Multiple gang and drug offenders arrested after months-long investigation

HARTWELL, Ga. – After a months-long investigation known as “Operation Straight to the Hart”, multiple violent gang and drug offenders have been arrested as of Oct. 27.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation released a statement today detailing the investigation.

The investigation also led to the arrest of Jaquavious Waller, 21, and Len’darrius Keese, 20, who were arrested on conspiracy to commit murder related to the death of Mericus Scott.

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

“Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy), and 25 firearms,” according to the release.

The statement listed the individuals arrested during the investigation and the six warrants issued.

The individuals arrested are as follows: 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.

The release also noted that Operation Straight to the Hart was a multi-agency investigation.

The following agencies were noted to be recognized for their efforts in the investigation: 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.

“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.”