Joint Operation Nabs 6 in Prescription Drug Fraud including CEO of Union General Hospital

 

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Union County Georgia Sheriff’s Office arrest of James Lanier Heaton, George David Gowder III, John Michael Gowder, Virginia Lou Harkins, Gail Gowder, and Jamie Harkins all who provided Blairsville Georgia addresses, for charges stemming from a joint investigation into prescription fraud.

FYN spoke with officials and the hospital confirms John Michael Gowder is the CEO of Union General.

  John Michael Gowder

The joint operation involved members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tactical Diversion Squad, the Union County Georgia Sheriff’s Office and the Cherokee County North Carolina Sheriff’s Office. Although the investigation is ongoing to date information has been discovered that would indicate that the ring was operating in Cherokee County North Carolina and may be facing charges here as well.

Sheriff Palmer stated “We enjoyed the opportunity to work with the agencies involved. Sheriff Mack Mason and his Office have been a tremendous ally as we are sending the message No longer can you deal drugs across county and state lines – We will hunt you down and prosecute you.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

Contributor

Recent Posts

HOMEWARD BOUND PET RESCUE

HOMEWARD BOUND PET RESCUE Would you take another look at this face?  Too cute for…

4 days ago

Gilmer County Sheriffs Office Arrest Report 8/21 – 9/8/2026

Arrest report provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office requested by us. The Georgia Open…

5 days ago

Gilmer County Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison After Conviction on 118 Child Exploitation Counts

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. - A Gilmer County man has been sentenced to 60 years, with…

1 week ago

Gilmer Dominates Second Half, Defeats Fannin 35-14

Bobcats Take Over After Halftime, Pull Away From Rival Fannin   ELLIJAY, Ga. — For…

2 weeks ago

HOMEWARD BOUND PET RESCUE’S  PET OF WEEK

Meet Lonnie!  He is approximately  3 ½ years old and a certified “good boy”!  He…

3 weeks ago

Gilmer County Sheriffs Office Arrest Report 8/14 – 8/20/2026

Arrest report provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office requested by us. The Georgia Open…

3 weeks ago