GBI ARDEO Multi-Agency "Operation Silent Hand" Dismantles North Georgia Drug Trafficking Organization- Leads to 16 Arrests

Hall County, GA (March 5, 2026)- Following a high-level, months-long racketeering investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), in coordination with federal and local partners, successfully executed Operation Silent Hand, leading to 16 arrests. The operation targeted a major drug trafficking organization (DTO) distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone across Franklin, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Stephens, and White counties.

The following 16 suspects have been charged with Violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act:

• William Doug Allen, age 54, of Lula, GA
• Tonya Doster Pitts, age 51, of Lula, GA
• Chad O’Neal Davis, age 54, of Demorest, GA
• Bart William Starks, age 58, of Canon, GA
• Randall Stewart Hill, age 57, of Canon, GA
• Leslie Nicole Brown Cedillo, age 39, of Cleveland, GA
• Yvonn Parker Brown, age 64, of Toccoa, GA
• Amy Michelle Williams, age 51, of Toccoa, GA
• Breann Denae Coalley, age 54, of Mt. Airy, GA
• Haven Douglas Allen, age 31, of Alto, GA
• Arthur Lee Poore, age 63, of Gainesville, GA
• Rodney Wayne Crump, age 59, of Alto, GA
• Kandi Nicole Stewart, age 48, of Demorest, GA
• Mona Lisa Summers, age 62, of Mt. Airy, GA
• Sarita King Davidson, age 60, of Cornelia, GA
• Linda Waddell Thompson, age 62, of Demorest, GA

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, law enforcement officers executed nine search warrants and 16 arrest warrants throughout the region. The investigation revealed that the organization maintained contacts in metro Atlanta to facilitate the trafficking of illicit narcotics and pharmaceutical opioids.

During the investigation, agents seized a substantial quantity of contraband, including 32 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, 4 pounds of suspected fentanyl, numerous diverted pharmaceutical opioids, and multiple firearms.

This complex investigation was supported by the Hall and Habersham County District Attorney’s Offices and involved a massive collaborative effort from the GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the FBI North GA Major Offenders Task Force, the Banks, Franklin, Gwinnett, Habersham, and Stephens Sheriff’s Offices, and the Toccoa Police Department.

All arrestees have been booked into the Hall or Habersham County Jails.

This investigation remains active, with additional charges and warrants pending for further suspects.

If you have information related to drug activity, you are encouraged to call GBI ARDEO at (706) 348-7410. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477),online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

The ARDEO is a multi-agency unit that covers 30 counties in North Georgia and consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices and Police Agencies: Banks County, the Cleveland Police Department, Fannin County, the Flowery Branch Police Department, Franklin County, Gilmer County, Habersham County, Jackson County, Lumpkin County, Rabun County, Stephens County, the Toccoa Police Department, and White County, along with the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.