16 charged with RICO violation in North Georgia drug investigation

GBI dismantles North Georgia drug ring

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation seized dozens of pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl while charging 16 people under the RICO Act during a massive six-month drug trafficking investigation.

HALL COUNTY, Ga. - A months-long racketeering investigation dubbed Operation Silent Hand culminated Wednesday as authorities executed nine search warrants across North Georgia, resulting in 16 arrests and the seizure of dozens of kilograms of illegal drugs.

What we know:

Those arrested are accused of running a drug trafficking operation where methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone were distributed across a six-county area, including Hall, Habersham, Franklin, Stephens, White, and Gwinnett counties.

Investigators with GBI allege the group was sourcing its supplies from cartel-connected individuals in metro Atlanta, primarily Gwinnett County, and illegally diverting pharmaceuticals from local pain clinics.

The following individuals are charged with violating the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act:

• William Doug Allen, 54, Lula, GA
• Tonya Doster Pitts, 51, Lula, GA
• Chad O’Neal Davis, 54, Demorest, GA
• Bart William Starks, 58, Canon, GA
• Randall Stewart Hill, 57, Canon, GA
• Leslie Nicole Brown Cedillo, 39, Cleveland, GA
• Yvonn Parker Brown, 64, Toccoa, GA
• Amy Michelle Williams, 51, Toccoa, GA
• Breann Denae Coalley, 54, Mt. Airy, GA
• Haven Douglas Allen, 31, Alto, GA
• Arthur Lee Poore, 63, Gainesville, GA
• Rodney Wayne Crump, 59, Alto, GA
• Kandi Nicole Stewart, 48, Demorest, GA
• Mona Lisa Summers, 62, Mt. Airy, GA
• Sarita King Davidson, 60, Cornelia, GA
• Linda Waddell Thompson, 62, Demorest, GA

Agents seized the following contraband during the investigation:

• 32 kilograms of methamphetamine
• 4 pounds of fentanyl
• Numerous diverted pharmaceutical opioids
• Multiple firearms

All those arrested in connection with the operation have been booked in the Hall or Habersham County jails.

Authorities have arrested 20 people so far, but the investigation remains active, and additional arrests are expected. 

What they're saying:

Ken Howard, the special agent in charge of the GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, said the volume of drugs being moved by this organization posed a catastrophic risk to the public. 

"You're talking about dosage units that could kill hundreds of thousands of people," Howard said.

Beyond the immediate danger of overdoses, officials emphasized that the drug trade fuels a cycle of violent crime in Georgia communities.

"There's robberies that are associated with this, there's armed robberies, all types of assaults, murder that goes along with the drug trade and a tremendous amount of theft," Howard said.

While 16 people are currently in custody, the GBI expects to make additional arrests as the investigation continues. Howard issued a stern warning to other organizations currently operating in the region.

"Just because we are not there today, we are likely building intelligence against your organization," Howard said. "We're gathering the evidence needed to put together the same type of prosecution against your group, and your days are coming."

What you can do:

If you have any information on drug-related activity, you can call GBI ARDEAO at (706) 348-7410. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-8477.

What we don't know:

Officials did not release further information about the investigation or identify the four other suspects arrested.