A former Habersham County jailer has been sentenced to four years in prison for distributing drugs to inmates.
Melanie Ziegler was convicted Tuesday on four counts including distribution of methamphetamine, conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, violation of oath of office, and crossing guard lines with drugs. She was sentenced by Habersham County Superior Court Judge Russell Smith following a non-jury trial, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
In addition to her prison term, Smith sentenced Ziegler to six years probation.
Ziegler, who’s from Mt. Airy, was arrested on Oct. 17, 2017 following an investigation by the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO). Four others, including two inmates, also were arrested in connection with the case.
The then 27-year-old Ziegler worked at the sheriff’s office for 16-months prior to her arrest.
Mountain Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Ben Green prosecuted the case. ARDEO agents Clay Bridges and Hannah Shearer conducted the investigation.
