Field operations weekly report, 2010 May 16-22

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report May 16-22, 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)
BARTOW COUNTY On May 9th, RFC Byron Young was working an ongoing complaint in Adairsville of people fishing on private property without permission off Highway 140. While patrolling the private lake, he encountered two young men, which turned out to be juveniles. He verbally warned the two that they had to have permission to fish on private property.
On May 10th, RFC Byron Young presented a program at the Euharlee Elementary School for their "career day". RFC Young met with 180 children and taught them about water safety and life jacket use. RFC Young also donated some life jackets to the school for ongoing water safety education.
On May 14th, RFC Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix were patrolling Lake Allatoona when a stranded boater in the Allatoona Pass area flagged them down. The boaters had mechanical problems and had a two-year-old child on board. Due to the busy boating traffic and child on board, RFC Young and RFC Hendrix towed the boat back to Allatoona Landing where the boaters were able to get further help.
On May 20th, RFC Byron Young received a call at 10:30pm from the State Operations Center stating that a bass fisherman had reported a boat, without occupants, floating in the middle of Lake Allatoona in front of the Atlanta Yacht Club. RFC Young responded to the area by boat and notified Sgt. Mike Barr of the situation. RFC Young found the unoccupied vessel floating without lights in the lake. He relayed the Georgia boat registration to Sgt. Barr who located the information of the registered owner. Sgt. Barr was then able to locate a phone number in South Georgia for the registered owner. He called the phone and was told the boat's owner was staying at the Red Top Mountain State Park. Sgt. Barr had the park go to the room of the owner and learned that he had been fishing earlier but thought he had properly tied the vessel to the Red Top boat dock. RFC Young returned the vessel and properly secured it in a boat slip. The owner of the boat called Sgt. Barr the following day thanking the rangers for retrieving his boat and possibly avoiding a serious boat collision incident.
On May 22nd, Cpl. Chip Cox, RFC Brooks Varnell and his K-9 "Rock" were patrolling Lake Allatoona after dark near the Blockhouse Boat Ramp. They witnessed a ski boat come through the no wake zone without proper navigational lights. The Rangers stopped the boat, which had 9 people aboard. Cpl. Cox checked the number of life jackets and found that the boat had 3 too few. Cpl. Cox also noticed the operator was showing signs of alcohol impairment. While checking further, Cpl. Cox determined that the operator was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and charged with "Boating Under the Influence". All other people were taken to shore and a safe driver was found for their return home.

On May 22nd, RFC Bart Hendrix and RFC Byron Young were patrolling Lake Allatoona in the area of the Blockhouse Boat Ramp. They witnessed a ski-boat coming through the no-wake zone with a young operator who would leave the operator's position and allow the boat to drift into oncoming traffic. The 18-year-old operator was checked and found to be intoxicated and drinking beer. The Rangers found that all people on the boat were underage, had just graduated from high school, and were also intoxicated. Thirteen empty beer cans were located in the boat and another fifteen cans were ready to consume. The Rangers arrested the operator for BUI and found a safe driver to get all other parties home.
COBB COUNTY On May 13th, Sgt. Mike Barr, RFC Brooks Varnell, and his K-9 "Rock" presented a DNR recruitment program to the graduating criminal justice class at Kennesaw State University. The program included a thorough description of the duties of a Conservation Ranger, the history, equipment, and personnel at DNR, and a demonstration of the K-9 program and how K-9s are utilized at DNR Law Enforcement. The students were very interested in the program as they were in the final stages of deciding what agency to apply as future law enforcement professionals.
FANNIN COUNTY On May 11th, RFC Cody Jones responded to an in progress illegal burning complaint in Fannin County. Upon arrival RFC Jones observed 7 brush piles burning with the remains of semi tires in the fire. The subject admitted to putting a couple tires in each brush pile. The subject was charged with illegal burning.
On May 14th, RFC Eddie Tompkins attended career day at Fannin County Middle School. During the day's festivities Officer Tompkins spoke with all the students at the middle school about a career as a Conservation Ranger.
FLOYD COUNTY On May 23rd, RFC James Psillis and Chad Cox patrolled the Chattahoochee River from McGinnis Ferry down to Jones Bridge. The rangers conducted over 30 vessel and fishing license checks. Two individuals were cited for using unlawful bait in an artificial area only.
While in route to assist National Park Service Rangers at a different location on the river, RFC James Psillis and Chad Cox received a call from National Park Service dispatch about an individual who ran from a National Park Service Ranger upon approaching them for smoking marijuana. RFC James Psillis and Chad Cox along with Sandy Springs Police Department headed for the direction that the individual was last seen running to. Upon arriving at Palisades East, a National Park Service Ranger had caught up with and apprehended the fleeing subject. The fleeing subject was arrested and then transported by Sandy Springs Police Department.

On May 24th, RFC James Psillis met a landowner about people fishing without permission on his property. While on the property RFC Psillis noticed two individuals fishing on the opposite side of the lake. Upon questioning the two individuals it was determined that they did not have permission to be fishing on this lake. The two individuals were then cited with fishing without permission.
HARALSON COUNTY On May 12th, Sgt. Danny Crook and RFC Chad Cox completed seven HIN Request in Haralson County as part of the boat registration process.
MURRAY COUNTY On May 22nd, Cpl. James Keener and RFC Eddie Tompkins were traveling on Carters Dam Road when a vehicle approached them from behind at a high rate of speed. The car began to follow to close and was driving in the opposite lane of travel. The officers initiated a traffic stop and found the driver to be under the influence of drugs and in possession of marijuana. The driver was charged with DUI, driving while license are suspended, possession of marijuana, possession of drug related objects, following to close, and failure to maintain lane
PICKENS COUNTY On May 14th, RFC Cody Jones, RFC Eddie Tompkins, and Cpl. James Keener assisted the Governor's Office of Highway Safety and the Georgia State Patrol with checkpoints in Gilmer and Pickens Counties. During the check point's officer arrested 8 subjects for DUI, 10 subjects for drug violations, and 4 for other offenses. A total of 60 citations were issued during the checkpoints.
POLK COUNTY On May 11th, RFC Chad Cox received a call from a complainant stating that he had located a car parked on some property he looked after. RFC Cox and Technician Lee Burns responded to the scene and located a small car parked in the edge of a field. RFC Cox started walking and looking for the possible trespasser. Tech. Burns radioed RFC Cox to let him know two subjects had retuned to the car. The female had warrants on her and was turned over to a Polk Co. Officer and the male was told not to come back.
On May 14th, RFC Brooks Varnell and his K-9 "Rock" were contacted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office to assist with tracking a female who had fled from a suspected methamphetamine house on Walnut Street. Upon arrival, "Rock" immediately hit on her scent and tracked the woman through thick woods and found her hidden under a bush. The woman was also found with a silver plated .32 handgun, methamphetamine, and stolen property on her person. She was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's Office without further incident. The Polk County S.O. was very appreciative of the assistance by DNR Ranger RFC Brooks Varnell and "Rock" with what could have been a very dangerous situation.

WHITFIELD COUNTY On May 12th, RFC Eddie Tompkins and Sgt. VanLandingham were checking fishing license on the Conasauga River where they discovered a female subject in possession of marijuana and several prescription pills that were not prescribed to her or in the original container. The subject was charged with Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of Schedule IV narcotic, possession of Schedule III narcotic, and possession of marijuana less than one ounce, and possession of prescription pill not in the original container.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
BARROW COUNTY On May 18th, RFC Tim Vickery and RFC Eric Isom finished instructing a Georgia Boating and Safety Class at Barrow County High School. All of the participants passed the Georgia Boating and Safety Class and were certified through the State.
FORSYTH COUNTY On May 11th-15th, rangers from Sgt. Lee Brown and Sgt. Mike Burgamy's work units continued to look for a subject that drowned on May 2nd in Lake Lanier.
On May 11th, Sgt. Lee Brown was patrolling Lake Lanier when he checked two fishermen fishing from a paddleboat. One of the subjects didn't have a fishing license and Sgt. Brown smelled the odor of marijuana. One subject was charged with fishing without a license and the other for possession of marijuana.
On May 15th, Cpl. Jason Roberson responded to a boating accident on Lake Lanier at the Bald Ridge Marina gas dock. While investigating the accident one of the subjects involved was for boating under the influence.
HALL COUNTY On May 13th, Cpl. Jason Roberson responded to a boating accident on Lake Lanier out from Harbor Point Marina where a boat had hit a dock. During the investigation of this accident one of the subjects was arrested for boating under the influence.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
ELBERT COUNTY During the week of May 16th-23rd, Rfc. Nick Jenkins and Cpl. Julian Wilkins completed an investigation into a boating accident that resulted in a fatality and numerous injuries to another boater.

OGLETHORPE COUNTY
On Wednesday May 19th, RFC Phillip Nelson conducted a boating and water safety presentation to the Oglethorpe County Primary School.
WALTON COUNTY On Saturday May 22nd, the Walton County ranger Rfc. Niki Spencer assisted the Columbia County rangers with security at the B.A.S.S. tournament on Clarks Hill Lake.
OCONEE COUNTY On Saturday May 22nd, RFC Nick Jenkins and Cpl. Greg Colson provided an information and educational program for the Bethel Methodist Church in Watkinsville.
On Monday May 17th, RFC Nick Jenkins along with the Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia State Aviation Unit assisted Oconee County S.O. in the search for an escaped prisoner.
LINCOLN COUNTY On May 22nd, Cpl Ryan Swain conducted a boater's safety course at Elijah Clark State Park.
On May 22nd, Cpl Ryan Swain cited a subject for fleeing from him in a vessel in Soap Creek during an attempt to perform a vessel inspection.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On May 23rd, Cpl Ryan Swain, Rfc Brian Adams, and Rfc Robert Timmerman assisted Bassmasters with their Georgia Championship Tour at Wildwood Park. A boating detail was set up to help with boating traffic during weigh in periods.
On May 23rd, Rfc Robert Timmerman arrested a subject for fishing without permission in a private pond in Evans.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
CRISP COUNTY While patrolling Lake Blackshear, Cpl Tommy Lawrence and RFC Clint Martin received a call of a stranded boater on the lake with a 2 year-old child on board. The officers located the family, and then transported them and their boat to safety. Sumter County
Cpl Tommy Lawrence presented the Georgia Hunter Education review and test to the Agriculture students of Americus/Sumter County High School. 14 students received certification.

On May 20th, Corporal Tommy Lawrence presented boating safety programs at Lake Blackshear to the special education students of Lee County High School.
While patrolling Lake Blackshear, RFC Clint Martin, Cpl Tommy Lawrence and Sgt Wade Law received a call of a capsized vessel with 4 people in the water. At the scene, the officers found that another boater had picked up the four occupants and all were safe. The Rangers then towed the boat back to the closest ramp where it was turned right side up and loaded onto the trailer.
MACON COUNTY On May 12th, Corporal John Harkins was investigating a complaint concerning fishing without permission in a private pond. He checked the pond and found two people fishing without permission. Citations were issued to both people.
LEE COUNTY On May 21st, Rangers Randy Davis and Ben Roberts participated in a career day program at the Lee County middle School. The officers discussed job requirements, duties and responsibilities of a State Conservation Ranger.
BROOKS COUNTY On May 22nd, RFC Jon Penuel patrolled areas along the Little River for boating and fishing activity. While on patrol RFC Penuel encountered a vessel that was being operated with no personal flotation devices on board. The operator of the vessel was charged with operating a vessel without Coast Guard approved PFD's.
BAKER COUNTY On May 22nd, RFC Randy Davis conducted a boating safety patrol on the Flint River. One subject was written a warning for allowing an underage child to ride in moving vessel without wearing a PFD.
SEMINOLE COUNTY On May 19th, RFC Jeff Phillips responded to a complaint from Seminole Co. Sheriff's Office in reference to someone shooting an alligator. RFC Phillips found blood and shell casings at the scene of the complaint along with the alligator, which had been hidden in the woods. Two subjects were later arrested and charged with hunting alligators out of season, hunting from a public road, and possession of a firearm by convicted felons.
EARLY COUNTY On May 16th, 2010 RFC Bob Holley and Jim Atchley were patrolling boat ramps along the Chattahoochee River in Early County. While at the Columbia Lock and Dam boat ramp they observed a vessel being operated in a reckless manner adjacent to the ramp. Upon stopping and checking the operator it was determined that he was under the influence of alcohol. After failing several field sobriety exercises the subject was arrested for Reckless Operation of a Vessel and Boating Under the Influence of Alcohol.

CLAY COUNTY On May 22nd, RFC Jim Atchley was conducting a night boat patrol on Lake Walter F. George when he observed a vessel operating without lights violate a no wake zone. Atchley stopped the vessel and noticed the operator showed signs of impairment. After failing field sobriety exercises the vessel operator was arrested for boating under the influence of alcohol, operating a vessel at night without lights and failure to obey regulatory markers.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
PIERCE COUNTY On May 21st, Cpl. Damon Winters assisted the Pierce County Sheriff's Office with a high-risk search warrant. A wanted individual was allegedly selling cocaine from a residence south of Blackshear. The warrant was executed and a significant amount of suspected cocaine was seized. The subject was not at the residence.
ECHOLS COUNTY On May 22nd, Sgt. Patrick Dupree & RFC Jason Shipes were patrolling public access sites along the Alapahaoochee River for boating & fishing activity. Two individuals were observed fishing and neither could produce a valid license. Both were issued citations.
On May 22nd, Sgt. Patrick Dupree received a complaint about an alligator in a small pond in a Statenville resident's yard. Sgt. Dupree & RFC Jason Shipes attempted to capture the 3 ft. gator with a rod & reel, but the gator would not cooperate. A walk-in cage trap was baited with old bacon & chicken and set in the edge of the water. The landowner called a few hours later and advised the gator was in the trap. Sgt. Dupree relocated the gator to a secluded cypress swamp.
BULLOCH COUNTY On May 21st, Sgt. William Vickers stopped at a local boat landing on the Ogeechee River to check fishing licenses. A boat returned to the landing occupied by two men and one of them did not have a license or any form of identification. Sgt. Vickers checked the subject's identity through the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office. He learned that the subject was wanted in Chatham County authorities on a probation warrant. The subject was arrested and turned over to the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office.
On May 23rd, Sgt. William Vickers and RFC Debbie Brannen patrolled various boat landings along the Ogeechee River. They issued seven citations for various boating and fishing violations.
On May 21st, Sgt. William Vickers came upon the scene of a vehicle accident near Statesboro. He assisted the motorist by checking for injuries and helped with traffic control until the arrival of GSP.

On Saturday May 22nd, Cpl. Eddie Akins patrolled on the Ogeechee River in the area of below Shearhouse Landing to Dashers Landing. Cpl. Akins checked 30 boats and 32 fishing license. A total of 6 violations were documented throughout the day. The violations were as follows: two violations for fishing without a license, three violations for operating a vessel without registration and one violation for operating a vessel without personal flotation devices.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On May 22nd Cpl. Dave Sims and Sgt. William Vickers patrolled the Savannah River by boat from Tuckasseeking Landing to Blue Springs landing in Screven County. During the patrol the Rangers checked 14 boats and 30 fishing licenses. Two violations for fishing without a license were documented as well as several minor boating violations, which were addressed with verbal guidance.
EVANS COUNTY On May 20th, RFC Debbie Brannen patrolled the Canoochee River. Violations for fishing without license and operating a vessel without lifejackets were documented.
SCREVEN COUNTY On May 16th, Cpl Shaymus McNeely patrolled the Savannah River from Cohen's bluff to Coursey landing numerous boats and fisherman were checked citations were issued for fishing without a license, operating a vessel without lifejackets, and operating a vessel with insufficient lifejackets.
On May 21st, Cpl. Shaymus McNeely and Cpl David Sims assisted the Screven County Sheriffs dept. with the arrest of 47 subjects on felony warrants for the sale of crack cocaine and marijuana during "Operation Crack Down."
TOOMBS COUNTY On May 20th, Cpl. Jon Barnard patrolled fishing areas on Rocky, Swift and Tiger creeks checking seven fishermen and detecting four violations for fishing without a license.
On May 21st, Cpl. Jon Barnard and intern Zachary Green patrolled the Altamaha River from Gator Lake to Bullard Creek, inspecting 10 boats and 19 fishing license, issuing one citation for fishing without a license.
On May 22nd, Sgt Don Dasher, Cpl. Jon Barnard and RFC Danielle Partin conducted a boating safety patrol on the Altamaha River from Cobb Creek to Grey's Landing. The rangers inspected 20 boats and 35 fishing license, issuing 7 cases and 6 warnings along with verbal guidance for various boating safety and fishing violations.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY On May 23rd, RFC Danielle Partin and RFC Chase Altman conducted a boating safety patrol on the Altamaha and Oconee Rivers. Ten boats and four fishing licenses were inspected. Two cases and three warnings along with verbal guidance for various boating safety violations were issued.

Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On May 22nd, Cpl Jay Morgan and Sgt. James Shelton patrolled the Ogeechee River from the Meldrim trestle to below Morgan's Bridge. Twenty-five boats were checked with one boater being cited for not having a boat registration. Two persons were cited for possession of open containers of alcohol at a DNR ramp at Morgan's Bridge.
CAMDEN COUNTY On May 20th, while working a complaint in St. Mary's, Cpl Jesse Cook encountered another vessel that had come in from offshore. Upon checking the vessel, Cpl Cook located three Red Snapper in the fish hold on the boat. Red Snapper is closed at this time in Federal waters. Cpl. Cook made contact with Special Agents from the National Marine Fisheries Service and coordinated the prosecution of individuals for possession of species during mandatory closure.
On May 20th, RFC Craig Smith was conducting vessel inspections at Meeting Street boat ramp reference subjects bringing in illegally taken Red Snapper. Upon inspection of one vessel he found 4 one-gallon bags of filleted Red Snapper that the subjects had caught and were trying to hide. The case is still ongoing pending involvement from federal agents with National Marine Fisheries Service.
On May 21st, RFC Craig Smith was traveling on Hwy 17 to the Little Satilla boat ramp when he noticed a vehicle traveling towards him in the same lane. He was able to get off the roadway as the vehicle passed and continued in that lane running several more vehicles off the road. RFC Smith then turned around and stopped the vehicle. The driver was intoxicated and very upset. RFC Smith then called a rescue squad and deputies to his location. The suspect was placed in the squad and turned over to Camden County
GLYNN COUNTY On May 14th, Cpl. Jesse Cook and Cpl. Ron Harris responded to a boat sinking in St. Simons Sound. Upon arrival Cpl's Cook and Harris ensured that all persons on board were safe and assessed the situation. Shortly after the Rangers arrival the U.S. Coast Guard arrived and rigged the vessel for towing. Cpl's Cook and Harris transported one of the occupants to the boat landing to have the trailer ready when the sinking boat arrived.
On May 19th, Cpl. Jesse Cook, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, taught the Georgia Boat Education Course to 9 students over a two-day period. Topics included: Knowing your boat, before you get underway, operating your boat safely, legal requirements for boating, boating emergencies and enjoying other water sports. All 9 students successfully passed the course and received their Boat Ed Certificates.

On May 22nd, Cpl. Cook coordinated weekend activities for the kickoff of National Safe Boating week. The day was started with a Joint Operation with the U.S. Coast Guard for a courtesy boat inspection at Jekyll Island Public landing. This is an effort to locate infractions before they are caught on the water. This not only could save lives, but also save boaters money.
On May 22nd, Cpl Cook also coordinated several other demonstrations at the Jekyll Island Safety Day that was held in conjunction with the Georgia State Patrol. Other activities that were coordinated by Cpl Cook were the vehicle roll over simulator that is presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, a static display by the U.S. Coast Guard, and a live broadcast of the event by radio stations 104.1 and 105.9. The event was a tremendous success. Twenty boats were inspected for compliance and the safety day event attendance was over 240 people.
LIBERTY COUNTY On May 16th, Cpls Phillip Scott and Jay Morgan patrolled the Medway River/Cedar Creek area, checking boaters. One person was cited for not having a current boat registration.
On May 21st, Cpl Jay Morgan conducted a search & rescue training exercise for the Region 7 Critical Action Team #2 (CAT) at Dorchester Quail Preserve involving the use of the RINO radio/GPS unit. CAT members involved were RFC M. Carson, RFC R. Tinley, RFC C. Moore, Cpl J. Finn, Cpl B. White, Cpl B. Reed, and Wildlife Tech J. Thain.
LONG COUNTY On May 19th, Sgt Bob Lynn investigated a complaint about a cable blocking access to lakes around the Tattnall/Long County line on the Altamaha River. The complaint was turned over to the timber company that owns the land. Sgt Lynn provided the opportunity for the lessees of the land to fill out a landowner affidavit so rangers could patrol the property and make cases against violators.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On May 20th, Sgt Bob Lynn, RFC Mark Carson, and RFC Randy Aspinwall patrolled Gray's Reef for violations. No Violations were detected.
On May 20th, Sgt Bob Lynn responded to a complaint from a landowner along the Sapelo River in reference to a possible diesel spill. The landowner stated that there was an oily substance that had a strong diesel aroma floating on top of the water around his dock. Once Sgt Lynn arrived, the complaint area did have a small amount of oily substance floating on the water. Sgt Lynn went to two shrimp boat docks that were in the area to attempt to locate the source of the spill. After interviewing several people at the two docks, Sgt Lynn was unable to determine the source of the spill.

On May 22nd, Sgt Bob Lynn and Cpl Jimmy Finn patrolled the salt waters of McIntosh County for violations. Several boats were checked with no violations were detected.
WAYNE COUNTY On May 19th, Captain Stephen Adams, Sgt Doug Lewis, Sgt Bob Lynn, and RFC Randy Aspinwall attended a meeting of the Altamaha River Association at Jaycee Landing. The meeting provided historical facts about the Altamaha River and provided an opportunity for all county and state governments to discuss concerns. The meeting consisted of counties that the Altamaha River flows through.