Law enforcement arrested eleven suspects and seized a quantity of drugs, cash, and firearms during a months-long criminal street gang and narcotics probe in Habersham County. The investigation involved FBI and GBI agents, Georgia State Patrol SWAT members, and deputies from the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.
During the joint operation, authorities served search warrants on two residences and conducted a traffic stop in Habersham County earlier this month.
According to the sheriff’s office, during the investigation, authorities seized 1,518 grams of methamphetamine, 13 grams of fentanyl, 214 grams of marijuana, 14 guns, and $4,466 cash. As Now Habersham previously reported, the most recent drug arrests came Friday during a SWAT raid and drug bust in Alto.
The investigation also led to charges against several alleged gang members accused of carrying out a violent assault on a fellow inmate at the Habersham County Detention Center in January.
“This group of individuals were found to be associated with each other through the sale/distribution and trafficking of illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms,” says Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore.
Drug trafficking and gang beating
The first arrests came during a traffic stop on April 13. The suspects were identified and charged as follows:
- Nigel Alan Waddell, 34, of Mt. Airy – trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana,
- Amber Nicole Addis, 29, of Clarkesville – trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and
- Clinton Josiah Davis, 40, of Cleveland – trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
In addition to the drug charges, Waddell was charged in connection to the January 21 assault at the Habersham County jail. He’s accused in the arrest warrant of inciting the attack that left a fellow inmate unconscious, requiring an MRI and stitches.
Officials say Waddell is a member of the Ghost Face Gangsters (GFG), a street gang that formed in Georgia’s prison system and now has over 1,000 members and associates. GFG members often participate in acts of violence to maintain or increase their status in the street gang, the warrant states.
Local authorities accused Waddell of using his leadership position in GFG to order the assault. Alleged gang associate Robert Ronin-Bojangles Angove, 18, of Clarkesville, was charged by authorities with carrying out that attack. Angove was arrested around the same time as Waddell and another alleged GFG member, Fellica Necole Davis, 40, of Demorest.
Agents charged all three with aggravated assault and battery and violating the Georgia Street Gang and Terrorism Act.
Additional arrests
The arrests continued on April 21 when authorities executed a search warrant at 1033 Smith Loop in Demorest. While searching the property, authorities say they recovered multiple stolen items, including a vehicle, firearm, and tools.
Investigators seized approximately $2,100 in cash and arrested four people, charging them as follows:
- David Lee Nix, 34, Demorest – trafficking in Schedule II controlled substance – fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felony, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, two counts of theft by receiving stolen vehicle, theft by receiving stolen firearm, theft by receiving stolen tools, criminal damage to property, and owning, operating, or conducting a chop shop;
- Eric Edward Thompson, 39, Clarkesville – possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony,
- Anthony Bryson Ewing, 21, Maysville – outstanding warrants, and
- Benjamin Joel Babcock, 39, Homer – outstanding warrants.
Also on April 21, in Alto, officials arrested two more suspects on drug and weapons charges.
During the raid at 185 Alonzo Wade Road, officers say they seized approximately 407 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, and approximately $1,300 in cash. Those arrested include:
- Douglas Waylon Davis, 42, of Cornelia – trafficking methamphetamine, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, and
- Bobby James Ayers, 50, of Alto – possession of methamphetamine, possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
Investigation continues
As of early Tuesday morning, April 25, all but one of the suspects remained in the Habersham County Detention Center. Babcock, who was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court, was released from jail on April 24.
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation remains active as additional charges and individuals are being pursued.
Specific agencies involved in the operating include the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, GBI Gang Task Force, and FBI Safe Streets Task Force Gainesville. Search warrant executions and operations were conducted by Habersham County Special Response Team (SRT) and Georgia State Patrol SWAT.
