ANDREWS
Meth seized in police raid
Law enforcement officials arrested several people on drug offenses last week as part of an investigation that culminated in an early morning raid.
The Andrews Police Department, in conjunction with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, raided 85 Temple St. on the morning of Sept. 7. During the raid, investigators seized 86 grams of methamphetamine.
Christine Louise Coyan, Steven Ryan Downey, Heidie Chance Jones, Danny Clyde Piercy, Carrie Beth Praytor and Christy Ann Tomlin – aka Christy Duckworth – were all arrested this week in connection with the investigation. Some of them were apprehended on Sept. 6, prior to the raid on Temple Street.
Meanwhile, Richard Stinchcomb, who is also wanted in connection with the investigation, remains at large.
The raid was the culmination of a surveillance operation initiated by Andrews police. Two other people wanted in connection with outstanding warrants were arrested during the operation but were not charged with new drug offenses.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Stinchcomb is asked to call 321-9184.
FRANKLIN
Drugs land prison term
An Asheville resident who pleaded guilty last week in Franklin to illegal drug activity will spend 90-120 months in prison, District Attorney Ashley Welch said.
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William Zachary “Zach” Patterson, 52, recently admitted in Macon County Superior Court to two felony charges: trafficking by possession of four grams or more but less than 14 grams of heroin and possession of a controlled substance on the premises of a local confinement facility, Welch said. In addition to serving an active prison sentence, Patterson must pay a mandatory $100,000 fine.
On July 26, 2021, Franklin police Sgt. Randy Dula spotted Patterson driving a vehicle on Georgia Road. Dula knew Patterson’s driver’s license was suspended and that he was evading multiple warrants. Dula initiated a traffic stop. A search of Patterson’s vehicle uncovered a large quantity of heroin.
A May 3, 2018, case led to the second charge, possession of a controlled substance on the premises of a local confinement facility, where drugs were hidden in one of Patterson’s socks.
From staff reports.