A multi-agency gang investigation in Habersham County has resulted in the arrests of seven criminal street gang members and associates, the GBI says. The arrests span several Northeast Georgia counties and Western North Carolina.
The arrests follow a lengthy investigation by the GBI Gang Task Force, which was started in October 2023, officials say. The task force, with help from the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and local law enforcement was able to crack down on a criminal street gang cell in Habersham County that is believed to have been linked to multiple crimes.
The GBI says the cell included members and associates of the Gangster Disciples gang. Authorities investigated them for violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, and more.
Agents in Georgia and North Carolina served search warrants and arrest warrants in the early morning hours of April 18, resulting in the following arrests:
- Roger Laquerrius Neal, age 34, of Toccoa, GA
- Tyler Dallas Cagle, age 33, of Waynesville, NC
- Sarah Smathers, age 31, of Waynesville, NC
- Terry Ray Williams Jr., age 20, of Waynesville, NC
- Shelby Page Stephens, age 63, of Waynesville, NC
- Quillan Leshun Samuels, age 25, of Gainesville, GA
- Andrew Nelson Dover, age 47, of Habersham County, GA
All of the suspects are charged with possession of Schedule III drugs with intent to distribute. Additional charges are expected, officials say.
The GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and the Toccoa Police Department assisted with this “significant” investigation, the GBI says.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Once completed, the case files will be turned over to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
