Authorities have arrested a 31-year-old Jefferson man following a house fire they say was caused by a clandestine methamphetamine operation.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), agents arrested Ryan Russell Blei on Saturday, January 18. The agency says he suffered burns to his hands and arms during the fire at his home on 49 Martin Street.
The City of Jefferson Police Department and Fire personnel responded to a 911 call at the home. Upon arrival, they found Blei with severe burns. Jefferson Police requested assistance from the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) to investigate the cause of the fire and Blei’s injuries.
ARDEO agents determined the fire and Blei’s injuries were accidental in nature and occurred while he was allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine.
After receiving treatment for his injuries, Blei turned himself in to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. He now faces charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and three counts of reckless conduct.
The ARDEO is a multi-agency unit covering 30 counties in North Georgia. Anyone with information regarding drug activity is asked to call (706) 348-7410. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), going online to https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
