FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (CMANS) announces the arrest William Joseph “Jody” Gaddis, W/M 47 YOA of Ball Ground, Georgia, on charges of manufacturing marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Governor’s Task Force (GTF) for Drug Suppression helicopters observed several growing marijuana plants behind a residence on Sperin Road in northern Cherokee County. As the helicopter pilots called for assistance from GTF and CMANS agents on the ground, they saw at least two people run from the home and flee into the woods. A short chase ensued, but the dense undergrowth made it impossible for officers to reach the suspects.
Cherokee Sheriff’s Office K-9 officers assisted CMANS Agents as they swept the area for suspects, while other agents obtained a search warrant for the residence. Agents located about 172 plants behind the residence on Sperin Road, which was identified as the home of William Joseph Gaddis.
A search inside the residence revealed about 30 mature marijuana plants in various stages of drying and harvesting. The total haul of marijuana plants was valued at $242,400. CMANS and GBI agents are continuing to pursue leads developed during the search of Gaddis’s home.
The GTF, a project initiated in 1984, is a statewide program to curtail outdoor marijuana grows and has targeted the use of public lands used illegally to grow marijuana for sale. Helicopters are provided by several Federal and State agencies and the Civil Air Patrol in an effort to thwart growers in North Georgia.
The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad is a joint task force working in Cherokee County to investigate drug related violations. Participating agencies include the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Canton Police Department, the Woodstock Police Department, the Holly Springs Police Department, the Ball Ground Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, the Cherokee County School Police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia State Patrol. Citizens may call in tips anonymously to (770) 345- 7920, or may speak to an agent by calling (770) 704-2350.
