Earlier this year, investigators with the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office conducted concentrated patrols and several investigations into individuals and their involvement in the drug trade. During the course of these investigations, officials seized quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, illicit prescription medications, firearms, small quantities of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
In relation to those investigations, several individuals were arrested on October 4 and others in the following days, with the latest arrest occurring this past Saturday night. Investigators are still searching for the remaining suspects.
On October 5, 2023, jail officers and investigators discovered contraband inside jail. Quantities of methamphetamine, suboxone, phentermine and MDMA were discovered in a cell. Two female inmates were charged.
Kenneth Lee McGovern, 38, Douglas, Ga: possession of Schedule III Controlled Substance (subutex), possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Damon Strickland, 45, Hazlehurst, Ga: possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug related objects.
Willie Tobler, 35, Hazlehurst, Ga: possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug related objects.
Sharleen McClendon, 39, Hazlehurst, Ga: possession of cocaine, possession of firearm during commission of a crime, possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
Miranda Maggard, 39, Baxley, Ga: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of MDMA, possession of scheduled III controlled substance (suboxone), possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance (phentermine). This investigation continues and other charges are pending.
Melinda Futral, 45, Midville, Ga: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of MDMA, possession of Schedule III Controlled Substance (suboxone), possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance (phentermine).
Keith Smith, 48, Denton, Ga: possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of drug related objects.
William Hall, 62, Denton, Ga: possession of methamphetamine, possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance (oxycodone), possession of drug related objects and probation violation.
Jade Powell, 38, Denton, Ga: possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug related objects and probation violation.
Michael Wooten, 55, Denton, Ga: possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance (oxycodone), possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance, pills not in original container.