By Glenn Harbison
glenn@thenewsobserver.com
Blue Ridge, Ga. – Multiple drug charges have left a pair of suspects being held without bond in the Fannin County Jail following their arrests on Dec. 11.
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Curtis Edward McConnell, 42, of 32 Ridge Road in Ellijay, and Breanna Micaela Rodriguez, 28, of 353 Collette St. in Andrews, are both charged with multiple felonies involving drug sales. The arrests came as the result of a joint effort by the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.
Sgt. Jacob Pless of the sheriff’s office stopped a side-by-side McConnell was driving on Damascus Circle for various traffic violations. Rodriguez also had an outstanding warrant for her arrest.
A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle and a camper belonging to McConnell beside a residence at 777 Hamby Road. The search by sheriff’s deputies and ARDEO agents resulted in the discovery of about 55 grams of fentanyl, four grams of methamphetamine, 127 Xanax bars, a variety of other illegal drugs and a loaded 9mm pistol.
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McConnell and Rodriguez face identical charges of five felonies: trafficking in fentanyl; two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute; methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Both are also charged with possession of drug-related objects, a misdemeanor.
Rodriguez was also arrested on the warrant, a sixth felony of failure to appear for finger-printable charge. Fannin County Chief Magistrate Judge Brian Jones denied bond during initial appearance hearings for both suspects.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding drug activity is encouraged to call the GBI ARDEO at 706-348-7410. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-8477 or visiting gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.