Washington County officials arrest eight people in drug raids

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Georgia – The Washington County Sheriff's Office arrested eight people on drug charges in four separate cases on Friday, according to a news release from Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran.

Other agencies assisted, including the Middle Georgia Gang Task Force, Sandersville Police Department, GBI and Department of Corrections.

Sheriff Cochran says the day began with officers executing a search warrant on Gum Street. According to the report, officers arrested 64-year-old Robert Johnson on three counts of distribution of cocaine.

Four other people were arrested as part of an ongoing unrelated investigation. Howard Swint, Donald Sutton Jr., Anthony Williams and William Hall were charged with cocaine possession, the press release said.

Hall was charged with attempting to evade arrest, Cochran said. Both Hall and Williams were charged with violating their probation. Sutton was also charged with possessing a weapon as a convicted felon.

Cochran says Washington County officials also found a car on a dirt road near the Davisboro jail Friday morning. They found drugs in the vehicle and arrested the driver, David Mangum.

According to the report, the 28-year-old from Claremont was charged with trespassing, meth possession, marijuana possession and trafficking in inmates.

In June, the Sheriff's Office arrested two people in connection with an attempted contraband drop at the Washington State Penitentiary.

Cochran says the arrests ended around noon Friday. According to the report, officers observed a drug deal and arrested Freddie Fleming, 59, and Justin Sutton, 32, both of Sandersville.

According to the report, both men were charged with possession and intent to distribute cocaine. Sutton was also charged with trafficking cocaine and possession of a firearm during the crime.

“We are committed to making sure Washington County is drug-free,” Cochran said. “Our team, along with our partners, works tirelessly to stop the flow and sale of illegal substances in our community. Together, we will continue to fight this threat to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”