Gang investigation in Habersham County leads to multiple arrests

A multi-agency gang investigation in Habersham County has resulted in the arrest of seven criminal street gang members and associates, according to the GBI. The arrests span several counties in northeast Georgia and western North Carolina.

The arrests followed a lengthy GBI Gang Task Force investigation that began in October 2023, officials said. The Task Force, with the help of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and local law enforcement, cracked down on a criminal street gang cell in Habersham County that is believed to be connected to multiple crimes.

According to the GBI, members and associates of the Gangster Disciples gang were also in the cell. Authorities investigated her for violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and more.

Agents in Georgia and North Carolina served search and arrest warrants in the early morning hours of April 18, resulting in the following arrests:

Roger Laquerrius Neal, age 34, of Toccoa, GA
Tyler Dallas Cagle, age 33, of Waynesville, North Carolina
Sarah Smathers, 31, of Waynesville, North Carolina
Terry Ray Williams Jr., age 20, of Waynesville, NC
Shelby Page Stephens, 63, of Waynesville, North Carolina
Quillan Leshun Samuels, 25, of Gainesville, GA
Andrew Nelson Dover, 47, of Habersham County, Georgia

All suspects are charged with possession of Schedule III drugs with intent to distribute. Additional fees are expected, officials say.

The GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and the Toccoa Police Department assisted in this “significant” investigation, the GBI said.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Once completed, the files will be turned over to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.