Seven people in the Augusta area have been indicted on charges related to a major methamphetamine-trafficking organization blamed for at least one overdose death, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s office.
The indictment resulted from an investigation dating back to early 2018 by Operation Wheat Fields. Those named are accused of trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana, according to U.S. Attorney David H. Estes. The conspiracy charge levied against each of the defendants carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system, according to the news release.
Operation Wheat Fields is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation that identified a pipeline of illegal drugs from Mexico routed through Atlanta and into the Augusta area.
Those named in the indictment unsealed Friday have until July 21 to file motions.
They are Jayson Dwayne Wheatley, 41, of Augusta, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of heroin and marijuana; distribution of heroin; possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; six counts of use of a communications facility, relating to the use of Facebook Messenger and a cellphone to facilitate the conspiracy; and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Jeffrey Mitchell Granade, 48, of Evans, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of heroin and marijuana; possession of 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
Steven Curtis Newman, 55, of Martinez, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of heroin and marijuana; and possession of 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Richard Travis Bargeron, 41, of Augusta, currently an inmate at the Coffee County Correctional Facility, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of heroin and marijuana; possession of 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Alvin Wayne Snellgrove, 63, of Evans, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of heroin and marijuana; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; and two counts of use of a communication facility.
Heather Nicole Disher, 42, of Grovetown, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of heroin and marijuana; possession of methamphetamine; and three counts of use of a communications facility.
Dana Alexander Rau, 48, of Augusta, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of heroin and marijuana; possession of methamphetamine; use of a communications facility, relating to the use of a cell phone to facilitate the conspiracy; and possession of a firearm by a user of illegal drugs.
Operation Wheat Fields is being investigated by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office; and the Swainsboro Police Department, and is being prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Division Chief Patricia G. Rhodes.
