face “a very significant prison sentence” if convicted, says Cheek.
Authorities charged Carpenter with possession of meth and violating her parole. She has since been released from the Macon County Jail.
Beating the charge
Purcell has been down this road before. According to the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, she was arrested in November 2020 on meth trafficking and other charges.
“She was able to beat the charges in a motion to suppress hearing,” says Cheek. “However, like most of those involved in criminal activity, the second that individual gets lucky on beating a charge, based on a technicality in court, it only bolsters their attitude and they continue their criminal lifestyle.
“Purcell was no different,” he says.
The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office continued to gather information on her and opened a new case involving drug trafficking. That investigation led to her most recent arrest.
True measure of success
While it would be easy to characterize Purcell’s and Adams’ arrests as a ‘win’ in the war on drugs, Cheek says his agency doesn’t look at it that way.
“Choosing this lifestyle is a dead-end road. Substance abuse is going to end up one of three ways; in prison, voluntary rehab following an arrest, or a casket.”
“At the end of the day, our true success isn’t from how many drug arrests we make, nor the amount of illegal narcotics we seize. True success comes when we can have a positive change in helping someone get their life back to where they can enjoy their families and be a contributing member of society. When this happens, it is absolutely amazing!”
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers services to help with drug and alcohol abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).
To submit a tip about drugs or other criminal activity in Rabun County, download the Rabun County GA Sheriff app, available for both Android and iOS systems.
