Two charged with Heroin Trafficking in multi-agency investigation
News April 1, 2022
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Continued operations throughout the Appalachian area are seeing Gilmer’s Sheriff’s Office stepping up its work both in solo operations, and in joint operations alongside groups like the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement, Police, and Sheriff’s Offices in other counties and leading to drug seizures like heroin and meth.
On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, one of those operations involved Gilmer County Deputies, Fannin County Investigators, the Cherokee County North Carolina Sheriff’s Office, and the GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.
This coalition of law enforcement offices arrested two individuals allegedly involved in heroin trafficking. According to Gilmer’s Sheriff’s Office, an investigation into the trafficking saw the arrest of Jamie Willis Whitener, 44, of Murphy, North Carolina, and Natalie Lynn Scogin, 47, of Murphy, North Carolina.
The two have been charged with Trafficking Heroin after being stopped on Highway 515 in Gilmer County, Georgia. Headed north on the highway, Whitener and Scogin are suspected of being involved in trafficking heroin between Gilmer County, Georgia and Murphy, North Carolina. The Sheriff’s Office states that the two were known to the agencies involved in the investigation.
Gilmer Sheriff’s Office stated, “Approximately 10.9 grams of heroin was seized in this investigation, its value being approximately $1,600.”
Working along other agencies, numerous arrests have been made over the years after joint operations such as a four month long investigation in 2017 with the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force. Additionally, Gilmer’s own deputies continue solo operations resulting in drug seizures like the record-setting arrest for 1.69 pounds of methamphetamines made in 2021.
The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Banks County, Jackson County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County, Franklin County, Gilmer County, Fannin County, the Cleveland Police Department and the Toccoa Police Department, along with the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety, Department of Community Supervision and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Human remains found in Gilmer County
News February 18, 2022
UPDATE: Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson confirmed with FYN today that the remains found in the Hudson-Martin Road area of the county were skeletal. He said that they were complete and not missing any major parts.
Nicholson also confirmed that the remains were found above ground, not buried.
Nicholson said that it could possibly take up to a week or more for preliminary findings but is confident in the GBI’s lab in determining details sooner than that. He also specifically stated that he was confident in the lab and investigators to identify the remains before the investigation ends, providing closure to either a missing person or a crime if investigations find something pointing to that.
Nicholson also confirmed that while they did call in a tech and support from the GBI, the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office is still leading the investigation into these remains.
ORIGINAL STORY GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Authorities have taken custody of what the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office said is suspected human remains on Friday, February 18, 2022.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson
According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, the remains were located by a utility company lineman crew at approximately 4:00 a.m. this morning. The locations was said to be “in a wooded area just off of Hudson-Martin Road.”
Hudson-Martin Road leaves off of Highway 52 East at Hillcrest Apple Orchard and connects back to Highway 52 East near the Oakland Clubhouse after crossing Rackley Road.
The Sheriff’s Office went on to say, “Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives responded to the scene, and a GBI crime scene tech was requested to assist in recovering the remains.”
As of now, the Sheriff’s Office has not determined a cause of death. The remains are will be in the custody of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and their Crime Lab as they determine more information.
FYN has reached out to Sheriff Nicholson for comment and questions on the remains found and is currently awaiting his response. This article will be update with additional information as he provides it. Stay with FYN for new articles as well as new developments are reported.
Rodriguez arrested in Delgado murder, extradition could mean trial in Georgia
News July 3, 2021
CHERRY LOG, Ga. – Joint releases continue from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as another arrest has been made for involvement with April 2021 murder of Rossana Delgado, this time for Juan Ayala-Rodriguez.
Reaching all the way back to the original warrants for their alleged involvement, the GBI, working in partnership with the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS) Atlanta and San Diego, coordinated the transfer to U.S. custody of Juan Ayala-Rodriguez, age 35, after his arrest in Mexico.
Rossana Delgado was discovered in April of 2021 in Cherry Log where she was allegedly murdered.
On April 24, 2021, FYN reported Rodriquez, of Gainesville, Georgia, along with three other suspects, as wanted in connection to the murder. Later, in May 2021, reports came of the arrest of two of those original four alongside a fifth suspect. Now, Rodriquez is the third of the original four arrested.
According to the GBI, “Rodriguez was arrested in Durango, Mexico on Saturday, June 26, 2021. The USMS-San Diego and Customs and Border Protection oversaw the transfer of Rodriguez to USMS custody and subsequent detention at a California facility. Rodriguez is pending extradition to Georgia to face murder charges.”
No specific information is available on which court Rodriguez may face the charges in. Delgado was last seen in Doraville, Georgia on April 17, 2021. Her husband and authorities tracked her phone as a possible location of Delgado to Covington Highway, which is more on the southeastern side of Atlanta. Eventually, her body was found in a residence in Cherry Log, Georgia, in Northeast Gilmer County.
The GBI stated, “USMS and the United States Department of Homeland Security (HSI) have worked diligently to assist the GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office in this case and in this arrest. The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office are very grateful for the support and efforts of the USMS, HSI and all agencies involved in effecting this arrest.”
The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office continue to actively investigate this case and the individuals involved in the murder of Rossana Delgado. With three of the four original warrants executed and in custody, the fifth suspect arrested and in custody, the GBI asserted that a coordinated effort to locate and arrest the other three murder suspects, Mario Alberto Barbosa-Juarez, Carolina Jazmin Rodriguez-Ramirez and Maria Chavez is active and ongoing.
As always, the GBI requests that anyone with information to please contact the GBI. Tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Delgado case updates with new warrant and suspect
News June 18, 2021
CHERRY LOG, Ga. – New information is continuing to come out from authorities on the April 20, 2021, discovery of the murder of Rosanna Delgado.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations has issued yet another warrant in the investigation, this time for Maria Katherine Chavez Encarnacion, 28, of Marietta, GA. The warrant was officially issued for murder due to her alleged involvement.
According to authorities, Encarnacion’s last known location is Mexico. They did not say exactly how Encarnacion was involved in the murder.
As always, officials are asking anyone with any information about Encarnacion’s current location to contact the GBI.
Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. If anyone sees Encarnacion, please contact 911.
This case has been ongoing since late April, but it has seen consistent updates as GBI, Homeland Security, and Gilmer Sheriff have supported and continued investigations that started with a welfare check at a Cherry Log Residence. Since then, they have issued seven warrants for arrest, Encarnacion being the seventh. They have also made three arrests of those warrants and one related arrest.
As the investigation nears two months, this latest warrant could indicate new information or changes in the case, as the GBI continues updating us, we will continue to update the story.
Delgado case updates with woman’s identity and arrest warrant
News May 26, 2021
CHERRY LOG, Ga. – Investigators have confirmed the identity of, and issued a murder warrant for, a woman previously reported in the Rossana Delgado murder case as a person of interest that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was seeking to question.
Originally releasing a video of an unnamed woman alongside Rossana Delgado in a Ross store, the GBI requested the public’s help in identifying her. Now, the GBI has released her name. But more than just the name, a murder warrant has been issued for Carolina Jazmin Rodriguez-Ramirez, 28 of Oklahoma, for her involvement in the murder of Rossana Delgado.
The GBI originally stated that the woman, now known to be Rodriguez-Ramirez, was one of the last people to interact with the victim long before authorities discovered the name of the fifth suspect when they arrested three people involved in the murder. Now, investigators have identified Rodriguez-Ramirez as the woman with Rossana Delgado in the Ross and Mercado Fresco video previously released in this case.
The video, taken on April 16, 2021, shows the now sixth suspect allegedly involved in the murder according to the warrant.
The GBI stated, “Rodriguez-Ramirez’ location is currently unknown, but she is believed to be in Mexico with at least one other suspect, Mario Alberto Barbosa-Juarez.”
The GBI press release also stated that additional charges are anticipated in addition to the murder warrant. They have already confirmed involvement and partnerships with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta, HSI Harlingen, Texas and Attaché Matamoros, Mexico. This was how they coordinated their three previous arrests in the case, all three of which took place in Mexico.
Police and Investigators have continually asked for the public’s help in identifying or finding additional information on suspects allegedly involved in the case, but have not commented specifically on if this identification came from a public tip or through the investigators themselves. More information is continuing to become available from the GBI and will be posted to FYN when available.
Three arrested in Delgado murder investigation
News May 17, 2021
CHERRY LOG, Ga. – Three arrests have been made, according to the Georgia Bureau of Ingvestigations (GBI), in relation to the April 20, 2021, murder of Rossana Delgado in Cherry Log, Georgia.
After weeks of searching for the suspects and asking the public for help in identifying persons involved, the GBI released a statement today confirming the capture of three suspects, providing progress to the investigation and refocusing some public support.
The GBI stated, “On Saturday, May 15 2021, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, working in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta, HSI Harlingen, Texas and Attaché Matamoros, Mexico coordinated the arrests of Megan Colone, 30, and Oscar Manuel Garcia, 26. The fifth suspect (previously identified in news releases by photographs) in this murder was located with Oscar Manuel Garcia and was identified as Juan Antonio Vega, 25. A warrant was taken for Vega for the murder of Rossana Delgado.”
According to GBI information, Vega is a Cobb County resident.
Megan Colone AKA Grace Beda
Oscar Garcia
The fifth suspect allegedly involved in the Delgado murder has now been identified as Juan Antonio Vega.
Since the murder, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, whose deputies discover Delgado as they conducted a welfare check at a residence in Cherry Log, Georgia, have passed the investigation to the GBI who have pursued the case up to these arrests.
All three suspects were apprehended in Mexico. GBI did not state specifically where in Mexico they were located, but did confirm that the suspects have been returned to the United States saying, “HSI Harlingen and Customs and Border Patrol oversaw the transport of the suspects to Texas detention facilities. All three are pending extradition proceedings to Georgia to face murder charges.”
GBI credited all agencies involved in the case as they noted that HSI has worked diligently to assist the GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office in this case and in these arrests. They stated, “The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office are very grateful for the support and efforts of HSI and all agencies involved in affecting these arrests.”
However, with three suspects in custody, the case is still ongoing continuing the search for the additional suspects, Juan Ayala-Rodriguez, 35, of Gainesville, GA, and Mario Alberto Barbosa-Juarez, 29, of Oklahoma City, OK. The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office continue to actively investigate this case and the individuals involved in the murder of Rossana Delgado.
Other aspects of this case are still pressing in that investigation as the GBI is still searching for the identity of one of the last people to interact with the victim, Rossana Delgado. Releasing a video of April 16, 2021. As one of the final people to see Delgado, GBI are seeking more information on the woman in the video with Delgado as a person of interest. Any information could be vital to aiding in capturing these suspects or in finding more details of Delgado’s final hours.
The GBI reiterated the push for the additional suspects saying, “A coordinated effort to locate and arrest the other two murder suspects, Juan Ayala-Rodriguez and Mario Alberto Barbosa-Juarez, is active and ongoing. Anyone with information as to the identity of the woman pictured in previous news releases are asked to contact the GBI. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.”
During their original release, the GBI stated that Colone may have been traveling under the alias, Grace Beda and was believed to be traveling with her minor children. They have since confirmed that Colone’s children were safely returned to the United States during these arrests operations.
GBI updates investigation with evidence and one connected arrest
News April 30, 2021
CHERRY LOG, Ga. – The GBI has announced the seizure of two vehicles in relation to the murder of Rossana Delgado alongside an arrest.
“A white Ford F150 and white Buick Regal belonging to two of the five suspects in the murder of Rossana Delgado and Delgado’s red Ford Focus have been recovered. All three vehicles are being processed for evidence in this investigation,” said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Rossana Delgado
In the same press release announcing the seizure of the vehicles, they also announced the arrest of Calvin Harvard, 28, of Covington, Georgia. Charged with tampering with evidence and theft by receiving stolen property, the GBI states that additional arrests are anticipated.
However, the GBI did not specifically state how Harvard is connected to the case or if the vehicles were specifically recovered from his home. However, the release does indicate some connection as part of the agency’s ongoing updates on the Delgado murder.
More information is continuing to come from the GBI and local authorities from the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office in this ongoing investigation. FYN will continue to update the story as more information becomes available.
Details on body suggest no foul play
News August 19, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – According to authorities in the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office, details from the ongoing investigation into a body found inside of the Coosawattee River Resort are suggesting the incident may not be related to any sort of violence or heinous crime.
However, Capt. Brian Shepard in Gilmer’s Criminal Investigation Division said that the Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation as a potential crime until proven otherwise. While the body is being investigated further, details revolving around its condition are not showing usual signs of a defensive fight, a struggle, or any sort of indication of an altercation. Authorities declined to confirm or further comment on the body’s condition or details of the investigation, but did say they are currently awaiting lab results on certain parts of the investigation.
Some possible answers if these results prove this person’s death was not a murder could be drug related or health related.
Reports indicate that the body was discovered on August 14, 2020. Some tips suggest the body was found near the Riverside Pool in Coosawattee. FYN will continue reporting if new details show a more serious crime or incident involved.
Suspect from Ellijay arrested in Hit and Run
News February 4, 2020
WOODSTOCK, Ga. – Reports from the Woodstock Police Department have confirmed the arrest of an Ellijay man for alleged involvement in a hit and run in Cherokee County.
According to their public release yesterday, February 3, the “Woodstock Police, in partnership with the Cherokee County Multi-Agency Crash Investigation Unit, arrested Tracy Lee Wilson, 47, of Ellijay following an investigation into a pedestrian fatality accident this morning. Wilson is charged with Felony Hit and Run with additional charges possibly pending.”
Those additional possible charges could come as Police also reported that the Hit and Run Victim was pronounced dead later that day.
They stated the accident occurred at approximately 6:50 on the morning of February 3, officers were dispatched to a call of a person struck by a vehicle on Highway 92 at Sharon Way. “The pedestrian, identified as 18-year-old Sarahfina Okole, was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.”
Other reports indicate that Investigators followed up on leads, and Wilson was located through the investigation at a Woodstock business where he was taken into custody.
Wilson was taken into custody and held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center with an $8,450.00 bond. It is FYN’s understanding that Wilson has since been released on that bond, but has not confirmed this at this time.
The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Details released on Christmas Eve shooting
News January 6, 2020
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Details are finally coming to light over a shooting reported over Christmas Eve involving response from Gilmer’s Sheriff’s Deputies, Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
According to the incident report released from the Sheriff’s Office, officers en route to respond to other situations were redirected just after 7 p.m. to respond to an incident on Newberry Drive, near Old Bucktown Road, regarding a “person shot” report.
Officers arrived on scene where a Green Ford Focus was blocking the entrance to a residence, some officers moved past the vehicle on foot where they found Dustin Mays shot and bleeding from his chest. The report indicates authorities immediately began first aid and EMT’s continued upon arrival.
Authorities entered the cabin on-site to secure the location and the report indicates that officers found the weapon used in the shooting inside the cabin as well.
According to the report, two others were involved in the incident and officers made contact with these two on-site. Officers remained with the two people as the initial investigation ensued.
As officers moved the vehicle blocking the entrance and EMT’s were amid care for Mays, the call for a helicopter was sent and Mays was later life-flighted to Atlanta Medical Center. One officer did note a strong smell of Marijuana from the car, however, no specific information has been released saying who the vehicle belonged to.
The two others found on-scene were released by authorities and CID and the GBI are continuing the investigation. As of January 2, 2020, when the report was initially filed, indications point that none of the three have been labeled as suspects nor been charged with anything. Additionally, authorities have not made any confirmations on the shooting being accidental, intentional, or self-defense.
However, it is our current understanding that the investigation is still ongoing and FYN will continue posting new information on the Christmas Eve shooting when available.
Diamond Store Break-in occurs in East Ellijay
News December 5, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Owners of North Georgia Diamond in Gilmer County have confirmed a break-in and theft occurred in their showroom last night, December 4, 2019.
According to a statement by North Georgia Diamond, the business is already beginning to recover and are looking to return to business this weekend.
So far, East Ellijay Police, Gilmer’s Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) have all been reported to be involved in the investigation. FYN has reached out to these agencies for comment and is awaiting a response.
Additionally, North Georgia Diamond has confirmed that with the break-in happening overnight, no injuries came from the incident. However, there was damage to the building and equipment.
With the investigation ongoing, North Georgia Diamond released a statement saying, “Nobody got hurt and we will get through this. Thanks to all of the law enforcement personnel that have been on the seen this morning. East Ellijay PD, Gilmer County Sheriffs Office, GBI, and anyone else I am leaving out. They are the best. Stay tuned for more info as to when we can get back up and running. We have a wonderful community and we will have a Merry Christmas.”
Schools lock down during investigation
News October 21, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Confirmed by a representative inside the Gilmer County Charter School System, the campuses of Gilmer High School, Mountain View Elementary, and the Larry Walker Education Center, as well as the campus of North Georgia Christian Academy went into a soft lock down today, October 21, 2019.
FYN learned that the lock down was caused by an investigation in the area. Schools were advised to go on lock down for protection as it was said it was not directly involving the schools. This was later confirmed by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office who stated in a public release, “The investigation that caused schools to be put on “lock out” has been completed by Ellijay Police Department. The investigation was unfounded and everything is to go back to normal operations soon.”
Schools are currently returning to normal operation as the Police Department is wrapping up its operations. There is no available information about the investigation itself at this time, but authorities are contacting schools to resolve the issue. North Georgia Christian Academy said it had contacted parents about the incident but declined to comment publicly about the lock down.
Pritchett found guilty on all counts
News March 8, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – A shooting on July 8, 2017, is finally moving towards a close in the court system with Douglas Edwin Pritchett being found guilty on all counts yesterday, March 7, 2019.
As originally reported by FYN in “Fatal Shooting in Gilmer County involves GBI,” Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson stated that deputies responded to the 911 call from Douglas Pritchett, 43, claiming his home was being invaded and he had shot the invader. Involving the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the two agencies moved forward in the investigations.
Reports from the indictments of the case indicate that Danly was shot in the face, back, and chest.
Almost two years later, Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee says, “I am very pleased with the verdict that the jury returned in this case. I feel that it is appropriate based upon the evidence gathered during the investigation of the case and the testimony and evidence presented at trial. The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank all law enforcement that was involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, the Gilmer County Fire and Rescue, and Jerry Hensley, Coroner of Gilmer County.”
The guilty verdict “on all counts” refers to the multiple charges listed including one count of Malice Murder, three counts of Felony Murder, one count of Aggravated Assault Intent to Murder, one count of Aggravated Assault, one count of Aggravated Battery.
Each of these charges derived from the single altercation between Pritchett and his victim, Richard Danly, 53 at the time of the shooting.
Jury selection for the case began last Thursday, February 28, and opening statements began on Friday, March 1, The case was presided over by Senior Judge C.J. Gober, previously the Chief State Court Judge of Cherokee County.
As the case progressed this week, it reached it’s initial conclusion yesterday, March 7, when the Jury took the case for deliberation at 3:00 p.m. and returned at 5:45 p.m. with their verdict.
It is also FYN’s understanding that while Danley’s mother, who is in her 80’s, was unable to attend the trial due to health issues, she did say she was very relieved when she was told of the verdict.
Clear Creek Threat cleared
News February 11, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Authorites at Gilmer Schools have cleared the threat at Clear Creek Middle School with the following information.
The lockdown is now clear. There was no threat found. In an effort to prevent this from happening, we have several procedures in place to monitor restroom use. We will continue to investigate the situation to find who is responsible. If found, students will receive school consequences and be charged for making terroristic threats. Please know safety is always the first priority at CCMS. We will continue to treat any and all threats seriously to protect our students. As parents, you are always invited to our monthly SGT meetings to provide us with feedback and suggestions. Our next meeting will be Feb. 28 at 7:25 AM. We need to work together as a school community to prevent these issues.
GBI releases details of Gilmer shooting
News November 7, 2018
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Willie McCoy, 39, of Ellijay was the only injury from Tuesday’s, November 6, shooting according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) press release today.
Requested to perform an “officer-involved-in-shooting” investigation by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, the GBI state that McCoy is alleged to have attempted to force his way into a residence while armed with a gun.
As officer’s from both the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and the Ellijay Police Department responded to the 911 call, they found McCoy as they approached the house. The GBI states that the McCoy was pointing a gun at officers and the ensuing action resulted in McCoy being shot multiple times.
The press release states that EMTs provided care before transporting him to the hospital. McCoy remains there at this time.
Stay with FYN as we reach out to local law enforcement for a statement on the incident. See the full press release as follows:
Ellijay, GA (November 7, 2018) – On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an officer involved shooting investigation in the area of Quarles Lane in Ellijay, GA. Preliminary information indicates that a 911 call was made to the Gilmer County 911 Center at approximately 7:31 p.m. The caller indicated that Willie McCoy, 39, of Ellijay, GA was asked to leave the area of the residence and refused. McCoy was also armed with a gun. As the situation unfolded, McCoy attempted to make entry into the residence. Given this information and the fact that McCoy had outstanding felony warrants for aggravated assault and home invasion, officers from both the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and the Ellijay Police Department responded to the location. Upon approach to the house, officers encountered McCoy who was pointing a gun at the officers. As a result, McCoy was shot multiple times. EMTs staged with officers and were able to provide immediate medical care to McCoy. McCoy was transported to a hospital for treatment, where he remains.
No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.
The GBI will conduct its independent investigation. Once complete, it will be turned over to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
DA Sosebee begins information campaign in schools
News, Videos September 14, 2018
ELLIJAY, Ga – The Appalachian Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney, Alison Sosebee, began her campaign today in Fannin Middle School and Gilmer High School with presentations for students about the rising trend of vaping in all forms.
Speaking to the students she shared some of the responses that authorities have begun included harsher penalties for vape devices in general, not to mention the felonies possible with controlled substances. Using drugs in the vape devices like the popular Juul brand devices is only a part of growing concerns as authorities and administrations fear for students who expect non-nicotine flavored water vapor in devices they may find friends with when in reality these devices could contain anything from Heroin to Synthetic Marijuana.
Sosebee also invited Georgia Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Dustin Hamby to speak about the Bureau’s involvement. Hamby noted that almost 90% of his cases tied to drug usage in some way. He goes on to note that he’s had three murders in his career directly related to drug usage.
Sosebee recalled the story of a case she and Hamby shared about a guy who had taken drugs with a close friend. Under the influence, he grew greatly agitated at his friend and violently murdered him without full realization. He spoke further about how little it takes to blow up into major consequences in situations like vaping unknown substances.
Sosebee also noted that they are finding that many students and users of vape devices believe them safer than regular cigarettes. She noted that not only is there zero research to support his claim, but there is also no research or regulations on vaping devices right now. No one can tell you everything that is in Vape Juice, nor if people at smoke shops are adding extra ingredients. She called the students this generations guinea pigs for testing if vaping as they would be the cases that doctors study thirty years from now to determine the actual effects that Vaping can have in both short-term and long-term effects.
Only the first day, Sosebee is expected to travel to Fannin High, Pickens High, and Pickens Middle schools in the next two weeks along with possibly adding Gilmer Middle as well.