Crime & Safety

Discovery of Drugs During Burglary Investigation Leads to 6 Arrests

Alpharetta woman charged with three counts of felony theft after Forsyth County Sheriff's Office search three area residences including one in Alpharetta.

According to the Forsyth County Sheriff Office, six people have been arrested after an investigation into the burglary of three storage units led police to a residence where drugs were being distributed.

In a news release, Sheriff Duane K. Piper said the three storage units, as well as a cargo trailer, were burglarized at Sawnee Storage off of Ga. Hwy. 20 West in Cumming sometime between Jan. 27 and Jan. 29.

A video surveillance tape of the incident was obtained, which led to investigators being able to identify the vehicle and a suspect. The suspect, Joshua L. Williams, 20, of Sugar Hill, Ga., was located by investigators on Feb.5 as he was traveling down Settingdown Road in Forsyth County.

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A short chase ensued as Williams tried to flee by driving in reverse down the roadway. He was arrested and charged with three counts of burglary in the second degree, three counts of felony theft and criminal trespass, in addition to numerous traffic offenses.

Upon further investigation, search warrants were obtained for three residences. Stolen items were recovered from a residence on Settingdown Road and investigators found lawn care equipment taken from the Sawnee Storage unit at a residence on Jones Bridge Road in Alpharetta.

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In serving the final search warrant at a residence on Leigh Lane in north Forsyth County, investigators not only recovered a flat screen television taken from one of the storage units, but also found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug-related objects.

“This investigation clearly shows the connection between thefts and the drug culture,” said Piper in the release. “Our investigators did a good job in following up on all leads, recovering much of the stolen property.”

Others arrested during this investigation, in addition to Williams, were:

Ashley C. Laird, 26, of Alpharetta, charged with three counts of burglary in the second degree, three counts of felony theft and one count of criminal trespass.

Cody J. Beavers, 21, of Gainesville, charged with theft by receiving, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related objects and felony obstruction.

Amber L. Nicholson, 23, of Flowery Branch, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related objects and obstruction.

Brynn A. Grichuck, 27, of Suwanee, charged with possession of methamphetamine.

All remain incarcerated at the Forsyth County Detention Center.

Colton R. Beavers, 19, of Gainesville, charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug-related objects,was released on Feb. 12 on a $12,265 bond. He is to appear in Drug Court on Feb. 24.

Information in this story was supplied by the Forsyth County Sheriff Office and edited for publication.


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