Two separate drug busts in Commerce this week landed nine people in jail. Five were nabbed during a police search at a private residence. Four were arrested and charged with trafficking heroin and meth following a police raid on a hotel.
The first bust happened on Tuesday, Jan. 12. That’s when the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Commerce Police Department, and Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office executed a search warrant at 41 Hillcrest Street. There, officers discovered approximately one ounce of methamphetamine, prescription pills, and $8,000 in cash, according to ARDEO Special Agent in Charge Trent Hillsman. He says the estimated street value of the drugs was over $1,000.
During their search, officers arrested the following suspects:
- Valerie Massey, 52, charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of prescription pills with intent to distribute
- Carley Massey, 21, charged with possession of methamphetamine
- Zackery Massey, 28, charged with possession of methamphetamine
- Tiffany Rusgrove, 30, charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of heroin
- Gary Rainwater, 48, was charged with providing false name and warrants out of Hall County
All five were transported to the Jackson County Jail.
Alleged traffickers busted at hotel
On Wednesday, Jan. 13, information developed by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office led Banks County deputies and ARDEO agents to the Howard Johnson Hotel in Commerce. They executed a search warrant on one of the rooms and discovered a stash of cash and illegal drugs, Hillsman says.
During their search, Hillsman says agents and deputies seized 483.5 prescription pills, 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4 ounces of heroin, 9 ounces of marijuana, and $12,700 in U.S. currency.
The illegal drugs seized had a street value of $50,000.
During the search, officers arrested four suspects from Banks, Barrow, Stephens, and Madison counties. They’re identified as 39-year-old William Turney of Homer, 29-year-old Kristina Hubbard of Bethlehem, 38-year-old Gary Henson of Toccoa, and 34-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Sims of Hull who initially gave officers a fake last name. Officials say she’ll face an additional charge for providing false information.
Law enforcement charged all four on trafficking and drug possession charges. They also charged Henson with felony obstruction of a police officer.
Both cases are active and remain under investigation.
