A Stephens County woman is behind bars tonight facing multiple drug charges stemming from a joint investigation by local, state and federal authorities. 38-year Christel Glenna Ivester is charged with trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. She reportedly turned herself into authorities Tuesday after a near week-long search.
Authorities had been searching for Ivester since last Thursday when the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) executed a search warrant at her residence at 1097 Hayes Road.
Special Agent in Charge of ARDEO Mitchell Posey says the search warrant was based on information developed during a joint investigation with the Hall County Multi Agency Narcotics Squad and the U. S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HIS).
He says Stephens County Authorities recovered approximately five pounds of methamphetamine, a pound of marijuana, 6 ounces of powder cocaine and three firearms. The street value of the illegal narcotics is approximately $268,000.
According to Posey, 37-year old Marty Allen Smith, of 500 Dooley Drive in Toccoa was arrested at Ivester’s residence and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Smith was transported to the Stephens County Detention Center.
In an interview with WNEG Radio in Toccoa, Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said he is pleased to see this major drug operation put to a stop. “This was a big case and we certainly could not have worked it without the cooperation of the Appalachian Regional Drug task force and their network of intelligence and relations that they have statewide and nationwide,” said Shirley. “It was a cooperative venture.”
According to information received by Now Habersham from ARDEO, Ivester was arrested last year on charges of possessing and selling methamphetamine. She has a long criminal history dating back to 2005 including theft and forgery charges.
Ivester is now being held in the Stephens County Jail.
