Drug Task Force Arrests Four in Month Long Investigation

ELLIJAY, GA – At this time, FYN can confirm the arrests of four individuals in relation to an investigation by the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force.

Crystal Norton, Russell Scoggins, Benji Sanford and Rusty Marshall have all been arrested. As a recent press release from the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office states, charges among the four range from drug possession to RICO violations. According to Justice.gov, RICO, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, states  “It is unlawful for anyone employed by or associated with any enterprise engaged in, or the activities of which affect, interstate or foreign commerce, to conduct or participate, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of such enterprise’s affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity or collection of unlawful debt.”

The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office has made the following Press Release, but after several attempts to obtain the booking reports for those arrested, FYN is still awaiting reply for our Open Records Requests.

On August 18, 2017 at approximately 5:36 am, agents of the Zell Miller Mtn Parkway Drug Task Force and deputies from Gilmer and Pickens counties executed a search warrant at the residence of Crystal Norton off of Forestry Dr in Ellijay. During the execution of the search warrant, approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine and 33 xanax pills were seized.
Later that day, a consent search was conducted at the residence of Russ Scoggins off of River Hill Rd. During this search, approximately 5 grams of marijuana was seized.
These searches were pursuant to a several month long investigation by the ZMMPDTF into methamphetamine and prescription pills distribution.
The following individuals have been arrested in connection with this investigation: Crystal Norton, Russell Scoggins, Benji Sanford and Rusty Marshall.

Charges range from the possession of the drugs located during the searches to Conspiracy to VGCSA, RICO and use of a communication device to commit crimes.