Officers Mark Patrick and Josh Perigo honored for life-saving efforts
Featured Stories, News September 18, 2022
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – On August 31, 2022, at about 3:30 p.m., two Sheriff’s Officers responded to a 911 call, Lieutenant Mark Patrick and Sergeant Josh Perigo were the responding officers to the 911 caller who said they had received a text message from a friend that read, “I’m smoking my last cigarette, I’ll be brain dead by the time you see this.”
Sergeant Josh Perigo, left, and Lieutenant Mark Patrick, right, received the Life Saving Award and the Georgia Medal of Merit for their actions in saving a life on August 31, 2022.
According to Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, these officers went far above and beyond their duty on that response. Many times, officers respond to a call, do their job, and move on to the next call. Nicholson said that many times, officers never know the full extent of what their efforts accomplish or the final outcome of a situation.
Sometimes, that outcome is saving a life. Sometimes, that outcome is immediate and the officers see their efforts rewarded before even ambulances arrive. Sometimes, one or two officers are the difference between life and death. On August 31, 2022, Lt. Patrick and Sgt. Perigo were that difference.
Written by Sheriff Nicholson in a letter nominating these two for Lifesaving Medal awards, the account of the response stated,
“Sergeant Perigo arrived in the area first. Very few, if any, of the houses were marked with an actual numerical address. Therefore, Sergeant Perigo had to first locate the correct house. Moments later, Sergeant Perigo located the correct address as Lieutenant Patrick arrived on scene.
Perigo and Patrick both rushed up the steps of the residence and discovered the front door was locked. Both Deputies then started walking around the residence trying to look through windows. It was at this time, Lieutenant Patrick retrieved a nearby ladder and was able to visually look through the kitchen window where he observed a male subject hanging from a rope in the kitchen/living room area. It was at this point, Sergeant Perigo and Lieutenant Patrick, using their asp batons and other nearby tools, made forced entry into the residence.
Upon gaining entry into the residence, Lieutenant Patrick and Sergeant Perigo cut the rope, in which the male subject was hanging, and began CPR until emergency services arrived on scene. The male subject, who started breathing on his own, was airlifted to a regional hospital for treatment.”
Sheriff Nicholson stressed several times how the officers on scene could have retreated and called in investigations for a suicide once the noticed a lifeless body hanging inside. This would have been protocol and they would be doing there job. Instead, these officers rushed in, applied their training, and saved a man’s life. Nicholson stated, “We provide the training and the knowledge, but we can’t provide the heart and the intuitiveness of ‘It’s time to do this.’ That comes in the hearts and brains of our deputies.”
Sgt. Perigo stated about the award, “I feel appreciated.” He went on to add that it is a traumatic situation to be in for everyone. He stated, “I know he was in a spot in his life where he thought he couldn’t go anywhere else. I’m glad that we could help him, just get him out of that situation. I feel the best result, that could have happened, happened. Obviously, I wish that we could have better services that we could provide for him before we get to this point. Before anybody ever gets to this point, I wish we could help them out beforehand.”
In applying the training and that moment’s decision, Lt. Patrick said just knowing there was a chance was all he needed and it is always worth it. He stated, “We knew the call was recent. We knew we had to act quick. It’s a judgment call. It was basically a do-it-now kind of thing… Just knowing the circumstances of the call, it was something that we knew that we might possibly have time to get in there and get to him.”
Both officers said that the award is meaningful in recognition and feeling appreciated for their efforts, but not something they were expecting. Yet, it will never be enough according to the mother of the victim who called both the officers her “heroes.”
Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, center, stands with Medal recipients of the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Josh Perigo, left, and Lieutenant Mark Patrick, right, during a ceremony to honor the officers on September 16, 2022.
With tears, she spoke about how easy it would have been to just cut him down and end it there. Yet, she said that these officers worked on her son for ten minutes to get him breathing and his heart beating. She stated, “These deputies, I owe my life to because they brought part of my heart back to me and I get a second chance with my son because of them. So, do they deserve an award? Yes! What they got isn’t even close to the thanks they deserve. They deserve to be recognized. They deserve that title of hero because that is what they will be in my mind.”
Awards like this are double edged, as the Sheriff’s Office and the county take time to honor two officers, it also means a tragedy has occurred that required their actions. But the mother of the victim said, “The tragedy that lead up to this situation has reversed and become a miracle because, in all reality, my son should have never walked away from his home that day. In all honesty, he should have never been able to get up again. He spent two days with a tube down his throat. They expected him to take four before he removed it. In two days, it was gone. Three days, he was talking. Day four, he was eating and up walking.” She faltered in her speech as she added one final note, “Today… today my son is back home where he is supposed to be… and he is changed for the better for it.”
The medal is not a common award given as Sheriff Nicholson stated he has only awarded this medal three or four times since becoming Sheriff. With the clear and obvious life-saving efforts of these two officers, taking time to recognize them is something that the family, the office, and even the public feels is absolutely necessary as response has including many congratulations and a number of people sharing their own stories of the effects of situations like this and even how these two specific officers have helped them as well.
Sgt. Perigo stated, “Ultimately, our job is to protect life, even if that’s from yourself. We’re going to help you. We’re going to do everything we can to keep you alive and keep you safe, and even in the end get you the service that you need. We’re here to help and that’s what we want to do.”
Courthouse sees office heads out in kitten rescue operation
Community, News June 30, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – In a day reaching back to times gone past and idyllic tv shows with firemen retrieving a kitten from a tree, Gilmer saw a minor operation that reached major officials at the county courthouse today. A rescue operation was undertaken involving Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman, Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, Maintenance Director Eric Playford, and Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka standing in the heat with several county employees and, eventually, employees from Georgia Power. Instead of up a tree, this kitten was trapped underground.
Pushed into an in-ground electrical box, the kitten was able to be lured into a cage and rescued.
All of this effort came for a rescue operation of a small, black kitten who had fallen into an underground pipe. According to the Sheriff’s Office, “It all started with a plea from a courthouse customer to help a trapped kitten.” Those who helped discovered the stranded, starving kitten that had found its way into an empty pipe for future underground power lines.
So began two hours of efforts to first lure the kitten to the vertical section of pipe and then to push it towards an underground electrical box with open space and a lid. Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka told FYN that when he was first called, he had no idea what he was driving to. Once on scene, he said that the heads of the different departments and offices quickly tried to entice the kitten back to where they assumed it fell in so she could be pulled out. However, the pipe had a three-feet long vertical section, thus the idea to encourage her to latch on to a towel.
Later, the plan changed as Georgia Power was able to help officials access a large electrical box with enough open space for a trap to be lowered in. It was then that they pushed the kitten through the pipe with cables, a towel, and a small camera inside the pipe. Once in the concrete box, the plugged the pipe and had the trap waiting with some canned food for bait. Laukka said at that point, it didn’t take long at all for the kitten to enter the trap and be rescued.
Named “Piper” for its discovery location, the black kitten is now at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter recovering. As if this story didn’t have a happy enough ending, Laukka confirmed that the citizen who originally reported hearing the kitten when entering the courthouse said they would also like to adopt Piper.
Officially rescued from her time in underground pipes for future electrical cables, the newly named “Piper” is recovering at the Gilmer Animal Shelter.
Laukka said it is a real blessing to have her adopted out so quickly as she would require a cage all to herself. He noted that the Animal Shelter has checked the kitten for a chip or any sort of identification, but it appears to be a stray. He said, “One of the citizens that live near the courthouse has brought us about five kittens over the last few days from that area. So, it could be from that litter.”
Although scared at first, the kitten has responded well to interaction so far, he noted it seems very young and, with its good response, doesn’t seem to be going feral. He noted that if you can get hands on kittens before roughly 8 weeks old, they can be tamed before getting too feral. He also stated that situations like this, with animals trapped in underground areas, are very rare in the county, making this a bit of an adventure for both the animal and the humans looking help it.
When asked if she would have been difficult to adopt due to superstitions and thoughts on black cats, he said that many people also hear these rumors and specifically look for black cats to help balance out any difficulty due to fur color. But, the shelter is currently at about 85 percent capacity in the middle of “cat and kitten season.” In May, the Animal Shelter took in over 150 cats and kittens and June has seen another 100.
Continuing operations to share animals with other shelters for adoption are helping, but he noted that progress is also being made on the county’s expansion at the shelter. Laukka said he has been finalizing the architectural process and hopes the county will be bidding the project out in the coming months with construction possible to begin this fall. This project was reported on in February 2021 when major donations from citizens kickstarted the process to first plan, then design, and now go through architects for the bid specifications, and soon to be constructed.
Now rescued and recovering, the trapped kitten has since been named “Piper” due to her time in the underground pipes.
Speed detection devices officially adopted in November meeting
News November 18, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – With the official final adoption of the speed detection devices ordinance in the county happening today, Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson and the Sheriff’s Office will implement devices in the school zones on Yukon Road, Clear Creek Road, and Highway 282.
Going through an extensive process that first saw major public attention with the Gilmer County Board of Education back in July, 2021, the speed detection devices were presented at the BOE to deal with continued complaints over these areas during high traffic times when school starts and ends.
Nicholson called the area an “enforcement issue” in July and laid out plans to deal with the issue through these devices. The idea has seen some question the plan, but not on enforcement or timing. Instead, the voiced concerns in meetings of the BOC as they have presented the ordinance has been on the personal information collected by the cameras.
Nicholson stated in July that he hoped that the vast majority of citizens would be reached and well informed via social media, news media, county meetings, and other methods well before implementation. And the office has pursued that goal as both Sheriff Nicholson and Major Michael Gobble have been at meetings sharing information and answering questions. Gobble was the officer present at the BOC’s public hearing on the topic and answered questions on personal information.
Maj. Gobble said that the camera will not capture information from every car that drives through the zone. Not only will they only be active twice a day, once at the beginning and once at the end of each school day, but they will only capture information when triggered by a speed violation.
The Sheriff’s Office has explained that the information is collected by a company and is sent to the Sheriff’s Office where a School Resource Officer will review and verify the violation and return it to the company to issue a civil fine.
When the information is collected it is stored on file until the fine is resolved. All of this information is protected under Federal Law and not to be sold or released. Governed in the same way that law enforcement agencies are regulated to handle the same information.
Now, the county has heard its second reading of the ordinance. Chairman Charlie Paris stated in the BOC meeting today, “I’m going to make a motion that this be adopted based on the assurances that it would only be operational for the morning and afternoon drop-offs and not a regular full time thing.”
County Attorney David Clark told the board that the times would be an operational issue between the board and the Sheriff’s Office, not necessary in the ordinance. Chairman Paris then adjusted saying it would be an operational issue that he would enforcement as long as the other two board members approved of it. Seconded by Post 1 Commissioner Hubert Parker, the motion carried unanimously.
Originally, Sheriff Nicholson was shooting to have the speed detection devices implemented on all three roads around October. With the process now finished, these devices can go up any day now. With school out next week for Thanksgiving, there is only three weeks left before the December 17 final day of the Fall Semester and the start of the Winter Holidays.
Speed Cameras on way to approval for county school zones
News October 20, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Citizens are still questioning personal information and privacy rights with the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office’s plans to install speed detection cameras in school zones in the area of Yukon/Clear Creek roads by the schools and on Highway 282 near the county Library and Mountain View Elementary.
During the Public Hearing for the County, Sheriff’s Office Major Michael Gobble spoke to citizens answering questions about the implementation.
Maj. Gobble said that the camera will not capture information from every car that drives through the zone. Not only will they only be active twice a day at the beginning and the end of each school day, but they will only capture information when triggered by a speeding violation.
The cameras will be using radar technology instead of laser and Maj. Gobble noted that the calibrations and maintenance will be upheld by the company and not the Sheriff’s Office. However, all violations and information has to pass through an officer at the Sheriff’s Office to be confirmed and double checked before any citation can be sent.
As explained, the process will follow that as a driver is speeding through the zone, a picture of the license plate is captured and sent to the Sheriff’s Office. It is then verified and sent back to the monitor company who will then mail out a civil citation. Maj. Gobble explained that as a civil citation it will not register on people’s driving history.
The signs in the area with the speed zone will have that active times posted on the signs.
While the information is in the care of the company and the Sheriff”s Office, Maj. Gobble said that both entities are under government oversight for the information and are subject to the laws governing that information. It is protected under GCIC and the same rules are applied to a company handling this information.
Maj. Gobble explained it as the same process for stoplight cameras in some cities. It is not to be sold or kept in storage for any major length of time. The information is only kept long enough for law enforcement to verify and the citation to be resolved. He noted that if a citizen wishes to bring the citation to court, then it will be kept long enough for the court case.
The Commissioners did approve the first reader of the Speed Detection Device Ordinance this month and will revisit for the final reader next month. With final approval on that reader citizens could be seeing these devices in use by the end of November.
Sheriff’s K9 units Milo and Novak receive new protective vests in donation
News October 4, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – “Invaluable.” This is the word that Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson used to describe the K9 units when they are needed for work that he calls “apprehension.” But even that is only a third of the value that he says the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office receives from K9 units Milo and Novak.
These are two of the Sheriff’s Office three K9 Units, the third being Arlo. Milo and Novak are more advanced in their training, though. These dogs are used daily in patrols and services by the Sheriff’s Office as Nicholson told FYN they are multi-purpose dogs. In addition to apprehension of suspects in dangerous situations, both dogs are used to detect or “sniff out” drugs and also to help in searches of lost people.
Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit Milo
With so much of Gilmer County being forested areas, and with the Cohutta Wilderness in the county, tracking can prove to be yet another “invaluable” skill for the Sheriff’s Office.
A state organization, the Georgia Police K9 Foundation (GPK9F) has vested 112 Georgia Law Enforcement K9s within the state through its program. Now, these two dogs have been selected to receive new protective vests to wear in their service. The vests are designed to be worn as body armor for the K9 units when engaging in their work while maintaining a lighter weight.
According to LOF Defence Systems, the retailer for these items, the basic “K9 Streetfighter” vests retail for a base price of $550 each with upgrades costing more. However, GPK9F are donating the vests to Gilmer’s K9 Units, made possible through the generous donation by Kelly Bostick in memory of Richard E. Bostick, Jr.
According to a release by GPK9F, “What is unique about these K9 protective vests is they have a soft body armor specifically constructed to be lightweight. This helps protect our Law Enforcement K9s from becoming exhausted from heavier vests, which may cause overheating. In Georgia, heat indexes can reach over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. Keeping a K9s body temperature down is crucial while they are working to avoid heat exhaustion or even a heat stroke. The fabric in the LOF Streetfighter vest helps regulate the K9’s body temperature keeping them comfortable and cool and are meant to be worn for entire shifts so that our four legged officers are protected at all times. K9 Officers unconditionally run into dangerous situations, regardless of whether or not a suspect could be armed with a lethal weapon. These vests are bullet resistant and shield the K9’s vital organs during any apprehension that may involve tracking and even, detaining a fleeing suspect before an officer can take full control. The Georgia Police K9 Foundation could not be more excited knowing we have assisted in the protection of our K9 officers against work related injuries or worse yet, death.”
LOF Defence Systems uses a special fabric to help with the cooling system as well. They state, “The StreetFighter vest also contains an inner layer of Outlast Thermal Management Systems fabric to prevent excessive heat soaking and to help regulate your K9’s body temperature keeping them comfortable and cool.”
Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit Novak
According to Kyle Briley, Founder and President of Georgia Police K9 Foundation, “Our organization is honored to have these two heroes protected in memory of Richard E. Bostick, Jr. It is through generous contributions and support that we are able to make a difference.“
While these K9 units are the ones receiving the vests, it is their handlers who may be more pleased with the upgrades. Deputy David Ridings is the handler for Milo. Ridings did, at one time, serve as handler for Novak who is now in service with Corporal Frank Parks. Parks is a familiar name of recent weeks in Gilmer County after he made an arrest during a traffic stop, discovering over a pound and a half of Meth.
K9 Milo is a three-year-old Belgium Malinois. K9 Novak is a six-year-old Belgium Malinois.
GPK9F also stated in their release, “As a foundation, we want to especially thank Kelly Bostick for the generous donation in memory of Richard E. Bostick, junior to protect both K9 Novak and K9 Milo. We thank each sponsor, donor and supporter of our mission.”
According to Nicholson, the K9 program utilizes both Milo and Novak for detection, tracking, and apprehension, making them the prime candidates for the vests. They go through weekly continuous training under the guidance of their handlers, but Nicholson says the dogs do periodically attend larger training seminars as well. Eventually, he hopes to have the agency’s third dog, Arlo, trained and ready for everything that these two do as well. While Arlo is trained for detection and tracking, training and certifications for apprehension are expected to come at a later date.
Until then, it appears that Novak and Milo are the frontline in K9 unit operations in Gilmer County utilizing their new protective vests.
Georgia Police K9 Foundation (GPK9F) is an All Volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit, which helps raise awareness within the State and the local communities of the infinite contributions made by the Police K9s and how they save lives to make our communities safe. Our goal is to protect as many of Georgia’s four legged officers by providing them with safety equipment, such as, bullet-proof vests, heat alarm systems, and Naloxone (Narcan Kits) in the event a K9 is directly exposed to any opioids during a search and seizure. Once a K9 has retired, the Handler will adopt their K9 partner and best friend. In the absence of State or local retirement benefits for the K9s, GPK9F will help provide retirement support (food and medical care) for the retired law enforcement K9s, who have unconditionally served their communities for years. To date, the Georgia Police K9 Foundation has assisted over 1,000 Georgia K9s by provided 112 K9 Protection Vests, 45 Heat Alarms, 200+ Training equipment, seminars, and trainings were supplied to numerous K9 teams across the State of Georgia, and assisted 100+ Retired K9s. Read their full press release here.
A pound and a half of Meth found in single car traffic stop
News September 21, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on social media today reporting a single traffic stop. A normal traffic stop is nothing of import except that this stop resulted in the seizure of 1.69 pounds of methamphetamine.
Corporal Parks of the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office arrested two on September 9, 2021, after finding 1.69 pounds of methamphetamine in the vehicle of a traffic stop.
For reference, federal guidelines referencing the United States Sentencing Commission dictate a minimum sentence of 10 years for trafficking in 50 grams of Meth. According to the Sheriff’s report, the driver of the vehicle, Ethan Matthew Leonard, 17, and passenger, Anthony Stephen Ray, 20, were in possession of over 15 times that amount.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, “Corporal F. Parks initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for failure to maintain lane and a window tint violation. Upon contact with the occupants in the car, Corporal Parks determined the driver was under the influence of marijuana.”
The United States Department of Justice states that Crystal Methamphetamine is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs, which include cocaine and PCP, have a high potential for abuse. Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson has also offered reports on the influx of and arrests made in relation to large amounts of drugs in the county. In July of 2021, he delivered a report to the media indicating a number of arrests made in the first half of the year.
A bag of of 1.69 pounds of methamphetamine was seized along with THC oil in a traffic stop, resulting in charges including intent to distribute.
Going from what information the Sheriff’s Office delivered in those arrests, only one comes close. A July 19, 2021, arrest for 628 grams (1.38 pounds) of Meth.
With this arrest, it becomes the largest amount out of those released to the public. The Sheriff’s Office stated that when Parks questioned the two in the vehicle, both occupants had conflicting stories and timelines of their travels.
The office stated, “The passenger provided Corporal Parks with a THC oil vape which gave probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, approximately 763 grams (1.69 pounds) of methamphetamine was located under the back seat.”
Arrested on September 9, 2021, Ethan Matthew Leonard and Anthony Stephen Ray, both from Franklin, North Carolina, were arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute, Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Schedule 1 Drug (THC oil), and Georgia window tint violation.
Data collection questioned as county approves advertising for Speed Cameras
News August 22, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Traffic devices and data collection are taking the next step toward a Fall implementation as they were approved for advertisement in the County Commission.
An example of cameras used for traffic surveillance.
However, approval only came for advertisement as the Board of Commissioners raised discussion on privacy in the traffic cameras usage. Chairman Charlie Paris was the first to make the note as he said he was wanting to set it so that the collection of photos or information for anyone not being pursued for speeding would be deleted.
“I believe that it would be essential that that data be eliminated within a specific period of time. If it is one that is not being flagged for speeding, there would be no reason for anybody to maintain that particular data,” said Paris.
Acknowledging the importance that many people place on privacy and date like this, Paris said he wanted this stipulation for approval.
As discussion continued, the question arose about who is collecting the data. As noted during the Board of Education meeting, County Attorney David Clark confirmed that the Sheriff’s Office is contracting with a company for collection. Sheriff Nicholson also stated in the previous BOE meeting that he would have those flagged for speeding sent through a Sheriff’s Deputy, likely a Student Resource Officer, to be approved before the company would mail out a citation.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson
These speed cameras will be established in three areas; Mountainview Elementary School on Highway 282, Clear Creek Middle School on Clear Creek Road, and Clear Creek Elementary School on Yukon Road. The county’s approval is needed for Clear Creek and Yukon roads.
The scenario will play out as someone speeds through the area, the captured infractions are sent to a local appointed officer, which Nicholson said will likely be a SRO (School Resource Officer). That officer reviews the infractions and makes sure there are no mistakes, then the company will send out tickets to those the officer approves.
Within the county’s BOC meeting, the board considered that it would be the company that they would need to put the restriction on. Due to this, Clark suggested that the approval go for beginning the process and pursuing advertising. He noted that the county will have to approve a contract with the company and could debate the restriction at that time.
With unanimous approval, the project is proceeding, but it was understood that the county would be looking at restrictions on the data during the contracting as they work alongside Sheriff Nicholson for the process.
During the discussion, Post Commissioner Hubert Parker also suggested that they look at other government entities and how they handle the data through speed and traffic cameras such as those at traffic lights.
Sheriff highlights quarter of a million dollars in illegal drugs siezed
News July 28, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Recent highlights have shown major steps in our county by the Sheriff’s Office and cooperating agencies and agents with cases like the recent arrest of a wanted member of the Ghost Face gang to arrests made after Gilmer Deputies uncovered the murder of a woman in Cherry Log.
Today, the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Stacy Nicholson released information pertaining towards the seizure of illegal drugs, guns, and operations in the county. Totaling a quarter of a million dollars, this number is only made more alarming to know that it is only the total amount captured in the first half of 2021.
Sheriff’s deputies and agents of the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Operation have reported the majority of captures as Methamphetamines, a drug that has been a problem for Gilmer County for years. Along with the information, they listed many of their seizures and the dates of occurrence:
Jan. 7 – 3.5 gr Meth
Jan. 13 – 3.5 gr Meth
Feb. 21 – 6.8 gr Meth
Feb. 24 – 22 gr Meth
Feb. 24 – 1 oz. Marijuana
Mar. 1 – Meth
Mar 11 – 10 gr Heroin
Mar. 17 – 8 gr Heroin, Meth, Ecstacy
Mar. 23 – 32 gr Meth, 31 gr Marijuana, 25 Schedule IV pills, $1,800 Cash
Mar. 30 – Dismantled “chop shop” operation
Apr. 1 – 1 gr Meth, 30 oz. Marijuana
Apr. 17 – 3.5 gr Meth, 28 Schedule IV pills
May 20 – 14 gr Heroin 4 gr Meth, firearms, 4 gr Meth, 20 THC vapes
May 28 – 40 Ecstasy pills
May 29 – 7 gr Heroin
June 3 – 8 Ecstasy pills, Firearms
June 8 – 3 oz. Meth, 1 oz. Heroin (along with West Metro/Fulton Co.)
June 11 – 167.1 gr Meth, 94.2 gr Heroin (along with GSP/Fannin Co.)
June 12 – 3.5 gr Meth, 5 gr Heroin
June 21 – 3.5 gr Meth
June 28 – 1 kilo Meth, 3 gr Heroin
July 7 – 1 lb. Marijuana, 1 kilo Meth
July 16 – 1.38 lb Meth, 6 gr Heroin
According to the Sheriff, this is not an exhaustive list. During their release “from the desk of the Sheriff,” Nicholson states, “This post highlights some of the more significant drug cases that GCSO Detectives, Crime Suppression Unit (CSU), K9 Deputies and Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement (ARDEO) Agents have made for the first half of 2021. This doesn’t include all cases made, however it does highlight the more significant ones.”
Another point to think about is that this is the amount they seized, continuing operations still have more and more drugs circulating through the streets.
During these operations alone, 33 people have been arrested. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, a study in 2018 showed 67,367 deaths by overdose in Georgia alone. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, 2020, a year with most people at home in isolation and quarantine, Gilmer County alone saw 534 Emergency Department visits over the year related to Drug Overdose specifically. That number is only those who made it to the Emergency Room to be treated.
Many others offer alternative stories. Stories like a boy who overdosed on his own couch, and rather than call 911 to get help, his friend leaves him to die so he doesn’t get caught with the drugs.
Speed Cameras coming to local School Zones
News July 27, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – “It is an enforcement issue,” said Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson as he spoke about school traffic zones and the reduced speed during school hours.
Sheriff Nicholson offered a report to the Gilmer Board of Education during their July meeting concerning a problem with speeding in school zones and what the office is preparing to implement in response to it.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson
School zones require a reduction in speed from drivers twice a day to help with the beginning of the day when students are coming in to school and the end of day when school lets out. According to Nicholson, these roughly one hour windows in the morning and afternoon are the times that the speed limits drop and complaints begin. He noted that the office expects people to become informed about the cameras and for the issue to mostly resolve before they even implement the devices.
To help with enforcement, the Sheriff has contracted with a company to put up speed cameras to capture speeders in the zone and issue tickets electronically. Not a new concept, many cities utilize camera on traffic lights in a similar fashion to issue fines against those running red lights.
Nicholson said that while it doesn’t directly affect the school system’s operation, he wanted to take the time to inform them and also to spread the word about the coming change. Nicholson asserted several times that he wants to focus on informing the public and letting them know in advance about the cameras and not to blindside them or catch them off guard.
Nicholson said that he constantly receives complaints about speeds during the school year. There are three locations that will utilize the cameras including; Mountainview Elementary School on Highway 282, Clear Creek Middle School on Clear Creek Road, and Clear Creek Elementary School on Yukon Road.
Utilizing both traffic cameras and radar, the devices will operate more as a deterrent than a ticket device as Nicholson said his hopes were to aid in the enforcement issues.
The scenario will play out as someone speeds through the area, the captured infractions are sent to a local appointed officer, which Nicholson said will likely be a SRO (School Resource Officer). That officer reviews the infractions and makes sure there are no mistakes, then the company will send out tickets to those the officer approves.
One important note, Nicholson said that these are civil fines, not traffic tickets. One of the major differences Nicholson noted, is that not paying the civil fine will not automatically send a person to jail, but “it will go to court.”
The Sheriff’s Office does have more details to work out. As Nicholson said, he wants to give ample time to the public to find out and know about the radar cameras before implementation. That said, these devices could be seen in use as early as September or October in Gilmer County.
Secured to poles, these devices will be set inside the zones that the county has marked and signed as a reduction in speed.
Board Chairman Ronald Watkins mentioned adding other devices to the areas such as flashing lights as seen in some other counties where they have flashing yellow lights posted on school zone signs during the hours of reduced speed. Nicholson said that the County has the responsibility on changing signage and using that type of signage. However, Nicholson did say that he has looked into another suggestion from Watkins with the trailers with a strobe highlighting a driver’s current speed.
All of this comes in support of Nicholson’s push to, as he said, warn and inform Gilmer’s citizens over and over again about the devices before they even get implemented.
Gilmer Sheriff’s Office reports arrest of “Ghost Face” member Jeremy Kelley
News, Videos July 26, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County is reporting the arrest of a gang member tonight. Gilmer County is no stranger to the Ghost Face gang name. With ties all over, news reports have followed arrests of these gang members from Augusta to counties in South Carolina and more. The Zell Miller Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force has had previous run-ins with the gang as have Sheriff Departments like Gilmer. Tonight, Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson and the Sheriff’s Office are reporting the arrest of Jeremy Kelley in East Ellijay.
According to their release, “On Friday morning, July 16, 2021, Sheriff Stacy Nicholson was contacted by the Stephens County, GA Sheriff in reference to Jeremy Kelley. Sheriff Shirley explained to Sheriff Nicholson that Kelley was being sought for Burglary and Auto Theft in Gwinnett County. Further, Roswell Police Dept., who had encountered Kelley earlier in the week, had multiple charges for Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer and other charges related to an incident when they tried to apprehend Kelley.”
A resident of Stephens County, Kelley has been wanted by that Sheriff’s office for some time. During their search, Stephens County received information that he was possibly in a Gilmer County hotel.
Additionally, Kelley was believed to be traveling with a female by the name of Stephanie Summers. Gilmer’s release stated that Sheriff Shirley provided Sheriff Nicholson with pictures and a description of a possible vehicle the two might be traveling in.
With the two counties in cooperation, Gilmer County deputies responded to the information traveling to the Comfort Inn & Suites in East Ellijay. Sheriff Nicholson also personally responded alongside the county’s deputies during the operation.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson
Their release states, “As Sheriff Nicholson rode by the Comfort Inn & Suites in East Ellijay to check for the described vehicle, he saw who he thought to be Kelley standing in the parking lot.”
While the suspect re-entered the building, the reports states that authorities watched the parking lot nearly an hour before the individual, believed to be Kelley, re-appeared. As the deputies moved in to approach the individual, authorities say that he fled on foot. Giving chase, they followed him to the back side of the Comfort Inn & Suites and apprehended him. At that time, authorities positively identified the suspect as Jeremy Kelley.
After a Search Warrant was obtained for the hotel room, authorities located over a pound of Methamphetamine and other illegal narcotics. Reports also indicated they located heroin, but only stated a “trafficking amount” for the size. Gilmer Sheriff’s Office also apprehended items that had been reported stolen from Gwinnett County.
Authorities have also taken Stephanie Summers into custody, charging her with “Hindering the Apprehension of a Fugitive.”
Sheriff Nicholson states, “I want to commend my Deputies for a great job of safely and effectively taking a serious drug-dealing Ghost Face gang member off the streets, and I am just glad I was able to get knee deep in the action.”
Sheriff’s Office takes Dillon Andrew Godfrey into custody
News June 13, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – An official statement from the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Dillon Andrew Godfrey has been taken into custody over the weekend.
Godfrey, 28, fled from authorities in the area of Gunstock Creek Road according to the Sheriff’s Office. Now captured, he faces charges including Aggravated Child Molestation, 2 counts of Child Molestation, Cruelty to Children, Probation Violation, 3 counts of Obstruction.
The office thanked citizens for tips and help in spreading information, but did not comment on exactly how he was taken into custody. They have been seeking Godfrey’s whereabouts since Monday, June 7, 2021, and asking for information and help in locating him. Several comments on their Social Media post mentioned possible location, but the Sheriff’s Office also encouraged people to call in at the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division.
FYN will follow the arrest as more details become available.
GBI searches for new person of interest in Delgado murder
News April 27, 2021
CHERRY LOG, Ga. – Today the GBI released a video pointing out a specific person of interest that they are searching for.
The GBI is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the woman in this video.
According to the GBI’s Press Release, the woman is one of the last people to interact with the victim, Rossana Delgado. This video was noted in other reports and was taken on April 16, 2021. As one of the final people to see Delgado, GBI are seeking more information. The GBI has identified four suspects and has already released information seeking the identity of an unknown fifth suspect.
Now, this person of interest could have vital information on the case, the GBI is asking that anyone with information call the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), report the information online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the mobile app, See Something Send Something.
Missing Mother of two discovered in Cherry Log murder
News April 24, 2021
GILMER, Ga – Last seen in Doraville, Georgia, on April 17, Rossana Delgado was discovered as the victim of a murder in Cherry Log on April 20, 2021.
Juan Ayala-Rodriguez
The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department continued investigations and offered a report on the activity clarifying, “We DO NOT feel that there is a current threat to our citizens in the area.” The Sheriff’s Office was working alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) in the death investigation.
Since then, FYN has confirmed with authorities that the victim was Rossana Delgado. A mother of two has been missing from the Barrow County area since last Friday. The GBI now has four suspects with a possible fifth. Pictured are those suspects.
According to other reports, Delgado’s last known location was in Doraville, Ga. on April 17. They also indicate that she spoke to her husband at about 7 p.m. last Friday night. This was before picking up a person for her job. Reports say she drove a red 2017 Ford Focus as part of a job with a taxi service. However, it is unclear whether it was with Lyft, Uber, or another similar service.
Mario Barbosa-Juarez
While her husband did track her through her phone for a while, he and authorities did not find Delgado as her phone was discovered in public storage on Covington Highway. Unfortunately, that search ends today as Gilmer County Sheriff’s Deputies identified the victim of a murder in Cherry Log.
Since Thursday, April 22, 2021, social media has been covered in theories, reports, and rumors that citizens have spread about the crime while authorities have tracked evidence and worked with the GBI in the investigation. Now, they are releasing more information on their discoveries. As with most police investigations, details are limited due to the ongoing investigation and other duties like notifying family members first.
The GBI has officially issued murder warrants for suspects in the Gilmer County murder of Delgado.
Megan Colone AKA Grace Beda
The GBI stated, “The suspects that are wanted in connection with this murder are Megan Alyssa Colone, 30, of Stone Mountain, GA, Juan Ayala-Rodriguez, 35, of Gainesville, GA, Oscar Manuel Garcia, 26, of Austell, GA, and Mario Alberto Barbosa-Juarez, 29, of Oklahoma City, OK. It is believed that the four suspects plus a fifth suspect, that has yet to be identified, may no longer be in Georgia.”
It is also noted that Colone may be traveling under the alias, Grace Beda. Colone is believed to be traveling with her minor children. Authorities nationwide have been alerted about these individuals.
According to the GBI’s press release, “On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at approximately 7 a.m., the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check at a residence in Cherry Log, Georgia.”
Concerted efforts to identify the fifth suspect are ongoing.
Oscar Garcia
The GBI asks anyone with information about the whereabouts of Colone, Ayala-Rodriguez, Garcia, or Barbosa-Juarez are asked to call the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), report the information online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or by downloading the mobile app, See Something Send Something. If you see any of these individuals do not approach them, call 911 immediately.
The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office has asked for patience and understanding with this case. The GBI echoed the sentiment saying that this investigation is still very active. The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office continue to coordinate with the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, the DeKalb County Police Department, and the Chamblee Police Department, as well as multiple state, local, and Federal agencies to locate and hold the responsible parties accountable.
As the investigation continues and authorities continue to release information, FYN will continue to update this story and new articles as it becomes available. The GBI stated that the autopsy results are pending, but upon completion of this investigation, the file will be provided to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney for prosecution.
Full press release from GBI below:
Ellijay, Georgia (April 24, 2020) – Murder warrants have been issued for suspects in the Gilmer County murder of Rossana Delgado, 37, of Bethlehem, GA, that occurred on April 20, 2021. The suspects that are wanted in connection with this murder are Megan Alyssa Colone, 30, of Stone Mountain, GA, Juan Ayala-Rodriguez, 35, of Gainesville, GA, Oscar Manuel Garcia, 26, of Austell, GA, and Mario Alberto Barbosa-Juarez, 29, of Oklahoma City, OK. It is believed that the four suspects plus a fifth suspect, that has yet to be identified, may no longer be in Georgia. Colone may be traveling under the alias, Grace Beda. Colone is believed to be traveling with her minor children. Authorities nationwide have been alerted about these individuals.
On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at approximately 7 a.m., the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check at a residence in Cherry Log, Georgia. Gilmer County deputies responded and then requested the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland, GA. The victim found at the scene was later identified as Delgado. Delgado was reported as a missing person in Barrow County, Georgia on April 16, 2021. She was last seen in DeKalb County on April 16, 2021.
Concerted efforts to identify the fifth suspect in this case are ongoing. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Colone, Ayala-Rodriguez, Garcia or Barbosa-Juarez are asked to call the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), report the information online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or by downloading the mobile app, See Something Send Something. If you see any of these individuals do not approach them, call 911 immediately.
This investigation is still very active. The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office continue to coordinate with the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, the DeKalb County Police Department, and the Chamblee Police Department, as well as multiple state, local and Federal agencies to locate and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The autopsy results are pending.
Upon completion of this investigation, the file will be provided to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney for prosecution.
Sheriff’s Office honors 25th Anniversary for Brett Dickey
Community, News February 14, 2021
A long weekend for some as they take a day to remember Presidents and celebrate Valentine’s Day, yet, it also marked a major event for the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson. The office honored the memory of their fallen Deputy Brett Dickey in the 25th anniversary ceremony.
An annual event, many will recognize certain memorial actions like lowering the courthouses flag to half mast or the playing of taps as Officers salute the memorial. Sheriff Nicholson spoke for the memorial, thanking those who were present for the ceremony.
Nicholson said, “Today is a milestone mark in the memory of Brett. It’s the 25th anniversary, today, of when he was killed in the line of duty as a Gilmer County Deputy Sheriff. February 13, 1996, I will never, ever forget that day… There is so many here today, so many that worked for the Sheriff’s Office, so many citizens in the county that are so supportive of the Sheriff’s Office.”
Nicholson said, “I hope that what we try to do, in some small way gives some comfort or peace to the family. I feel like it is our responsibility to honor Brett’s memory every year.”
The memorial transpired in the rain as Nicholson jokingly said it was “perfect weather.” Yet, some would agree it is altogether right and proper that a day of remembrance be somber and cloudy.
It is difficult to label the remembering of a tragic day and the loss of someone in a community. More so for those in the department who knew him or were close to him. As citizens we can only know a part of the sacrifice and the life. Some call days of remembrance a celebration to celebrate the life and the efforts of this man. Some call it a memorial, calling to mind memories of life together or service alongside him. Still others might call it a ceremony, ritualizing the events to create honor from tragedy. One may call it a vigil as they wish to guard the story and carry it onward into the future, so that others may know of the sacrifice.
Additionally, many people will drift from year to year, the day may be a sad dirge one year becoming a day of celebration and memory the next.
Nicholson said that his wish to continue past the 25th anniversary is to continue the memory. He spoke about the younger generation and many citizens that didn’t know Dickey, offering his thoughts and hopes that the people of Gilmer County would share the memory. He said, “Tell your kids who Brett Dickey was. He made the ultimate sacrifice for citizens of this county and the state of Georgia.”
Nicholson recalled a couple stories of his time with Brett Dickey including one from the night that he died. He also recalled how small the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office was at the time, a small “family” he called them. A family devastated by the events that transpired. Nicholson thanked retired Gordon County Sheriff Sid Roberts and retired Murray County Sheriff Howard Ensley who were present at the 25th anniversary ceremony. Nicholson thanked them because he said they “ran Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office” for a few days after the events of Dickey’s death.
Gilmer Deputy Sheriff Brett Dickey
With tears welling up, Nicholson said to both the retired Sheriffs, “That made an impression on me.”
Gilmer Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Scotty Davis also spoke before praying over those present. He said, “We are here honoring a man who is a hero because he served this county and he served this community. Preserving, serving, and protecting you and your parents as they grew up. It is a great honor serving in law enforcement.”
Davis’ prayer ended the ceremony as the deputies present marched away immediately after.
In the Bible, in the book of John, Jesus speaks to those who follow his faith saying, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” A man who serves, who offers his life daily in that service, may have died in that service, but he offers that love to those he served and to those he offered his life daily to protect. It is sad that one day, that offer was claimed. Yet, it is a portrayal of love on this Valentine’s Day weekend that one man gave to a community, that he gave to those he served.
It is on this day that the Sheriff’s Office remembers its loss. It is on this day that they remember what they gained. It is on this day that they refresh and renew the meaning of that sacrifice. It is we who live on that attribute meaning and honor to those who have sacrificed for us.
Sheriff says active shooter rumors untrue
News December 10, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Despite spreading rumors on social media, Gilmer County’s Sheriff’s Office has released a statement “from the desk of the Sheriff” saying that there was not and is not an active shooter in a Gilmer School.
The lockdown has been lifted on both the Larry Walker Education Center and Gilmer High School at this time. The official statement said, “On December 10, 2020, Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to a lockdown event at the Larry Walker Center at approximately 9:30 a.m.”
The Sheriff stated, “Deputies responded to assist School Resource Officers who were already on scene. Following a thorough investigation into the noise, which included a search of the school properties nearby and including the Larry Walker Center, the source of the noise was determined not to have been a gunshot. A school administrator reviewed video footage from the location where the noise was reported, and in doing so, he saw that a piece of furniture had been moved by maintenance personnel causing it to strike a wall adjacent to the office where the noise was heard. The staff in that office mistook it for a gunshot. The noise was re-enacted for the staff who confirmed the noise was what they had previously heard.”
The Sheriff’s Office asserted that, despite the speculations made on social media, nobody has been arrested and nobody was injured during this event as there was no gunshot and no shooter.
According to Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs, there has been no threats on the schools recently that she is aware of.
Gilmer has dealt with threats in the past, but no officials are reporting any indications of such an occurrence today.
Despite this, rumors and allegations are continuing across social media along with speculations of the noise’s source. FYN’s current understanding is that the only threat the school system has dealt with recently is a self-harm threat isolated to a specific student in a situation completely unrelated to today’s events.
As authorities continue to update with new details, FYN will continue to post new articles with such information.
Sheriff tests Positive for Coronavirus
News August 17, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson has stepped forward confirming that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and has spoken out on his plans, recovery, and the Courthouse response.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson
With some staff in the office allegedly sick as well, Nicholson said he started paying closer attention to his own health more than normal. He confirmed that he made it to the weekend of August 8 and 9. He said he began feeling sore and tired after a long week. Nicholson confirmed that the same weekend his wife began coughing. Nicholson’s wife also works at Gilmer’s Courthouse.
Both of them decided to go forward with testing on Tuesday, but still didn’t believe he had gotten the virus.
It wasn’t until Wednesday afternoon that the Sheriff got a call saying that both he and his wife had tested positive for the Coronavirus. He said that only a total of seven staff members have contracted the virus as well. All of these seven current positive tests work in the detention center. The Sheriff’s Office has been stressing masks, sanitizing, cleanliness, and other guidelines for the safety of both staff and inmates. He did say that one staff member not in the detention center test positive back in the beginning of July. But continuing those guidelines he is very proud of the work and support the deputies and staff have given. Within the detention center, Nicholson said only three inmates have tested positive.
Continuing sanitizing surfaces and maintaining social distancing, Nicholson said that the measures have also extended to deputies inside the courthouse. He said that public safety officers have to work, but the moment you become symptomatic, you have to stay at home.
While the Sheriff has tested positive, he said he began staying away from people the moment he heard he had been around someone who later tested positive and constantly using the mask. On top of that, staying home after his own positive test. He did personally contact a few others he had been very close to after he realized his own positive test. It is an act that he said he has performed with many of those other positive tests in office.
According to county leaders, the courthouse will not close for another sanitizing session. With guidelines in place and a low lifespan on hard surfaces, the courthouse will move forward with their own sanitization guidelines in maintenance and employee workspaces. The Sheriff’s Office is still operating today as normal under virus guidelines.