A three-month, undercover investigation by the Multi Agency Crack Enforcement Drug Task Force, the Hinesville Police K-9 Unit and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department led to the arrest of 11 suspected drug dealers in December.
According to MACE Unit Commander Al Cato, the investigation included a search warrant for Sheldon Johnson’s Northgate Apartment in Hinesville.
“Recovered from the residence was prepackaged marijuana,” Cato said. “We also recovered three prescription canisters containing prescription drugs. The prescription drugs were forwarded to the GBI crime lab for analysis and could result in additional charges.”
Cato said officers, deputies and agents also seized suspected powder cocaine, a handheld scale, packaging material and approximately $3,000 in cash.
Arrested were:
• Joshua Simmons, 23, for sale of cocaine
• Davis Sanchez, 18, for sale of marijuana
• Bryan Golson, 18, for sale of marijuana
• Travis Drayton, 32, for sale of marijuana and cocaine
• Angel Otero, 20, for sale of marijuana
• Gregory Owens, 27, for sale of cocaine
• Gregory Romer, 60, for sale of schedule 3 controlled substance
• Edwin Roberts, 48, for possession of cocaine
• Tammy Taylor, 22, for possession of cocaine
• Kenneth Thompson, 26, for battery (Liberty County state warranty)
• Sheldon Johnson, 41, for possession of MDMA, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of public housing, possession of cocaine, possession of tools to commit a crime.

Other MACE activities

• Dec. 12
MACE agents, officers and the Hinesville K-9 Unit and Chatham County Sheriff’s Department conducted a scheduled school health and wellness safety search at Lewis Frasier Middle School, resulting in one K-9 alert. However, no contraband was found or arrests made.
• Dec. 13
Agents, at the request of the 87th CSSB Battalion at Fort Stewart, participated in the Army’s train the trainer program. Agents offered a drug awareness program, which consisted of educational tips and a display of drug paraphernalia and drugs commonly abused in this area. Agents also went over areas in Hinesville and Liberty County that are prone to criminal activity. Presenters took questions after the program. Approximately 60 military members attended.
Drug awareness presentations are available upon request by calling 877-4040.