SWEETWATER, Tenn. (WVLT) – More than a dozen people are facing charges after a major drug investigation that began last year.
The 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF) began the investigation in early 2024, according to McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy.
During the investigation, DTF Director Bill Cherry said authorities seized the following:
- Approximately 22 pounds of methamphetamine
- 13,900 Fentanyl pills
- 136 grams of Fentanyl
- 56 firearms
- Four vehicles
- $60,453 in cash
Officials said a total of 14 people were indicted and arrested in areas across East Tennessee, Atlanta and Mexico, including the following:
- Trevor Hawkins, Athens, Tennessee
- Gerard Birk, Athens, Tennessee
- Marc Blair, Sweetwater, Tennessee
- Saralyn Miller, Athens, Tennessee
- Jason Lemke, Athens, Tennessee
- Corey Peters, Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Trevor Heater, Etowah, Tennessee
- Tinzelle Buchanan, Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Jimmy Pike, Etowah, Tennessee
- Ashley Roderick, Athens, Tennessee
- Stephen Wattenbarger, Etowah, Tennessee
- Daniel Buis, Athens, Tennessee
As of Friday, officials said there are outstanding indictments on one suspect from Atlanta and another from Mexico. Those names won’t be released until arrests are made…