Department of Natural Resources 
Law Enforcement Division 
Field Operations 
Weekly Report May 18-24, 2014 
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 Division. 
 
 Region I- Calhoun (Northwest) 
PICKENS COUNTY On May 15th, 16th, and 17th, Cpl. James Keener, Cpl. Casey Jones, RFC Joe Hill, Sgt. John VanLandingham, Game Management Technicians Mitch Yeargin and Ronnie Holcomb, and Biologist Adam Hammonds assisted the Pickens County Sportsmans Club with its annual three day fishing event. The three day event hosts special needs participants, elderly participants from local nursing centers and assisted living homes, and a kids fishing day on the last day. The event planned for the 15th was almost rained out with only a few participants. On the 16th, both the special needs and elderly groups came with approximately 350 guests. On the 17th, there were approximately 350 kids fishing with a total of around 700 guests that included the children, parents, grandparents, and friends. This was the 25th year that DNR and the Pickens County Sportsmans Club had hosted a kids fishing event in the county. All participants had a great time and most were able to catch some trout. 
On May 17th, Cpl. James Keener met with a local Boy Scouts of America Troop prior to the Kids fishing event and talked with them about trout fishing regulations, the work of a conservation ranger, and helpful tips about fishing for their "Fishing Merit Badge." 
 
 FANNIN COUNTY On May 11th, Sgt. John VanLandingham and RFC Joe Hill checked trout fishermen on the delayed harvest section of the Toccoa River. The Rangers checked several fishermen and issued one citation for unlawful bait in artificial stream, two citations for possession of trout on a delayed harvest stream, one warning for unlawful bait in artificial stream, and one warning for fishing for trout with unlawful equipment. 
MURRAY COUNTY On May 17th, RFC Joe Hill checked fishermen on Carters Re Regulatory Lake. Hill issued one citation for nonresident fishing without a license. 
On May 24th, Sgt. John VanLandingham patrolled Cohutta WMA. He issued citations to six subjects for illegal consumption of alcohol on a WMA and littering. 
WHITFIELD COUNTY On May 23rd, Cpl. Casey Jones and RFC Joe Hill patrolled the Conasauga River. They came across a group fishing and two of them attempted to run and hide from the rangers. It was discovered that one of them was in possession of methamphetamine. That person was arrested for Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act. 
FLOYD COUNTY On May 20th, Cpl. Shawn Elmore and RFC Ben Cunningham worked a complaint area in Brushy Branch in reference to complaints about boats violating the 100 foot law. During the patrol, one bass boat was observed violating the 100 foot law and the operator was issued a citation. Two kayaks and one canoe were also checked and neither vessel had the required PFDs. Citations were issued to the operators of the kayaks and canoe. 
On May 24th, Cpl. Shawn Elmore, RFC Ben Cunningham, RFC Roger McConkey, Cpl. Tommy Gentry, and Sgt. Jeff Galloway did a concentrated patrol on the Coosa River for the Memorial Day Weekend. Several citations were issued for operating a vessel without PFDs. 
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast) 
DAWSON COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Mitchell Crump was on patrolled streams, rivers and lakes for fishing violations. RFC Crump issued citations and warnings for fishing without license and non-resident fishing without license. 
FORSYTH COUNTY On May 21st, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mitchell Crump responded to a fox in a trap call. The rangers responded to the area and located a red fox in a small conibear trap. The fox was put down and turned over to the Forsyth County Animal Control. 
 
 LAKE LANIER (DAWSON, FORSYTH, GWINNETT, HALL, & LUMPKIN COUNTIES) On May 21st, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mitchell Crump were launching their patrol boat when they observed two fisherman putting fish into an ice chest. Upon further inspection the two fishermen were in possession of five undersized spotted bass. One of the fishermen also had an expired fishing license. Citations were issued for the infractions. 
On May 23rd, RFC Barry Britt and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Lake Lanier in Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Hall Counties. They issued verbal guidance, written warnings, and citations for numerous boating violations. 
On May 24th, RFC Barry Britt and Gwinnett County Police Dept. Officer Danny Appleby patrolled Lake Lanier in Forsyth County. They issued verbal guidance, written warnings, and citations for numerous boating violations. That night they provided red, green, and white glow lights to boaters who had problems with their navigation lights. They also escorted a boater who had become disoriented after dark back to Six Mile boat ramp. 
On May 24th, Sgt. Lee Brown and Ranger Shane Brown patrolled Lake Lanier. Citations and warning were issued for operating with insufficient PFDs, allowing underage to ride in moving vessel with no PFD, operating vessel with no navigational lights, towing with PWC without an observer, operating vessel without registration displayed, operating without a fire extinguisher, operating without Coast Guard approved PFDs, fishing without a license, and allowing person to ride on gunwale. 
On May 24th, RFC Crump and Chief Pilot Doc Watson patrolled Lake Lanier by helicopter. The Rangers directed Rangers in patrol vessels to boating violations seen from the helicopter. that Violations cited by Rangers in vessels including a Boating Under the Influence, Operating vessel without navigation lights, and Operating vessel with insufficient PFDs. Also one subject was arrest for outstanding warrants from Carroll County. 
On May 24th Cpl. Eddie Tompkins and Ranger Kevin Goss patrolled Lake Lanier for boating violations. The Rangers issued citations and warnings for allowing a person to ride the bow or gunwale, operating vessel with insufficient PFDs, operating a PWC within 100 foot of another object above idle speed, and operating vessel without PFDs. 
On May 22nd, RFC Mark Stephens responded to a possible drowning in Hall County located at Cedar Creek reservoir. At approximately 1425 hours divers entered the water. At approximately 1450 hours divers recovered the body of a young man that was swimming with friends. The individual drowned. The individual was found 28 feet below the surface of the water 
 
 On May 24th, Corporal Jason Roberson and GPD Michael Hollub worked Lake Lanier for boating safety violations. They documented over twenty violations with verbal guidance, warnings, citations, and arrests. Three subjects were placed under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence. They also responded to a boat incident in Shoal Creek that involved a PWC striking the side of a twenty three foot runabout. The PWC put a hole in the vessel approximately three feet long and 18" high. Miraculously, no one was injured. 
On May 24th, Cpl. Eric Sanders and RFC Eric Isom were patrolling Lake Lanier by vessel. Rangers made fifteen vessel stops and documented infractions with verbal warnings, written warning, and citations. One subject was arrested for failure to obey regulatory marker, BUI, and BUI child endangerment. Also another subject was arrested for operating vessel during hours of darkness without light, operating vessel with insufficient personal floatation device (4 pfds short), BUI, and BUI child endangerment. 
LUMPKIN COUNTY On May 21st, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mitchell Crump were patrolling in Lumpkin County when they observed trash coming from a trailer traveling in front of them. The rangers issued written warnings for littering. 
On May 24th, RFC Mitchell Crump was on patrolled Yahoola Reservoir for fishing violations. RFC Crump issued citations and warnings for fishing without a license. 
ROCKDALE COUNTY On May 21st, Sgt. Lee Brown, Cpl. Eric Sanders, and Cpl. Eddie Tompkins responded to a missing person call at Panola Mountain State Park. DeKalb County PD, Rockdale County Sherriffs Office, Rockdale and DeKalb Counties Fire and EMS also assisted in the search. After a few hours of searching Cpl. Eric Sanders and a Rockdale County Sheriffs Deputy were able to locate the missing 26 year old subject uninjured. 
HART COUNTY On May 23rd, RFC Brandon Pierce and RFC Tim Vickery patrolled Hartwell Lake for any boating safety/fishing activity. Numerous fishing licenses and boats were checked for proper safety equipment. A total of six citations and warnings were issued. The violations consisted of fishing without a license, operating a vessel with improper lights, non-resident fishing without a license, operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness, and operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher. 
On May 24th, RFC Brandon Pierce, RFC Tim Vickery, RFC Shane Sartor, Cpl. Craig Fulghum, and Sgt. Stan Elrod completed a HIN inspection on boats with issues on registration. The HIN was completed a Gum Branch Mega Ramp and approximately forty boats were inspected. All registration issues were resolved. 
 
 On May 24th, RFC Brandon Pierce, Sgt. Stan Elrod, and Capt. Thomas Barnard patrolled Hartwell Lake for any holiday weekend boating safety/fishing activity. Numerous fishing licenses and boats were checked for proper safety equipment. A total of four citations and warnings were issued. The violations consisted of allowing underage child to ride in moving vessel without wearing a PFD, failure to obey regulatory marker, operating a vessel with insufficient PFD, and operating a PWC during hours of darkness. 
On May 24th, Corporal Craig Fulghum and RFC Tim Vickery patrolled Lake Hartwell for the Memorial Day weekend holiday. A total of 14 violations were documented throughout the day. The violations consisted of insufficient PFDs, Operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher, Children not wearing PFDs, Failure to obey regulatory marker, and Operating vessel without Registration. 
Region III- Thomson (East Central) 
ELBERT COUNTY On May 24th Capt. Mark Padgett and Cpl. Julian Wilkins patrolled Lake Russell by vessel. During the patrol one vessel operator was cited for operating a vessel without registration. 
LINCOLN COUNTY On May 24th Cpl. Mark Patterson and RFC Tim Butler patrolled Clarks Hill Lake by vessel. During the patrol the Rangers documented violations for operating a vessel without personal flotation devices, operating a PWC without personal flotation device, allowing an underage child to ride in a moving vessel without a personal flotation device, operating a vessel with improper lights, and fishing without a license. 
WASHINGTON COUNTY During Memorial Day weekend, Corporal Micheal Crawley and RFC Jeff Billips worked the Savannah River in Burke and Richmond counties for boating and fishing activity. Several vessels were checked and no violations were found. Corporal Crawley, Corporal Brian Hobbins, and Sgt. Matt Garthright worked Clarks Hill Lake. Several Vessels were checked, and some minor violations were cited. Corporal Crawley and SGT Garthright worked the Oconee River. Several vessels were checked for fishing and boating safety inspections. No violations were cited. 
LAKE OCONEE On Tuesday, May 6, RFC Richard Tanner and US Forest Service officer Zach Nichols encountered several individuals using cast nets to catch game fish. Several individuals were cited for taking game fish by illegal methods and a total of 128 game fish were seized. The fish were given to a nearby 
 
 family. 
 
 Beginning on Wednesday, May 7, Rangers from the Law Enforcement Division assisted Putnam County with searching for evidence in connection with a homicide. Rangers used side scan sonar, sector scan sonar, a remote operated vehicle and perimeter searches in an effort to locate any evidence that would assist. In total, Sgt. John Harwell, Cpl. Lynn Stanford, Cpl. Derrell Worth, Cpl. David Allen, RFC Jim Atchley, RFC Grant Matherly, RFC Niki Spencer and RFC Richard Tanner spent over 200 man hours of time searching. On May 16, Rangers assisted with the recovery of one of the victims after she was located floating in the lake by two fisherman. 
During the course of the Memorial Day weekend, May 23  May 26, Rangers patrolled Lake Oconee for boating violations. Violations included allowing underage child to ride in moving vessel without a PFD, towing skier without an observer, violation of 100 law, insufficient PFDs, failure to obey regulatory marker, boating under the influence, overloaded vessel, operating vessel with no registration, failure to use cutoff switch, operating vessel with insufficient lights, and operating PWC during hours of darkness. Rangers patrolling the lake included Sgt. John Harwell, Cpl. Derrell Worth, Cpl. David Allen, RFC Ricky Boles, RFC Richard Tanner, and RFC Niki Spencer. No boating incidents were reported. 
LINCOLN COUNTY On May 24th, RFC Robert Timmerman and RFC Grant Matherly arrested one subject for improper registration and boating while under the influence of alcohol. The subject was taken to The Lincoln County Law Enforcement center for housing until a bond hearing was set. 
COLUMBIA COUNTY On May 24th, RFC Robert Timmerman and RFC Grant Matherly arrested a juvenile for operation of a vessel at night without lights and operation of a vessel while under the influence. The subject was transported to Columbia County Jail. 
RICHMOND COUNTY On Friday May 23, Cpl. Ben Payne and Rangers participated in a Media Event at the 5th Street Marina in Augusta, Georgia. The event brought together the Georgia Department of Public Safety State Patrol, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies for safe driving and boating over the Memorial Day weekend. Officers performed several interviews and took media on boat patrols. The day was a success with many TV and newspaper articles presented over the holiday weekend. 
On Saturday, May 24, Cpl. Ben Payne and Sgt. Max Boswell worked the Savannah River by boat. They worked complaints and checked boats for violations throughout the day. Several citations and warnings were issued. In the morning Cpl. Payne responded to Georgia Regents Hospital ER to investigate a hunting incident that happened on Tuckahoe WMA. A hunter had fallen on an arrow, which lodged in his leg. After investigating and getting witness statements the information was given to Cpl. Wilcox in Jenkins County for report completion. 
 
 Region IV- Macon (West Central) 
Region V- Albany (Southwest) 
LAKE BLACKSHEAR Officers patrolling Lake Blackshear and portions of the Flint River issued 36 boating related citations and warnings and had 1 boating under the influence arrest. 
LAKE WORTH Officers patrolling Lake Worth and portions of the Flint River issued 10 boating related citations and warnings and had 2 boating under the influence and 4 child endangerment arrests. 
LAKE SEMINOLE Officers patrolling Lake Seminole and portions of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers issued 11 boating related citations and warnings and provided 1 citizen assist. 
LAKE GEORGE Officers patrolling Lake George and the Chattahoochee River issued 11 boating related citations and warnings, provided 1 citizens assist and turned a driving under the influence charge over to Georgia State Patrol. 
Region VI- Metter (Southeast) 
WILCOX COUNTY On May 24th, Cpl. John A. Stokes and RFC Rodney Horne patrolled the Ocmulgee River in Wilcox County for boating violations. Three cases for operating a vessel without C.G.A. approved PFDs and one violation for operating a vessel without registration were documented. 
DODGE COUNTY On May 22nd, Cpl. Dan Stiles and RFC Allen Mills responded to a 911 call in reference to a stranded boater at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area. The officers arrived on scene and questioned other boaters about the stranded vessel. During this time the victim was towed back to the boat ramp by a ,,Good Samaritan. The Vessel operator thanked us for the response and for the help of others. 
On May 24th, Cpl. Dan Stiles and RFC Allen Mills conducted a vessel patrol at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area. Boating safety inspections were conducted on thirteen vessels and twenty four anglers were checked for license and regulation compliance. Verbal guidance was given for minor violations. 
 
 On May 24th, Cpl. Dan Stiles and RFC Allen Mills conducted a vessel patrol on the Ocmulgee River for boating and fishing violations. Twenty-two vessels were checked for boating safety compliance and forty-six anglers were checked for license and regulation compliance. Two citations were issued for fishing without a license; other citations included operating a vessel with insufficient C.G.A. PFD, operating a vessel without C.G.A. PFD, and operating a vessel without registration. Written and verbal warnings were given for other violations. 
TELFAIR COUNTY On May 18th, Cpl. Stiles responded to a complaint of persons digging for artifacts on private property. Cpl. Stiles investigated the complaint and located three subjects responsible for the activity. One subject had been arrested for the same violations by Cpl. Stiles and other LED officers on two previous occasions at other locations. The subject was arrested again. All three subjects were charged with Excavating/Altering/Entering Site (archeological) without written permission. 
LAURENS COUNTY On May 20th, Cpl. Dan Stiles assisted by RFC Allen Mills conducted a wildlife program at the Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Dublin for "Kids Night". The officers showed examples of wildlife native to GA and presented a live juvenile alligator to the 42 participants. The officers also answered questions from the public relating to wildlife and rules and regulations. 
APPLING COUNTY Over the Memorial Day Weekend, Cpl. Altman patrolled the Altamaha River along with RFC Clint Jarriel, RFC Debbie Brannen, and Ranger Patrick Gibbs. Numerous violations were documented with warnings and citations. The violations include: operating a PWC above idle speed within 100 feet of a person in the water, operating a vessel above idle speed within 100 feet of an object in the water, operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher, Allowing an underage child to ride in a moving vessel w/o a CGA PFD, and operating a vessel with an expired registration. 
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On May 26th, SGT Jon Barnard and Ranger Patrick Gibbs conducted a boating safety vessel patrol from Towns Bluff Landing to Hinsons landing on the Ocmulgee river. Their efforts resulted in checking 8 vessels and detecting 4 violations including: fishing without a license and operating a vessel 100 of an object above idle speed. One citation was issued for allowing an underage child to ride in a moving vessel w/o wearing a CGA PFD. 
TOOMBS COUNTY Cpl. Altman, along with Ranger Patrick Gibbs, RFC Brannen, and RFC Jarriel patrolled the Altamaha River for boating safety violations. Numerous violations were documented which included: operating a vessel above idle speed within 100 feet of an object in the water, and fishing w/o a license. 
 
 On May 25th, CPL Chase Altman, and Ranger Patrick Gibbs conducted a boating safety vessel patrol from Deens Landing to Towns Bluff Landing on the Altamaha River. The rangers checked 17 vessels and detected 11 violations including: operating a vessel under the influence, operating a vessel without CGA PFDs, operating a vessel 100 of an object above idle speed, and fishing without a license. 
TATTNALL COUNTY On May 24th, RFC Clint Jarriel and CPL Chase Altman patrolled the Altamaha River for boating and fishing violations. Issues were addressed verbally and two citations written for fishing w/o a license and no boat registration. 
On May 25th, RFC Clint Jarriel and SGT Jon Barnard patrolled the Altamaha River near Carters Bight and Big Hammock WMA. A verbal warning was given for registration and a citation was written for operating w/o life jackets. 
EVANS COUNTY On May 24th, RFC Debbie Brannen and Sgt. Jon Barnard patrolled the Canoochee River. Violations for operating vessels with improper PFDs and operating vessels with expired registration were addressed. 
TATTNALL COUNTY On May 24th, RFC Debbie Brannen and Sgt. Jon Barnard patrolled the Ohoopee River resulting in violations documented for fishing without licenses, operating vessels without registrations and operating vessels without PFDs. 
ECHOLS COUNTY On May 20th, Ranger Daniel North returned to a previous location where litter had been dumped to see if it had been cleaned up by the person responsible. However, it was found that the trash had been mostly picked up, moved to the other side of the road and then thrown further off into the thick undergrowth of the woods. Another violation of unlawful dumping of egregious litter was documented on the same individual. 
CHARLTON COUNTY On May 24th, 2014 Ranger Sam Williams and Ranger Daniel North were conducting a boating safety vessel patrol of the Satilla River at Burnt Fort when one vessel was discovered being operated with insufficient personal flotation devices. A closer observance of the operator revealed that he was operating the vessel under the influence. The operator was administered field sobriety and arrested for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol. Several other boats were checked throughout the day resulting in several violations of operating vessels without personal floatation devices, allowing passengers to ride on the bow of the boat, improper registration, and fishing without licenses. 
On May 18th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree and Ranger Sam Williams checked for boating and fishing activity on the Suwannee River at the Fargo Boat Landing and Suwannee River Sill. Numerous boats and fishing licenses were checked. One person fishing was issued a citation for fishing without a license. 
 
 On May 23rd, Ranger Sam Williams and Ranger Daniel North were conducting a nighttime vessel patrol on the St. Marys River. While on the water, Ranger Williams received a call from the Charlton County Sheriffs Department about a boat riding up and down the river discharging a firearm as it passed by houses along the river near Scotts Landing. RGR Williams notified Cpl. Jason Shipes of the call. Cpl. Shipes and Sgt. Patrick Dupree responded to assist in trying to locate the vessel. Ranger Williams also requested the assistance of Charlton County Deputies to patrol area boat ramps in an effort to locate the boat. The officers searched for the boat for two hours, but were unable to locate it. LOWNDES COUNTY On May 18th, Ranger Daniel North rendered assistance to the occupants of a vehicle in the ditch near Perimeter Road that appeared to have been involved in accident. Upon further investigation it was found that a dispute had erupted between the driver and the passenger and the vehicle was driven off the road. Valdosta Police Department was contacted and a violation of reckless driving was documented. PIERCE COUNTY On May 23rd, Cpl. Jason Shipes and RFC Mark Pool were checking for boating and fishing activity in the area of Hwy 121 Bridge on the Satilla River. While checking license requirements and creel limits they encountered two young anglers. The young fishermen were glad to show off a couple of red breast already in the cooler. 
Successful young fishermen on the Satilla River in Pierce County. 
WARE COUNTY On May 18th, RFC Mark Pool and Ranger Daniel North patrolled 20 miles of the Satilla River. While on patrol, RFC Mark Pool and Ranger Daniel North checked 11 boats and 11 fishing license. The officers issued three citations for allowing an underage child to 
 
 ride in a moving vessel without a PFD and one citation for fishing without a license. Six written warnings and verbal guidance were issued for minor violations. 
On May 24th, Cpl. Jason Shipes and RFC Mark Pool patrolled the Satilla River in the area of Jamestown Landing checking for boating and fishing activity. During their patrol they checked for boating safety equipment, creel limits, and navigation lights. Officers documented several violations for non-residents fishing without license, insufficient PFDs, and operating vessel without lights during hours of darkness. 
On May 24th, Cpl. Jason Shipes, RFC Mark Pool and Sgt. Patrick Dupree patrolled boating activity on Laura S. Walker State Park. They observed a PWC towing too many skiers. A warning was issued to the operator for the violation. 
LANIER COUNTY On May 24th, RFC Tim Hutto and RFC Keith McDonald patrolled the Alapaha River from several warnings and citations for operating a vessel without registration and operating a vessel without life jackets. One subject was also arrested for boating under the influence (BUI) and BUI child endangerment. 
BERRIEN COUNTY On May 21st, RFC Tim Hutto concluded an unlawful dumping complaint outside of Nashville. One subject was charged with unlawful dumping of waste after he dumped a truckload of household trash in the county road ditch at the intersection of Old Milltown Road and Country Road. 
COOK COUNTY On May 22nd, at approximately 10:00P.M., Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey was travelling on the Lenox-Alapaha Road when he came up behind a vehicle travelling very slowly(about 20 MPH) on the highway. As Cpl. Daughtrey followed the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle continuously drove the vehicle across the white line on the highway. Cpl. Daughtrey made traffic stop on the vehicle as it came into the Lenox area. The driver of the vehicle was found to be very intoxicated. State Trooper 730 soon arrived on the scene. The driver was arrested for: DUI, Driving w/o a License and Failure to maintain lane. 
On May 24th, Cpl. Daughtrey, while on a vessel patrol of the Little River/Reed Bingham State Park area, stopped several vessels with violations. Violations documented were: Operating a vessel without PFDS, towing a skier w/o a mirror/observer, violation of the 100 foot law, allowing an underage child to ride in a moving vessel w/o wearing a PFD and allowing a person to ride gunwale (hanging over the front of the boat). 
On May 24th, Cpl. Daughtrey while on vessel patrol on the Little River at the Barney Bridge area stopped several vessels with violations. Violations documented were: Operating a vessel with insufficient PFDS and Fishing w/o a license. 
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)