GBI Releases New Info on Gang Member Round Up

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has released more information on the recent gang member arrests in Hart and Franklin Counties.

GBI Spokeswoman Natalie Ammons said the arrests were part of “Operation Straight to the Hart,” a months-long drug, gang, and violent crime investigation that led to numerous arrests during the execution of six search warrants that were simultaneously executed in Hart and Franklin Counties.

Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy), and 25 firearms.

The following individuals were arrested on Thursday, October 27, 2022:

Jaquavious Waller, 21, of Hartwell, GA charged with Gang Act (2 counts) and Conspiracy to Commit Murder
Len’darrius Keese, 20, of Lavonia, GA, charged with Gang Act and Conspiracy to Commit Murder
Ayana Curry, 23, of Hartwell, GA charged with Gang Act
Deandre Watford, 26, of Hartwell, GA charged with Gang Act
Trenton Shoemaker, 20, of Hartwell, GA charged with Gang Act
Quentin Devon Simpson, 29, of Hartwell, GA charged with Gang Act
Kenothy Brown, 22, of Lavonia, GA charged with Gang Act
Tyrickus Miller, 25, of Anderson, SC charged with Gang Act
Larjarvis Rucker, 21, of Hartwell, GA charged with Gang Act
Laterrell Alexander, 33, of Hartwell, GA charged with Gang Act
Jarvis Settles, 23, of Hartwell, GA charged with Aggravated Assault

According to Ammons, Waller and Keese are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder related to the death of Mericus Scott of Royston.

Scott’s body was discovered in Anderson, SC in January of 2020.

Anyone with information regarding the death of Mericus Scott, please contact the GBI Athens Office at (706) 552-2309 or the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-8477. You do not have to give your name.

The following agencies participated in this operation: Georgia Bureau of Investigation Regional Investigative Offices and Statewide Gang Task Force, Hartwell Police Department, Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Lavonia Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia State Patrol SWAT, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (North Georgia Multi Offenders Task Force), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Georgia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

This is an ongoing investigation, and more arrests are anticipated. For additional information about Appalachian RDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for ARDEO on Twitter @appalachiandtf or follow on Facebook and/or Instagram @appalachianrdeo.