FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Sheriff’s Office Shuts Down Two Major Methamphetamine Distribution Operations, Resulting in Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges

Sheriff Mitch Ralston Reports:

In March, 2021, Sheriff’s detectives initiated an investigation into complaints regarding the distribution of methamphetamine from a private residence on Gee Road near Resaca. Detectives obtained detailed information from numerous sources that led to the execution of a search warrant at 328 Gee Road on Monday night, May 24. Deputies and detectives discovered large amounts of both methamphetamine and marijuana in the home. A Sheriff’s ‘K9’ was also deployed in the search. Detectives seized the unlawful drugs and other physical evidence of drug trafficking. Russell D. Defore, age 50, of 328 Gee Road was arrested at the home without incident and jailed. He is facing charges of Trafficking Methamphetamine and other drug related crimes.

PHOTOS:  1. Russell A. Defore,      2.  328 Gee Road          3. Evidence From 328 Gee Road and Sheriff’s K9 ‘Lolli’

 

Russell A. Defore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In January, 2021, Sheriff’s detectives initiated an investigation into drug trafficking and weapons violations at a private home in the Erwin Hill community near Sonoraville. Employing several lines of investigation, the detectives acquired a search warrant for the residence at 742 Erwin Hill Road near Sonoraville. On the morning on Wednesday, May 26, a team of detectives and uniformed deputy sheriffs executed this search warrant. Two Sheriff’s ‘K9s’ were deployed in this case to search for illegal substances. During the execution of the warrant, detectives found and confiscated large amounts of methamphetamine packaged for resale, Schedule I, IV, and hallucinogenic drugs, a large amount of physical evidence indicative of drug trafficking, as well as nine illegally held and/or illegally modified firearms. The occupant, identified as one Jason A. Bagley, age 41, of 742 Erwin Hill Road, Adairsville (Gordon County), was arrested there without incident and lodged in the county jail, where he faces charges of Methamphetamine Trafficking, and a host of other drug-related charges and firearms violations. Detectives assigned to the case said that Bagley has a lengthy criminal history of drug and weapons charges.

PHOTOS: 1. Jason A. Bagley    2. 742 Erwin Hill Road        3.  Evidence from 742 Erwin Hill Road with K9 ‘Lollie’, Lieutenant J.L. Johnston, Detective Ben Fox, Sergeant Jarrod Powell, Deputy Dale Pullen and K9 ‘Czek’

Jason A. Bagley