Field operations weekly report, 2010 April 18-24

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report April 18-24, 2010
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)
COBB COUNTY RFC Brooks Varnell is in the final stages of completing an eleven-week course to certify three new K-9 dogs that will be put into service at DNR Law Enforcement. Most of the training has taken place at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia. As head trainer of the DNR K-9 program, RFC Varnell has challenged the K-9s with tracking, wildlife detection in vehicles and structures, article detection, and suspect apprehension. The K-9s have been assigned to DNR Officers around the state and will be utilized for officer safety, daily field encounters, inter-departmental functions, and assistance to other agencies. The K-9 program has proven to be a most valuable resource with activities associated with DNR Law Enforcement.
FANNIN COUNTY On April 23rd, RFC Cody Jones was patrolling the Toccoa River off of Dial Road. RFC Jones checked the fishing license of a man who was acting very nervous. RFC Jones discovered two marijuana cigarettes in the subject's possession. The marijuana was seized for evidence and the subject was issued a citation for possession of marijuana, less than one ounce.
On April 23rd, RFC Cody Jones was patrolling Rock Creek on the Blue Ridge WMA. During patrols he encountered two fishermen in possession of twenty-four trout, eight over their daily limit. The two fishermen were each charged with possession of over the daily limit of trout and the additional trout were confiscated.
MURRAY COUNTY On April 21st, Cpl. Casey Jones arrested a Tennessee man for violation of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. The arrest was made as part of an on-going investigation that started back in March 2010. Wildlife officers from Tennessee received information that the subject had started hunting and fishing in Georgia after he had his hunting and fishing right suspended for twenty years in Tennessee. Cpl. Jones received information on April 21st that someone was fishing illegally on Holly Creek, which is located on Cohutta WMA. Cpl. Jones walked into the area where the violations were thought to have occurred and found the subject attempting to fish, in possession of trout, and in possession of fishing license that had been purchased under a false first name. The violator was charged with fishing on a suspended license, possession of illegally taken wildlife and false statements.

Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
COLUMBIA COUNTY On April 21st, Sgt Doyte Chaffin, Cpl Brian Hobbins, Cpl Ryan Swain, Rfc Leroy Ficklin, Rfc Brian Adams, and Rfc Robert Timmerman attended GPS training at Mistletoe State Park.
On April 21st, Rfc Robert Timmerman completed numerous HIN requests in Martinez.
On April 24th, Cpl Ryan Swain, Rfc Robert Timmerman, and Sgt Doyte Chaffin conducted a concentrated patrol for boating and fishing activity off of the Savannah River and Little River.
CLARKE COUNTY Rfc. Nick Jenkins has been attending the United States Coast Guard Marine Patrol Officers Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. The course covers tactical and educational issues related to the enforcement of boating safety laws.
GREENE COUNTY On Monday April 26th, Cpl. Derrell Worth worked a marine event permit on Lake Oconee at the Ritz Carlton. Cpl. Worth provided public safety services during a short fireworks display during a Chick-Fil-A event.
RICHMOND COUNTY On April 24th, Cpl. Ben Payne performed 3 HIN inspections in south Richmond County for boat owners trying to register boats. No boats appeared to be stolen and HINs were issued. One of the boats was an old shrimp trawler, which was recovered by a non-profit group. The group found a family in Charleston who is going to re-furbish the old boat as a family project. Several other boats that have been abandoned are going to be eventually recovered by the group.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
EARLY COUNTY On April 19th, RFC Tony Cox and RFC Jeff Phillips responded to a call from the Early County Sheriff's Office in reference to a possible drowning that had occurred on the Chattahoochee River on April 17th. The victim's body was recovered on April 20th, with the assistance of rescue units from Early County and Houston County Alabama.

DOUGHERTY COUNTY On April 24th, Sgt. Rick Sellars, Sgt. Ellis Wynn, Cpl. Scott Carroll, Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey, Cpl. Robbie Griner, Cpl. Mike Binion, RFC Ben Roberts, and Ranger Jack Stripling assisted the GBI with a raid on an active dog-fighting operation in Dougherty County. Thirteen people were taken into custody and charged under felony dog fighting statutes. Two subjects escaped from the scene and warrants have been issued for their arrest. Approximately 32 pit bulldogs were seized at the scene and an additional 58 dogs were seized at other locations. Participating agencies included the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section, Bureau Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Georgia Aviation Authority, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Dougherty Co. P.D., Dougherty Co. S.O., and the Dougherty Co. District Attorney's Office. Prosecution will be pursued by the U.S Attorney's Office and the Dougherty Co. District Attorney's Office.
MITCHELL COUNTY On April 18th, after a twenty-one day surveillance operation, RFC Randy Davis apprehended two subjects hunting turkeys over bait.
BAKER COUNTY On April 23rd, RFC Randy Davis responded to an in progress call of fishing without permission. Upon arriving at the complaint area, RFC Davis located a subject turkey hunting on the complaint property. The subject was given a verbal warning for hunting without permission.
BROOKS COUNTY On April 18th, while conducting a patrol along the Little River, RFC Jon Penuel encountered two subjects discarding their trash by sinking it in the river. Both subjects were charged with littering.
SUMTER COUNTY Sgt. Wade Law responded to shots fired in the Wolf Creek area. It was determined that someone had shot several times and sped off at a high rate of speed in a pickup truck. Several people have been interviewed as witnesses and the investigation is still underway.
On April 22nd, Cpl. Tommy Lawrence responded to a call from the Sumter County Sheriff Office to assist in the search for a burglary suspect that fled on foot into a heavily wooded area. The suspect was apprehended a short time later.
CRISP COUNTY Cpl. John Harkins assisted the Crisp County Power Commission on Lake Blackshear by locating and identifying areas where Buoys and Channel Markers need replacing.

Region VI- Metter (Southeast)

BERRIEN COUNTY On April 24th, Cpl. Morty Wood checked 4 turkey hunters in Rowetown area. No
violations were found.

APPLING

COUNTY

On the 24th, RFC Chase Altman assisted the Appling County EMA divers in body

recovery training at Lake Mayers. For the weekend, RFC Chase Altman conducted high

visibility patrols at local boat landings, issuing verbal guidance for minor infractions of

boating laws.

CLINCH COUNTY On April 18th, RFC Jason Shipes and Sgt. Patrick Dupree were patrolling the Suwannee
River near Fargo, GA. RFC Shipes observed a vessel travel under the Hwy 441 Bridge at
greater than idle speed. Upon speaking with the operator of the vessel, citations for violation of the 100-foot rule and operating a vessel with an unserviceable fire
extinguisher were issued.

ECHOLS COUNTY On April 20th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree encountered three individuals fishing while patrolling
the Alapaha River upstream from Statenville. None of the three possessed a fishing
license and were issued warnings. The boat operator was cited for operating a vessel with
insufficient PFD's (one short) and warned for operating a vessel without registration.

WARE COUNTY On April 24th, Cpl. Gary Simmons conducted an I&E program at Mt. Zion Church
Outdoor Sportsman gathering. Cpl. Simmons operated the fishing simulator and hunter
development laser shot for approximately 200 attendees.

EVANS COUNTY On April 20th, RFC Debbie Brannen checked landings along the Canoochee River and the
Evans County P.F.A. Two violations were noted for operating a vessel without P.F.D.'s
and Fishing without a W.M.A. License on a P.F.A.

SCREVEN COUNTY On Thursday morning April 22nd, Sgt. William Vickers received a call to contact the Screven County Fire Department reference a subject burning debris after tearing down a house. After interviewing the subject and photographing the scene Sgt. Vickers turned the case over to Cpl. Shaymus McNeely. Cpl. McNeely charged the subject with illegal dumping for the burning tires, old furniture, and lumber.

TOOMBS COUNTY On April 23rd, RFC Danielle Partin received a complaint in reference to fishing without permission. The location was off the Ohoppee River in Toombs County. Upon investigation, a four-wheeler with a boat trailer backed up to the private water way was present. Two suspects were identified and a boating safety inspection was conducted. Citations were issued for operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's, fishing without a license, and fishing without permission.
BULLOCH COUNTY On April 18th, Cpl. Dave Sims patrolled the Ogeechee River in the Rocky Ford section down stream to Lanes Bridge and return. Along the patrol route, eight boats and twelve fishing licenses were checked as well as creel limits on all the vessels. Verbal guidance was issued for several minor infractions.
On April 23rd, Cpl. Sims patrolled landings along the Ogeechee River. Seven boats and fourteen fishing licenses were checked. Violations were documented for operating a vessel with unserviceable PFDs (life jackets) and fishing without a license.
On April 23rd, Cpl. Sims acted on information received from a concerned citizen and located a camel and zebra in captivity on a farm in north Bulloch County. The farm owner was licensed to possess the wild animals from 2001-2004 but had since allowed the license to expire. A violation for possession of wild animals without a permit was addressed and the owner was assisted in reapplying for license reinstatement.
On April 25th, Cpl. Dave Sims patrolled local creeks in Bulloch and Candler Counties for fishing activity and violations. Nine persons were checked fishing and three violations for fishing without a license were addressed.
On April 22nd, Sgt. William Vickers received a call to contact the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office concerning a deputy holding two subjects that were burning the insulation off of copper wire. Sgt. Vickers responded to the scene and interviewed the suspects and photographed the scene. They had burned enough wire to yield 271 pounds of copper. Both subjects were arrested and charged with felony illegal dumping (burning wire).
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On April 21st, RFC Brandon Pierce was on regular patrol when he observed black smoke rolling in the distance. Upon arriving at the scene, the investigation of the black smoke became clear. The fire contained several pieces of furniture and a couple of tires. One violation was documented and the laws and regulations of burning household items were discussed. The violation consisted of unlawful burning of egregious litter.

Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
MCINTOSH COUNTY On April 14th, RFC Rebekah Huson, RFC Chris Moore, and Cpl. Ron Harris responded to a call of an SOS in the area of New Teakettle Creek and Crescent River. The officers, along with U.S. Coast Guard personnel, searched the area by boats and by air using the Coast Guard helicopter. After searching the area for a number of hours the rescue personnel were unable to locate any vessel in distress.
On April 15th, Sgt. John Harwell and Cpl. Chris Ridley responded to a call of three shrimp boats that were on fire at the Darien waterfront. Upon the officers arrival they found two vessels fully involved in flames and one that had been capsized due to becoming entangled in the rigging of one of the burning shrimp boats. After battling the blaze for several hours firefighters were able to put the fire out. The case has been turned over to the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Savannah.
On April 17th and 18th, Sgt. John Harwell, Cpl. Chris Ridley, Cpl. Ron Harris, Cpl. Chris Hodge, RFC. Rebekah Huson and RFC. Mark Carson worked the Darien Blessing of the Fleet. Over the two-day event only two warnings were issued to boaters
WAYNE COUNTY On April 12th, RFC Randy Aspinwall was on an off day when he received a call about an overturned boat floating in the Altamaha River. Before he could get there the boat had sunk. There was debris floating in the water that indicated there had been someone fishing. He searched the area for several hours but could not find the boat or anyone pertaining to the boat.
On April 15th, RFC Randy Aspinwall received a call while off duty in reference to an overturned boat coming past Jaycee Landing. He responded to the area and was able to locate the boat. He was also able to determine that this was the same boat from Monday. After towing the boat in he was able to locate the owner. The owner stated that he had turned the boat over on Monday and had swum out. He did not notify anyone of what had happened. There had been a search for three days attempting to locate a body in reference to the overturned boat.
On April 17th, RFC Randy Aspinwall was patrolling the Altamaha River in the area of Jaycee Landing. While he was assisting a vessel that would not start another vessel came directly towards him. He waved at the vessel to get his attention. The vessel turned and came by him at full throttle at less than 30 feet. As Aspinwall started after the boat it stopped. Upon reaching the vessel it was very apparent that the subject was boating under the influence. After a few exercises the subject was arrested for BUI and violation of the 100-foot law. He was transported to the Wayne County Jail.

CAMDEN COUNTY On April 20th and 21st, RFC Craig Smith taught a boating safety class at Crooked River State Park.
On April 23rd, RFC Craig Smith observed trash coming from a vehicle that was being towed on a trailer. Once RFC Smith conducted the traffic stop he found that the driver did not have his driver license on him. RFC Smith then got the driver's information and checked him through the in vehicle computer, determining that the driver had a suspended driver license and also he was wanted by another county for car theft. RFC Smith cited the subject for driving on suspended license and littering. He was then turned over to a Camden County deputy and taken to jail for pickup on the warrant.
On April 24th, Sgt Bob Lynn, Cpl Chris Hodge, and RFC Mark Carson patrolled the Satilla River around the Woodbine waterfront due to the annual Crawfish Festival at the waterfront. Several boats were checked and two people were cited for fishing without a license.
On April 24th, RFC Mark Carson responded to a complaint in progress in reference to a boat waking the floating dock at Browntown landing on the St Marys River. RFC Carson located the operator of the vessel and provided verbal guidance to resolve the complaint
CHATHAM COUNTY On April 24th, Sgt Vincent, RFC Cooper, RFC Moore and Game Management Law Enforcement Technician Hubbard confiscated 9 commercial crab traps in Chatham County. Seven of the traps were taken from the ICW at Isle of Hope for being in the channel and the other two were taken from The Toll 80 Wilmington River area due to illegal gear.
On April 21st, Cpl. Bill Bryson was called by Savannah Chatham Metro Police in reference to a truck that was bogging in the marsh. Upon arrival Cpl. Bryson met with a Savannah Chatham Metro Officer and was taken to an abandoned Chevy pickup out in the marsh. Cpl. Bryson had the truck towed out of the marsh by a local towing company. A citation was issued to the owner after Cpl. Bryson questioned him about the incident for Altering (Damage) to Marsh Grass.
GLYNN COUNTY On April 20th, Sgt. Harwell responded to a complaint regarding a homeowner having a game animal without a permit. Wildlife Tech Wayne Hubbard removed a raccoon that was in a homemade trap at the residence, one citation was issued.
On April 21st, Sgt Bob Lynn checked fishing license along the St Simons Causeway. Numerous fishermen were checked and several violations were detected. All violations were handled with verbal guidance.

On April 22nd, Rangers in Region VII received training on how to properly operate a side scan sonar unit. Several boats in Region VII have been equipped with side scan sonar to assist Rangers with locating evidence in crimes that have been disposed of in the rivers and lakes. The sonar unit also provides assistance with locating bodies of drowning victims. During the exercise, several vehicles were located at the boat ramp.
LONG COUNTY On April 23rd, Sgt Bob Lynn and Cpl Billy Reed participated in the annual Long County High School Career Day. Around 60 students participated in listening to the career opportunities with DNR Law Enforcement.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On April 23, Cpl. Jimmy Finn and RFC Rebekah Huson patrolled Gray's Reef. There was no boating activity at Gray's on this date.
WAYNE COUNTY On April 23rd, Cpl Bobby White was on boating safety patrol along the Altamaha River and made one arrest for boating under the influence near JC landing in Wayne County.