Gas station drug operation bust in Towns County

PRESS RELEASE – Towns County Sheriff’s Office Drug Investigator received multiple complaints regarding drug activity at Windy Hill gas station on Hwy 66, near the NC/GA state line.

During the investigation, store videos revealed a drug transaction between the store clerk and another individual.

The clerk, identified as Rodney Alan Powell, age 46, Marble NC was arrested, and a search of the individual resulted in Methamphetamine on his person. He is charged with:

• Felony Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Drug Related Objects

The other individual was identified as Gary Lee Hamrick, age 42, Warne, NC.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office was contacted, and a search warrant was issued and served at 983 Ford Road, Warne, NC by Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Towns County Sheriff’s Office.

During the search, Methamphetamine, which field-tested positive, was confiscated from another occupant at the residence identified as Charlene Whisenant, age 71, Warne NC. Whisenant was arrested by Clay County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine. She received a $10,000 secure bond for Possession of Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Dwelling for the Keeping of Controlled Substance.

Gary Lee Hamrick, age 42, Warne NC was arrested by Clay County Sheriff’s Office for Felony Probation Violation and is being held without bond.

Towns County Sheriff’s Office has pending narcotics charges for Gary Lee Hamrick.

Towns County Sheriff Ken Henderson and Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan are pleased with the joint effort and coordination by both offices’ investigators and deputies. The working relationship between both agencies on closely related criminal activity will enhance the safety of our communities.