Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
STAFF REPORT :::
A press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix reports the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has seen a rise in calls for persons who have overdosed on methamphetamine, heroin and what is believed by the user to be prescription medication. At least two of those calls have resulted in deaths, and a third individual survived cardiac arrest, Dix statedSheriff warns of extreme danger from fentanyl allegedly distributed by Ghost Face Gangsters. The common thread in these incidents is that the narcotics that have caused these overdoses and deaths have contained fentanyl.
A minor exposure to fentanyl can cause a person to go into respiratory and/or cardiac arrest immediately, and without the use of Narcan to counteract the effects of the drug, death is almost certain. Users and dealers believe that the product they receive from their suppliers is safe when in fact it may contain fentanyl or other contaminants that are obtained or manufactured by sources that are unknown. They will use it to adulterate methamphetamine, heroin, and other drugs or press it into pill forms that are forgeries of commonly abused prescription medications.
The first week in August, deputies responded to 2475 Steele Road where upon arrival they found W/M Dennis Wade deceased from a drug overdose with fentanyl present. On August 19, 2018, Deputies responded to the Racetrack Gas Station located at 4200 N. Expressway where they found W/M Jeffery Scott Callahan who was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The investigation concluded that Callahan had been driven to the location again from the address at 2475 Steele Road. Again, his death was linked to fentanyl. Investigators have now charged W/F Amanda Chambers with involuntary manslaughter, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, reckless conduct, and interference with a 911 call. W/M Kevin Kennedy has also been charged with reckless conduct in relation to Wade’s death.
On August 25, 2018 deputies responded to 1185 School Road to a report of an unconscious person that had overdosed on narcotics. Upon arrival deputies found W/M Jackson Jones in his vehicle and in cardiac arrest. As soon as firefighters arrived they began CPR. EMS arrived and administered a dose of Narcan to Jones and transported him to Spalding Regional Hospital. A subsequent search of Jones vehicle was conducted as part of the investigation and found inside the vehicle was a bag that contained more than a half-pound of methamphetamine. Jones has recovered and is now in custody at the Spalding County Jail charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine. All indications are that this incident is also tied to fentanyl.
Investigators believe that the majority of distribution of these narcotics is tied to the “Ghost Face Gangsters” that have members operating in the Griffin Spalding County area. As this investigation continues we anticipate making additional arrests and charging Ghost Face members under the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act and any other violation of the law that we can charge them with. If you are a Ghost Face Gangster here in Spalding County we are coming for you. Stop or leave, or we will stop you and you will leave in the back seat of a Spalding County deputy’s car. Just like with any other gang thug, this is your only warning.
We are reaching out to the public about the fentanyl issue. We do not want to see anyone die because of their drug use. If you have a friend, family member or loved one that is a drug user we ask you to intervene and have a conversation with them about their drug abuse. Please urge them to get help and help them get help before they die from their habit. If you are a drug user, please get help. Go to your family, friends, churches, Doctors, or law enforcement agencies to get help. There are local resources available to you that will help you in your struggle with addiction. Please get help before you lose your life. This is your wake-up call and it may be the only one you get. If you choose to ignore these pleas and continue to use or distribute narcotics laced with fentanyl, we ask that you to make sure that you always carry identification. By carrying identification, we will be able to identify you, and notify your next of kin when your body is found. Some may view this as harsh, but the time for playing games and being soft about this issue are over. Some people that are dealing or using need a rude awakening especially since this issue is dealing with life or death. It is our hope that they take the opportunity given to them and save their own life.