Statesboro, GA - After almost 12-months of evading arrest, TONY LANARD WILLIAMS, 41, of Swainsboro, GA is in custody. The arrest occurred on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 15 Woodrum Place in Statesboro. Williams was wanted on federal drug trafficking charges in 2016 that resulted from a Georgia Bureau of Investigation and (GBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation. Also arrested and charged with Hindering the Apprehension of a Criminal, was VIRGINIA LAFAYE BRAYBOY, 26, of Swainsboro.  

WILLIAMS was also wanted for the murder of Angela Gillis and the shooting of her husband, Kenneth Gillis.  The incident occurred in Swainsboro on July 11, 2016, while Williams was on the run.  Kenneth Gillis is a co-defendant with Williams in the federal drug case.

WILLIAMS’ arrest on Tuesday, occurred after the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office received information that he was located at an apartment in Statesboro.  The GBI’s Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office (SRDEO) joined the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office in conducting surveillance of the residence.

During the surveillance, a vehicle was stopped after leaving Williams’ apartment.  During the traffic stop, the passenger, identified as WALFORD MCKINNEY, 46, of Vidalia, stated he had swallowed an unknown amount of cocaine.  MCKINNEY was transported to the East Georgia Regional Medical Center where he later died. An independent investigation into MCKINNEY’s death is being conducted by the GBI Office in Thomson. An autopsy is scheduled for MCKINNEY at the GBI Crime Lab in Savannah.

WILLIAMS was arrested at Woodrum Place Apartments.  Following his arrest, the GBI SRDEO executed a search warrant on the apartment and seized approximately $4,900.00, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and marijuana.

WILLIAMS is currently in the Emanuel County Jail and BRAYBOY is incarcerated at the Bulloch County Jail. The investigation into MCKINNEY’s death continues. The case file will be turned over to the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office upon completion.

Jamie Jones - Special Agent in Charge | Southeastern RDEO - Metter | 912-685-5345