7 drug distribution, trafficking arrests in Hall, White counties

Seven people in Hall and White counties were arrested on drug distribution and trafficking charges during a recent multi-agency investigation, according to the GBI. Some of them also face weapons and other charges.

The GBI identified the suspects as Dwayne Beck, 41, of Cleveland; Ashley Ingram, 32, of Gainesville; Christopher Lee Frazier, 36, of Cleveland; Siarrah Ferrar, 31, of Gainesville; Mashelia Martin, 54, of Cleveland; Preston Lee Esco, 36, Cleveland; and Michael Anthony Jones, 36, Cleveland.

GBI NEWS RELEASE:

“On March 22, 2024, Beck was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, and Driving Under the Influence. Ingram was charged with charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance.  

On March 27, 2024, Frazier was arrested for Violation of Probation and was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Ferrar was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Martin was charged with Simple Battery. Esco was arrested for Violation of Probation. Jones was arrested for Failure to Appear. 

Between the dates of March 22, 2024, and March 27, 2024, the GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, with assistance from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, White County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol, executed several arrest warrants and search warrants in Hall County and White County. The GBI received information that Beck had active arrest warrants and was trafficking Methamphetamine. After further investigation, on March 22, 2024, law enforcement located Beck in White County and after a short car chase, arrested him for his warrants. After his arrest, investigators found that Beck possessed suspected methamphetamine and a firearm.    

As the investigation continued, search warrants were executed at a home in Gainesville and a home in Cleveland. Ingram was arrested at the home in Gainesville.  

On March 27, 2024, Frazier, Ferrar, and Martin, were arrested at the home in Cleveland.   

Esco and Jones were also later arrested at a home in Cleveland.”