Field operations weekly report, 2008 June 1-7

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report June 1-7, 2008
This report is a broad sampling of events that have taken place in the past week, but does not include all actions taken by the Law Enforcement Section.

Region I- Calhoun (Northwest)
FLOYD COUNTY RFC Ben Cunningham hosted the 4th Annual Youth Outdoors Camp at the Lock and Dam Park June 3 June 5. The 31 participants were certified in hunters safety and boating safety. They were introduced to firearms and were able to shoot BB guns, archery equipment, .22 rifles, and shotguns. After the camp, they were given a bag of fishing tackle and a fishing pole. Cpl. Shawn Elmore, Cpl. Tommy Gentry, Ranger Roger McConkey, Ranger Brad Hamby, Fisheries Technicians Matt McDaris and Patrick Goble assisted RFC Cunningham in making this camp a success.
MURRAY COUNTY On June 5th, Law Enforcement officers from the Department of Natural Resources and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, served state and federal search warrants on a taxidermy business and a residence in Chatsworth, Georgia. The officers seized evidence in connection with violations of mounting migratory birds without a federal license, and the unlawful sale of migratory birds and black bear parts. The investigation is ongoing.
On June 8th, Ranger Cody Jones and Cpl. James Keener assisted personnel from DNR Parks, Game Management, and the Georgia State Patrol with a road check on Fort Mountain State Park. Citations were issued for 32 offenses and 14 arrests were made.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
LUMPKIN COUNTY On June 2nd, RFC Mitchell Crump and an intern were patrolling the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area. They found an unattended truck near the end of Waters Creek Trophy Trout Stream, which is only open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Three sets of tracks were found leading to the stream. The tracks were followed over a mile up stream where they caught three men fishing in the stream. Each man was issued a citation for fishing in a closed trout stream
HALL COUNTY On June 6th, Ranger Pamela Garrison responded to a complaint of a non-responsive jet ski operator. The operator was charged with boating under the influence.
FORSYTH COUNTY On June 6th, Ranger Garrison presented a fur program to a Wild Kingdom Day Camp. There were over 40 kids in attendance.

RABUN COUNTY On June 6th, Cpl. Derek Dillard investigated a boating incident in Lake Burton where an 11 year old boy got his finger hung in the railing when he jumped off of a pontoon boat resulting in the amputation of one of his fingers. The boy was transported to the hospital where he was treated for his injury.
On June 7th, at approximately 9:40 PM, RFC Chad Chambers and Sgt. Steve Seitz were patrolling Lake Rabun when the officers observed a vessel traveling up the lake without any bow lights. When the officers stopped the vessel, they detected the odor of alcohol and noticed the operator appeared to be impaired. The officers preformed field sobriety exercises on the operator and he failed them. The operator was arrested for boating under the influence and improperly displayed lights.
WHITE COUNTY On June 6th, RFC Anne Alexander and Wildlife Tech III Frank Manning conducted a follow up inspection of the Bear Park in Helen, GA for the DNR Permit Office. The officers administratively seized 1 raccoon that was being held in violation of their DNR permit.
TOWNS COUNTY On June 6th, RFC David Webb assisted the U.S. Forest Service, Georgia State Patrol and Towns County Sheriff's Office with a road check on Hwy 75 south of Hiawassee. The officers made arrests on 5 DUI's, 2 driving on suspended license, 1 illegal possession of drugs, and a variety of other violations.
BARROW/OCONEE COUNTY On June 5th, Cpl. Tim Vickery was assigning a hull identification number to a boat at a residence near the Barrow/Oconee Co. line. No one was at the residence, so Cpl. Vickery proceeded to inspect the vessel. As he walked around the boat, Cpl. Vickery noticed two pots inside the boat with what appeared to be a small marijuana plant in each of them. Cpl. Vickery finished the inspection, and then called Barrow County's Narcotics Investigator to come and look at the plants to determine if they were in fact marijuana. The Oconee County SO and Narcotics Inv. were also called, after it was determined that the residence was actually in Oconee Co. While looking at the plants, the owner rode up on a motorcycle. After the deputies questioned the individual, he admitted that the plants were marijuana, and that he had three larger potted plants hidden in the grass. He also admitted to trying to grow marijuana from seed in his trailer. Oconee County deputies confiscated three bags of drug paraphernalia and several firearms from the residence.
BANKS COUNTY On June 7th, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk held the 9th Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo at Hammers Glenn Golf and Country Club in Homer. A total of 53 kids fished in the event and they caught a total of 250 catfish. Maysville Baptist Church Outdoor Ministries provided lunch for everyone.

MADISON COUNTY On June 1st, Lt. Judd Smith, Sgt. Stan Elrod, RFC Josh Chambers and RFC Chris Moore patrolled the Broad River for boating safety violations. During the patrol, a subject floating the river in a kayak was observed smoking suspected marijuana. When the officers asked him to come to the bank, the subject attempted to dump the marijuana in the river and paddle away. After floating downstream several hundred yards, he was arrested for violation of the GA Controlled Substance Act, failure to allow inspection of a vessel, and littering.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
RICHMOND COUNTY Cpl. Ben Payne went to Blythe community center and instructed kids ages 4-12 on the importance of water safety. There were 42 kids present and all were taught the importance of knowing how to swim as well as wearing their personal flotation devices while enjoying water activities. There was also a brief lesson on boating safety as it pertains to children and water sports.
JEFFERSON COUNTY On June 05, RFC Matherly assisted the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in serving a warrant on a suspected drug dealer's residence. A small amount of marijuana was located and a subject was turned over to a local probation officer for questioning.
On June 07, Sgt. Max Boswell and RFC Matherly participated in the Second Annual Wrens Safety Fair. Their booth emphasized boating safety and had the fishing simulator set up for the children in attendance.
WALTON COUNTY On June 7th, Corporal Greg Colson and Ranger Nikki Spencer answered a fishing without permission complaint and issued two citations.
ELBERT COUNTY On June 8th, RFC Bob Holley and Corporal Greg Colson responded to a missing persons complaint on the Broad River. After several hours, the missing persons were located.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On June 7th, Cpls. Ryan Swain and Ben Payne made 1 BUI arrest on Clarks Hill Lake.
On June 7th, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and RFC Bobby Timmerman provided assistance with the NIT Wakeboard tournament at Wildwood Park on Clarks Hill Lake.

Region IV- Macon (West Central)
PULASKI COUNTY On June 7th, RFC Tim Butler received a call from a pond owner regarding an individual fishing without permission. Butler went to the scene and made contact with the angler, who subsequently admitted to seeing posted signs as he entered the property. The subject was cited for fishing without permission.
JASPER COUNTY On June 7th, RFC Keith Page and Cpl. Tony Wynne encountered a pontoon boat on Lake Jackson that was violating a "no wake" zone. After stopping the vessel the vessel operator was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The subject failed all field sobriety exercises and was placed under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol.
TROUP COUNTY On June 7, Cpl. Brent Railey patrolled West Point Lake and worked a boating incident. A 16-year-old male was on a wake board, hit a wave and the board struck him on the left eye. He suffered a deep cut, swelling and bruising and was transported to the emergency room for treatment.
HARRIS COUNTY On June 7th, RFC Mitch Oliver and Sgt. Randy Hackley were patrolling Lake Harding in Harris County. The officer's were sitting on the lake with their engine off at approximately 10:35 pm, when RFC Oliver heard a boat crossing from the Alabama side of the lake to the Georgia side. The vessel was not displaying any navigational lights as it crossed the lake. The officers were able to get the boat stopped and from the onset of the conversation with the operator, it was apparent that the he was severely impaired. RFC Oliver administered Field sobriety exercises and the subject was placed under arrest for BUI.
HENRY COUNTY On June 5th, Sgt. Russ Ramsey, RFC Travis Sweat, and RFC Kevin Godbee took part in the annual CHAMPS training program in Henry County. These Rangers were able to teach Hunter Safety and Boating Safety to 21 Deputies from across the State.
PIKE COUNTY On June 6, Cpl. Wanda Roberts held a kids fishing event and picnic for the 4-H club at a local farm in Pike Co. Kids and parents enjoyed a day of fishing with good success. Lunch was provided for the event with a picnic in the pasture. Cpl. Keith Waddell, RFC Travis Sweat, RFC Kevin Godbee and Ranger Adam Jacobs also assisted with the event.

PUTNAM COUNTY While on patrol on Lake Sinclair on June 7th at approximately 9 pm, RFC Kevin Godbee and Sgt. Bo Kelly observed a vessel being operated recklessly within ten feet of two individuals in the water. Upon stopping the vessel it was discovered that the operator was under the influence of alcohol. The operator of the vessel was arrested and transported to the Putnam County Jail for processing.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
DECATUR COUNTY On June 1, RFC Tony Cox and RFC Jeff Phillips stopped a vessel on the Flint River for violating the Rules of the Road for vessel traffic. The vessel operator appeared to be intoxicated and subsequently failed the field sobriety exercises he was asked to perform. He was charged with operating a vessel under the influence, obstruction of an officer, violating the rules of the road, operating a vessel without a throwable device, operating without proper registration, and operating a vessel without valid identification.
BROOKS COUNTY On June 7, RFC Jon Penuel, Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey, Sgt. David Ruddell and Sgt. Ellis Wynn conducted a patrol to address a landowner complaint referencing violations of Georgia's Waste Control Act. Three citations were issued for littering and four subjects arrested for violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.
CRISP COUNTY On June 7, RFC Harold Hill and Sgt. Wade Law were patrolling Lake Blackshear when they observed a vessel that appeared to be adrift and unoccupied in the channel. Upon closer inspection they discovered the vessel occupied by four people engaged in the use of illegal drugs. Charges were made for violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
LOWNDES COUNTY On June 7, Sgt. David Nugent and RFC Tim Hutto patrolled the Withlacoochee River for boating and fishing activity. Two citations and one warning were issued for operating a vessel within 100 feet of an object (bridge) above idle speed, littering, and operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On June 7, Sgt. William Vickers, Cpl. Shaymus McNeely, and Ranger Brandon Pierce were on patrol in the Savannah River. The officers were working boating and fishing activity. Shortly after 8:00 pm the officers noticed a vessel with two male subjects in it operating in and around the railroad trestle near Highway 119 above idle speed. The officers began to approach the vessel as it turned up river. The operator of the vessel motored to the GA bank of the river and got out as the officers pulled alongside. The operator of the vessel's first remark to the officers was "you got me, go ahead and take

me in." Cpl. McNeely asked the vessel operator why he felt the officers had him and the reply was "because he had been drinking." Cpl. McNeely advised the vessel operator that while un-safe, drinking on the water in and of it self was not illegal. However, it was illegal to be under the influence of alcohol and to operate his vessel impaired. At this time Cpl. McNeely asked the operator if he would participate in field sobriety exercises since it was obvious he had been drinking. The operator agreed to do so. Upon the completion of the field sobriety exercises, it was evident that the operator was impaired. The vessel operator was placed under arrest for operating a vessel while under the influence and operating a vessel above idle speed within 100' of a bridge. The officers transported the vessel operator to the Effingham County jail where it was determined that he had an active warrant for his arrest on another matter.
On June 8th, DNR Law Enforcement was notified of a boating accident involving two jetskis on the Savannah River. Sgt William Vickers, Cpl Eddie Akins, and Ranger Brandon Pierce responded to the scene. Upon arrival it was learned that no one had been injured, but there was sufficient damage to the jet-skis to warrant a boating accident investigation. The damage to the jet skis was photographed and the operators were interviewed. At this time the investigation is continuing.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
CAMDEN COUNTY On June 2nd, Cpl. Jesse Cook was contacted by the Camden County Sheriff's Office and asked to assist with an incident that occurred on Cumberland Island National Seashore. An individual was accused of shooting at another person and then pulling a knife on the individual. The perpetrator then knocked the victim into the water and stole a boat to get back to the main land. Cpl. Cook assisted Camden County investigators and the United States Park Service officer with the investigation. The perpetrator has been charged with aggravated assault, simple battery, armed robbery, and motor vehicle theft.
BRYAN COUNTY On June 1, Sgt. James Shelton and Ranger Randy Tinley patrolled the Ogeechee River around the Morgan's Bridge area. Several people were cited for fishing without a license, no registration, and insufficient number of life jackets.
On June 2, Ranger Randy Tinley and Cpl. Cindy Miller were at Morgan's Bridge and cited an individual for open container at a Department Boat Ramp.
On June 4, Ranger Randy Tinley and Cpl. Cindy Miller checked several fishermen around the mouth of the Ogeechee River and cited a non-resident individual for fishing without a license.

On June 5, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Cpl. Cindy Miller patrolled the Ogeechee River around the I-16 Bridge. One individual was cited for fishing without a license.
On June 7, RFC Isaac Strickland, RFC Justin Heyward, RFC Buster Cooper, Cpl. Curtis Wright, Cpl. Jay Morgan, Sgt. Tim Vincent, and Sgt. James Shelton, participated in the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery Kids Fishing Event in Richmond Hill. The Rangers assisted the kids with fishing and had the fishing simulator and laser shot for the kids to use. There were over 400 kids present at the event. Handout materials were also given out throughout the day.
GLYNN COUNTY On June 1, Sgt. John Harwell, Cpl. Jesse Cook, Cpl. Ron Harris, and RFC Mark Carson conducted a JEA patrol offshore of Jekyll and St Simons Islands checking shrimp trawlers. Four boats were boarded to check their fishing gear for proper TED's (Turtle Excluder Devices) and BRD's (Bi-catch Reduction Devices). All boats were in compliance.
On June 7, Sgt. Doug Lewis, Sgt. Bob Lynn, Cpl. Ron Harris, and RFC Mark Carson assisted with the Golden Isles Kids Fishing Derby held and the base of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. There were approximately 100 kids in attendances. The Coastal Resources Division of DNR sponsors this fishing event.