Law enforcement officers arrested four people Monday, Feb. 21 on charges ranging from drug trafficking and possession to possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Those arrested were Robert “Ricky” Richard Hatten, age 47, Joshua Burris, age 31, Jody Clifton, age 41, and Rebecca Wilkerson, age 38, all from Emanuel County.
The arrests follow a joint drug investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office and the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia State Patrol K-9 unit also assisted.
During the execution of a search warrant, agents seized two long guns, two handguns along with ammunition, approx. 7.3 ounces of suspected methamphetamine/ICE, 5.4 ounces of suspected marijuana, and drug related paraphernalia.
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Hatten is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of firearm in commission of a felony, possession with intent marijuana and possession of schedule II-controlled substance.
Burris is charged with possession with intent methamphetamine.
Clifton is charged with possession with intent methamphetamine.
Wilkerson is charged with possession with intent methamphetamine.
All four were booked into the Emanuel County jail.
This investigation was conducted to address current street-level distribution of drugs in Emanuel County and promote a safer place for productive citizens, according to the press release.
The Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office and Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office ask for help, according to the press release. Anyone who has information related to drug activity is encouraged to call the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office at (478) 237-7526 or SRDEO at (912) 685-5345. Anonymous 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.
