Raid in Washington County leads to numerous arrests in connection with drug offenses

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Georgia (WGXA) – Sheriff Joel Cochran announced Friday the arrest of several people in Washington County on illegal drug charges.

Robert Johnson, 64, of Sandersville was arrested and charged with three counts of distribution of cocaine after officers, along with the Middle Georgia Gang Task Force, Sandersville Police Department, DCS and GBI, executed a search warrant on a home on Gum Street.

In addition, the following people were arrested for drug sales and possession:

– Howard Swint, 54, of Sandersville: two counts of distribution of cocaine;

– Donald Sutton Jr., 47, of Sandersville: two counts of distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;

– Anthony Williams, 30, of Warthen: possession of marijuana with intent to resell and probation violation;

– William Hall, 39, of Tennille: possession of cocaine, probation violation, false report of a crime, fleeing or attempting to elude, failure to obey a stop sign and failure to maintain lane;

Sheriff Cochran said officers made another arrest Friday morning after receiving a report of a vehicle stuck on a dirt road near the Washington State Prison in Davisboro.

Officers and a Georgia Department of Corrections detection dog team began searching the area and discovered contraband, which led to the arrest of 28-year-old Daniel Mangum of Claremont, Georgia. Mangum is charged with trespassing, crossing the line, possession of meth with intent to resell, possession of marijuana with intent to resell and trafficking inmates.

Following these numerous arrests, Sheriff Cochran stated in a press release, “You would think that word would have gotten around that we were out and about this morning making drug arrests. However, around noon, a sheriff's detective patrolling the West Elder Street area witnessed a drug deal face to face.”

In connection with the alleged drug deal that the investigator observed, 59-year-old Freddie Flemming of Sandersville was arrested. He is accused of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The second man arrested is Justin Sutton, 32, of Sandersville. He is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to resell, possession of marijuana with intent to resell, trafficking cocaine and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.