STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — A yearlong investigation into a major drug network ended this week with 20 arrests in Stephens County. Six search warrants and 20 arrest warrants were executed in the joint operation.
Alleged drug ring leader charged
Authorities identified Manathan Colbert, 48, of Toccoa as the alleged leader of the drug trafficking group. Colbert was charged with three RICO violations, trafficking cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility, multiple gang charges, and several counts of drug sales and distribution.
Investigators said Colbert’s group distributed cocaine, crack cocaine, pills, and marijuana across Stephens, Habersham, and Rabun counties. During the operation, officials said they seized 29 pounds of marijuana, 5 ounces of cocaine, 6 grams of crack cocaine, 45 in-box pills, 19 oxycodone pills, 59 firearms, and cash.
Law enforcement response
The investigation involved the GBI Metro Gang Task Force, GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), FBI North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Toccoa Police Department, Cornelia Police Department, Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and the Georgia Counterdrug Task Force. The Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office also supported the effort.
Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright praised the multi-agency teamwork.
“Tackling gang and drug activity was a priority of mine upon taking office,” Fulbright said. “When Toccoa Police Chief Carlisle assumed office in December 2024, we made a commitment to work together. I’m proud of our deputies, officers, and partner agencies who continue to work hard to curb the flow of drugs in Stephens County.”
Arrested individuals and charges
In addition to Colbert, 19 others were also charged:
- Terrance Rashaud Fortson, 35, Toccoa — RICO, illegal use of communication facility, gang charges
- Daniel Amir Glasco, 35, Toccoa — RICO, illegal use of communication facility, gang charges
- Joel Lorenzo Jackson, 47, Toccoa — RICO, illegal use of a communication facility
- Amanda Michelle Murray, 42, Toccoa — RICO, marijuana with intent to distribute, illegal use of a communication facility
- Mario Chanteze Lacy, 44, Toccoa — RICO, illegal use of a communication facility
- Steven Eugene Jones, 53, Mount Airy — illegal use of a communication facility
- Elizabeth Ann Hill, 46, Demorest — possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Ansley Dae Smith, 23, Toccoa — RICO, illegal use of a communication facility
- Deborah Lee Hancock, 60, Clarkesville — RICO, possession of cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility
- Mackenzie Lea Sessoms, 25, Eastanollee — RICO, illegal use of a communication facility
- Musa Sullah, 46, Banks County — RICO, illegal use of a communication facility
- Javier Hernandez-Duarte, 26, Toccoa — RICO, possession of cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility
- Kerry Rebeccah Sheriff, 42, Toccoa — RICO, marijuana possession, illegal use of a communication facility
- Charles Nicholas Cash, 43, Toccoa — RICO, illegal use of a communication facility
- Vernard Durham, 56, Toccoa — RICO, trafficking cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility
- Marvin Junior Teasley, 48, Toccoa — RICO, possession of cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility
- Allen Johann Curry, 41, Toccoa — RICO, trafficking cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility
- Malik Isaiah Sillah, 24, Atlanta — possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
- Nigel Abraham Sillah, 23, Atlanta — possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
Ongoing investigation
The GBI, FBI, and local law enforcement agencies said the investigation will continue. Officials said they expect more arrests as they work to dismantle Colbert’s network.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), submit tips online at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or use the See Something, Send Something mobile app. Tips may also be given to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (706) 886-7048.
