Friday, April 24, 2015
The City of Savannah "has weighed in on a continuing investigation by Metro’s newly assigned drug unit into the actions of a Savannah businessman selling illegal military weapons to convicted felons with a court order to padlock the business’ building," a spokesperson says.
City revenue officers joined by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Undercover Narcotics Investigation Team (UNIT) officers, Crime Suppression Units and federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents, convened on the buildings on the 5500 block of Montgomery Street at 2 p.m. today.
They served a court order by Recorder’s Court Chief Judge Tammy Stokes signed Thursday ordering Jamie L. Defrietas, wife of owner Wesley Defrietas and president of the company, to cease operating Warriors Gear, LLC, based on violations of the city tax certificate.
"Wesley Defrietas is on bond for a federal indictment stemming from a search of the building in May 2014 and is ordered to appear in court May 11 to show cause why he should be allowed to continue operating the business," the spokesman says.
The court order mentions that military rifle cleaning kits, silencers, firearms components and accessories, gas masks, body armor, small arms protective inserts, explosives, firearms, high capacity rifle magazines and ammunition were being stored and sold at the locations. It also points out that Warriors Gear continued to receive and sell such items after the first search warrant was served in 2014.
ATF, UNIT, CSU and Explosive Ordnance Device (bomb squad) officers have executed various raids on the businesses and storage facilities and have determined that the weapons, many of them illegal for civilian use, had been sold to convicted felons and others.
“After hearing sworn testimony, I conclude that it (court order) is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Savannah,” Stokes’ order reads.
The investigation into the operation is continuing and additional charges and arrests are expected.
City revenue officers joined by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Undercover Narcotics Investigation Team (UNIT) officers, Crime Suppression Units and federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents, convened on the buildings on the 5500 block of Montgomery Street at 2 p.m. today.
They served a court order by Recorder’s Court Chief Judge Tammy Stokes signed Thursday ordering Jamie L. Defrietas, wife of owner Wesley Defrietas and president of the company, to cease operating Warriors Gear, LLC, based on violations of the city tax certificate.
"Wesley Defrietas is on bond for a federal indictment stemming from a search of the building in May 2014 and is ordered to appear in court May 11 to show cause why he should be allowed to continue operating the business," the spokesman says.
The court order mentions that military rifle cleaning kits, silencers, firearms components and accessories, gas masks, body armor, small arms protective inserts, explosives, firearms, high capacity rifle magazines and ammunition were being stored and sold at the locations. It also points out that Warriors Gear continued to receive and sell such items after the first search warrant was served in 2014.
ATF, UNIT, CSU and Explosive Ordnance Device (bomb squad) officers have executed various raids on the businesses and storage facilities and have determined that the weapons, many of them illegal for civilian use, had been sold to convicted felons and others.
“After hearing sworn testimony, I conclude that it (court order) is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Savannah,” Stokes’ order reads.
The investigation into the operation is continuing and additional charges and arrests are expected.
A 38-year-old Savannah man was arrested Thursday night and charged with murder Friday morning for the 2013 shooting death of a man working at a Montgomery Street nightclub.
Michael Elize Rivers was arrested at a warehouse where he was working on Crossroads Parkway at 11:30 p.m. by U.S. Marshals from the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police detectives.
He has been charged by Metro detectives with murder in the death of Darin Leonard Manigo, 47. Manigo was shot in from of Sharon’s Lounge on the 600 block of Montgomery Street at 2:23 a.m.
Rivers, of the 600 block of East 37th Street, is a three-time convicted felon with an arrest record beginning in 1993. He has been arrested four times for violating probation and once for violating parole.
Michael Elize Rivers was arrested at a warehouse where he was working on Crossroads Parkway at 11:30 p.m. by U.S. Marshals from the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police detectives.
He has been charged by Metro detectives with murder in the death of Darin Leonard Manigo, 47. Manigo was shot in from of Sharon’s Lounge on the 600 block of Montgomery Street at 2:23 a.m.
Rivers, of the 600 block of East 37th Street, is a three-time convicted felon with an arrest record beginning in 1993. He has been arrested four times for violating probation and once for violating parole.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Over the past year the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Criminal Interdiction Unit "has intercepted over 200 pounds of marijuana from hitting the streets in Chatham County; that’s a street value of over a million dollars," says a Departmene spokesperson.
The unit comprise five deputies and their K-9s.
All of the drugs seized over the past year were destroyed April 22. In addition, "deputies have also seized currency in association with these investigations which are currently pending adjudication in Federal and the State court system. Seized currency is used to purchase equipment, used for training and education," under the so-called Asset Forfeiture laws, which have become one of the more controversial elements of the "war on drugs."
The unit comprise five deputies and their K-9s.
All of the drugs seized over the past year were destroyed April 22. In addition, "deputies have also seized currency in association with these investigations which are currently pending adjudication in Federal and the State court system. Seized currency is used to purchase equipment, used for training and education," under the so-called Asset Forfeiture laws, which have become one of the more controversial elements of the "war on drugs."
Detectives are searching for a victim as well as suspects "after finding an overturned car in the Edgemere neighborhood of Savannah Tuesday night," police say.
Central Precinct patrol officers responded to simultaneous accident and shots fired calls on the 1300 block of East 55th Street at 11:43 p.m. to find an overturned Dodge with no one around it.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police "also found shell casings and four vehicles, including the Dodge, and two houses that had been struck by bullets. No injuries have been reported."
Bystanders reported hearing gunshots and seeing a male flee the area, police say.
Central Precinct patrol officers responded to simultaneous accident and shots fired calls on the 1300 block of East 55th Street at 11:43 p.m. to find an overturned Dodge with no one around it.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police "also found shell casings and four vehicles, including the Dodge, and two houses that had been struck by bullets. No injuries have been reported."
Bystanders reported hearing gunshots and seeing a male flee the area, police say.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Nearly 50 people have been arrested or are currently wanted following a lengthy investigation conducted by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT).
In October 2013, CNT, in a partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration Savannah, began investigating multiple people believed to be involved in the sale of crystal meth, throughout Chatham County, Georgia.
"Undercover CNT agents quickly identified various members of the organization and began making purchases of crystal meth from the members. CNT continued making purchases through February 2015 to include purchases in Chatham, Henry, DeKalb and Newton Counties," a CNT spokesman says.
As the investigation furthered, CNT identified additional members to include those connected to the prison and street gang, Ghost Face Gangsters, also known as GFG.
"The Ghost Face Gangsters is an affiliate of the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist prison gang and crime syndicate in the United States. It is believed to have more than 3,000 active members throughout the south eastern states. The Ghost Face Gangsters are heavily involved in drug trafficking and most are career felons," the CNT spokesman says.
During the course of CNT’s investigation, agents identified Christopher Henry, a high ranking member of GFG, as the top tier of the organization. Throughout the investigation, C. Henry was in custody in Wilcox State Prison in Georgia where he regularly communicated with his wife, Regina Henry, also a member of GFG. Regina Henry, who lived in Henry County during the investigation, regularly supplied large quantities of crystal meth that was then transported to Chatham County and distributed.
In January 2015, CNT along with members of the Henry County, DeKalb County and Newton County Sheriff’s Office and DEA, executed search warrants at three residences. During the search warrants, crystal meth, firearms and items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances were seized. No arrests were made by CNT at the time of the search warrants.
In early March 2015, CNT with the assistance of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) executed a search warrant of a residence located in unincorporated Chatham County. There, agents seized nearly one pound of crystal meth. One person was arrested and a newer model Chevrolet Camaro was seized.
Days later, CNT with assistance from CCSO, CCSO K-9, Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD), SCMPD SWAT, Garden City Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office executed two search warrants in Garden City, one at a residence and one business, and one at a residence in Effingham County.
Multiple people were arrested following the seizure of crystal meth, firearms and items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances. Guadalupe “Pito” Villafranco, one of the main distributors in Chatham County, was arrested at a hotel in Beaufort, South Carolina after attempting to flee from CNT. CNT arrested Villafranco with the assistance of the Hardeeville Police Department and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
On April 15, 2015, a total of 48 people were indicted by the Grand Jury of the Superior Court of Chatham County, Georgia. As outlined in the indictment, all persons were involved with the distribution of crystal meth.
All persons indicted were charged with Attempt/Conspiracy to Violate the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Trafficking Methamphetamine, Sale of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Hindering Apprehension.
Of the 48 people indicted, 32 had prior felony convictions and 29 had prior arrests in Chatham County.
During the course of the operation, nearly one kilogram of crystal meth was seized. The seized meth has an estimated street value of up to $100,000. Agents also seized 38 firearms, most from convicted felons, and nearly $24,000 in U.S. currency.
Said CNT Director Everette Ragan, “This operation is a great example of how CNT protects the citizens of Chatham County and how CNT has the ability to see an investigation from beginning to end, even going beyond the borders of Chatham County. CNT conducts long-term investigations for the purpose of identifying both the organization as a whole and its source of supply. By doing so, we are able to effectively shut down the entire operation.”
In October 2013, CNT, in a partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration Savannah, began investigating multiple people believed to be involved in the sale of crystal meth, throughout Chatham County, Georgia.
"Undercover CNT agents quickly identified various members of the organization and began making purchases of crystal meth from the members. CNT continued making purchases through February 2015 to include purchases in Chatham, Henry, DeKalb and Newton Counties," a CNT spokesman says.
As the investigation furthered, CNT identified additional members to include those connected to the prison and street gang, Ghost Face Gangsters, also known as GFG.
"The Ghost Face Gangsters is an affiliate of the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist prison gang and crime syndicate in the United States. It is believed to have more than 3,000 active members throughout the south eastern states. The Ghost Face Gangsters are heavily involved in drug trafficking and most are career felons," the CNT spokesman says.
During the course of CNT’s investigation, agents identified Christopher Henry, a high ranking member of GFG, as the top tier of the organization. Throughout the investigation, C. Henry was in custody in Wilcox State Prison in Georgia where he regularly communicated with his wife, Regina Henry, also a member of GFG. Regina Henry, who lived in Henry County during the investigation, regularly supplied large quantities of crystal meth that was then transported to Chatham County and distributed.
In January 2015, CNT along with members of the Henry County, DeKalb County and Newton County Sheriff’s Office and DEA, executed search warrants at three residences. During the search warrants, crystal meth, firearms and items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances were seized. No arrests were made by CNT at the time of the search warrants.
In early March 2015, CNT with the assistance of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) executed a search warrant of a residence located in unincorporated Chatham County. There, agents seized nearly one pound of crystal meth. One person was arrested and a newer model Chevrolet Camaro was seized.
Days later, CNT with assistance from CCSO, CCSO K-9, Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD), SCMPD SWAT, Garden City Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office executed two search warrants in Garden City, one at a residence and one business, and one at a residence in Effingham County.
Multiple people were arrested following the seizure of crystal meth, firearms and items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances. Guadalupe “Pito” Villafranco, one of the main distributors in Chatham County, was arrested at a hotel in Beaufort, South Carolina after attempting to flee from CNT. CNT arrested Villafranco with the assistance of the Hardeeville Police Department and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
On April 15, 2015, a total of 48 people were indicted by the Grand Jury of the Superior Court of Chatham County, Georgia. As outlined in the indictment, all persons were involved with the distribution of crystal meth.
All persons indicted were charged with Attempt/Conspiracy to Violate the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Trafficking Methamphetamine, Sale of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Hindering Apprehension.
Of the 48 people indicted, 32 had prior felony convictions and 29 had prior arrests in Chatham County.
During the course of the operation, nearly one kilogram of crystal meth was seized. The seized meth has an estimated street value of up to $100,000. Agents also seized 38 firearms, most from convicted felons, and nearly $24,000 in U.S. currency.
Said CNT Director Everette Ragan, “This operation is a great example of how CNT protects the citizens of Chatham County and how CNT has the ability to see an investigation from beginning to end, even going beyond the borders of Chatham County. CNT conducts long-term investigations for the purpose of identifying both the organization as a whole and its source of supply. By doing so, we are able to effectively shut down the entire operation.”
Sunday, April 19, 2015
A Savannah man faces multiple charges after a Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police officer interrupted a kidnapping early last Wednesday.
Freddie Greene Jr., 52, was arrested and charged with battery, aggravated assault and two counts of kidnapping "after an officer heard screams and forced over a white pickup truck," police say.
Downtown Precinct patrol officers, the on-duty supervisor and violent crimes detectives had responded to a 911 call at a homeless shelter on Arnold Street at 3:36 a.m. and "were told that a 48-year-old female staying there had been kicked in the chest and assaulted by a male who then returned and forced her into a Dodge pickup," police say.
Police already had identified the truck’s owner when it passed by and the two victims being held at knifepoint began screaming for help. Police blocked the truck driving north on Randolph street. Inside were Greene, the 48-year-old female and a 59-year-old male who owns the truck.
Detectives learned that Greene and the woman "had formerly been in a relationship and that Greene had physically assaulted her and forced her into the truck along with the second male. The truck’s owner was determined to be a second victim and released," police say.
Freddie Greene Jr., 52, was arrested and charged with battery, aggravated assault and two counts of kidnapping "after an officer heard screams and forced over a white pickup truck," police say.
Downtown Precinct patrol officers, the on-duty supervisor and violent crimes detectives had responded to a 911 call at a homeless shelter on Arnold Street at 3:36 a.m. and "were told that a 48-year-old female staying there had been kicked in the chest and assaulted by a male who then returned and forced her into a Dodge pickup," police say.
Police already had identified the truck’s owner when it passed by and the two victims being held at knifepoint began screaming for help. Police blocked the truck driving north on Randolph street. Inside were Greene, the 48-year-old female and a 59-year-old male who owns the truck.
Detectives learned that Greene and the woman "had formerly been in a relationship and that Greene had physically assaulted her and forced her into the truck along with the second male. The truck’s owner was determined to be a second victim and released," police say.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Violent Crime detectives are investigating the shooting of a 64-year-old woman as she stood in front of her residence in the Cuyler Brownsville area of Savanah Tuesday night.
Connie Colonel, of the 2400 block of Harden Street, was transported for treatment to a non-life threatening wound to her leg after the shooting at 9:12 p.m.
"Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating the possibility she was an unintended victim as shots were being fired from a passing automobile, possibly at another vehicle," a police spokesman says.
Connie Colonel, of the 2400 block of Harden Street, was transported for treatment to a non-life threatening wound to her leg after the shooting at 9:12 p.m.
"Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating the possibility she was an unintended victim as shots were being fired from a passing automobile, possibly at another vehicle," a police spokesman says.
Troy Shanta Young, 22, was served Wednesday with four warrants while he was in the Chatham County Detention Center on other charges.
He was charged with two aggravated assault warrants for a January 28 incident in Wells Park in which a male was hit and an aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Jan. 29 shooting in Thomas Park beside the library. Young served a month of a four-year term for burglary in 2010-11 and nine months of a four-year term for possession of a firearm and theft by receiving in 2012-13. He was arrested and charged with violation of probation on March 27, his third probation violation charge since his 2013 release.
Previously, police charged Joshua Tamil Myers with aggravated assault in the two incidents and fleeing to elude police in another incident. He was identified as the driver of a stolen blue Ford Fusion from which the shots were fired at the same person on the two successive days. The Fusion was located later without wheels. Myers was arrested March 25 by Richmond Hill police for theft by shoplifting and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The victim of the Wells Park shooting, victim Kelvin Frazier, was not the intended target. He received non-life-threatening injuries. No one was injured in the second shooting in which rounds struck the Bull Street Library.
Armstrong State University’s latest Coastal Empire Economic Monitor reports the Savannah-area economy "continued to strengthen during the fourth quarter of 2014 and is expected to experience sustained growth at a healthy pace throughout 2015. Over the past year, the regional economy expanded at its fastest pace since 2004," a University spokesperson says.
The Economic Monitor, which analyzes data and identifies trends affecting the regional economy, reports across-the-board growth in key areas. "During the fourth quarter, the economy was boosted by improvements in the housing, construction, manufacturing and labor markets as gains in consumer expectations continued," the spokesperson says.
The Coastal Empire leading economic index accelerated for the second consecutive quarter, while growth in the coincident index continued. At the same time, the metro Savannah area’s forecasting index extended its pace for a second consecutive quarter.
“Our regional economy continues to make a healthy recovery, with strong activity occurring in a range of areas, from housing and construction to tourism and manufacturing,” said Michael Toma, Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics and the Director of Armstrong’s Center for Regional Analysis. “Based on the latest data, we have every reason to believe the local economy will continue to expand through late 2015.”
Additional highlights from the latest Economic Monitor include:
· The Coastal Empire coincident economic index increased 1.1 percent to 167.2 from 165.2 (revised) in the previous quarter, marking an annualized pace of 4.9 percent and extending a period of strong growth in Savannah’s economy.
· All leading indicators increased during the fourth quarter, with key gains in the regional housing market.
· The tourism industry contributed significantly to the strength in the regional economy throughout 2014. Seasonally and inflation adjusted hotel and motel room receipts increased 8.2 percent during the fourth quarter and were up about 17 percent for the year. Boardings at the airport were up 18 percent over last year.
· Port activity increased nearly four percent during the fourth quarter, in terms of TEUs (20-foot equivalent containers) handled at port facilities in Savannah. The port processed 3.3 million containers in 2014 – an all-time record – marking a 10.3 percent increase over totals for 2013.
· In the housing market, building permits issued for single-family homes closed out 2014 with over-the-year gains of 17.8 percent. The number of new residential homes permitted for construction was 409, the second highest quarterly gain in seven years. The average value of a building permit issued for a single family home rose 8.2 percent to $208,700 from $192,800, marking a significant increase.
· Seasonally adjusted employment in the three-county metro area increased by 1,100 jobs to 168,300 during the fourth quarter of 2014. Employment levels are 4.6 percent higher than one year ago, with important gains made in tourism, manufacturing, transportation and construction employment.
· The number of new unemployment insurance claims dropped 17.8 percent below previous year data. During the same period, the unemployment rate fell to 6.2 percent (seasonally adjusted) in December 2014, posting a half percentage point lower than in December 2013. For the year, the unemployment rate fell from 7.5 percent to 6.8 percent in 2013.
The Coastal Empire Economic Monitor presents quarterly economic trends and short-term economic forecasts for Savannah’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The quarterly report measures the heartbeat of the local economy, based on the analysis of economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the City of Savannah, Georgia Power and the three counties in the MSA—Chatham, Bryan and Effingham.
The Economic Monitor, which analyzes data and identifies trends affecting the regional economy, reports across-the-board growth in key areas. "During the fourth quarter, the economy was boosted by improvements in the housing, construction, manufacturing and labor markets as gains in consumer expectations continued," the spokesperson says.
The Coastal Empire leading economic index accelerated for the second consecutive quarter, while growth in the coincident index continued. At the same time, the metro Savannah area’s forecasting index extended its pace for a second consecutive quarter.
“Our regional economy continues to make a healthy recovery, with strong activity occurring in a range of areas, from housing and construction to tourism and manufacturing,” said Michael Toma, Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics and the Director of Armstrong’s Center for Regional Analysis. “Based on the latest data, we have every reason to believe the local economy will continue to expand through late 2015.”
Additional highlights from the latest Economic Monitor include:
· The Coastal Empire coincident economic index increased 1.1 percent to 167.2 from 165.2 (revised) in the previous quarter, marking an annualized pace of 4.9 percent and extending a period of strong growth in Savannah’s economy.
· All leading indicators increased during the fourth quarter, with key gains in the regional housing market.
· The tourism industry contributed significantly to the strength in the regional economy throughout 2014. Seasonally and inflation adjusted hotel and motel room receipts increased 8.2 percent during the fourth quarter and were up about 17 percent for the year. Boardings at the airport were up 18 percent over last year.
· Port activity increased nearly four percent during the fourth quarter, in terms of TEUs (20-foot equivalent containers) handled at port facilities in Savannah. The port processed 3.3 million containers in 2014 – an all-time record – marking a 10.3 percent increase over totals for 2013.
· In the housing market, building permits issued for single-family homes closed out 2014 with over-the-year gains of 17.8 percent. The number of new residential homes permitted for construction was 409, the second highest quarterly gain in seven years. The average value of a building permit issued for a single family home rose 8.2 percent to $208,700 from $192,800, marking a significant increase.
· Seasonally adjusted employment in the three-county metro area increased by 1,100 jobs to 168,300 during the fourth quarter of 2014. Employment levels are 4.6 percent higher than one year ago, with important gains made in tourism, manufacturing, transportation and construction employment.
· The number of new unemployment insurance claims dropped 17.8 percent below previous year data. During the same period, the unemployment rate fell to 6.2 percent (seasonally adjusted) in December 2014, posting a half percentage point lower than in December 2013. For the year, the unemployment rate fell from 7.5 percent to 6.8 percent in 2013.
The Coastal Empire Economic Monitor presents quarterly economic trends and short-term economic forecasts for Savannah’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The quarterly report measures the heartbeat of the local economy, based on the analysis of economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the City of Savannah, Georgia Power and the three counties in the MSA—Chatham, Bryan and Effingham.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Police confirm that three men, ages 52, 37, and 30, are dead in a shooting incident Monday night near East 36th and Live Oak Streets on Savannah's embattled Eastside.
"Central Precinct patrol officers responding to a shots fired call about 8:30 p.m. were directed to a house on the 1200 block of N.E. 36th Street where they could see the three bodies through an open door," a police spokesman says.
The victims were identified as Anderson Mells, 52, and Gary Mells, 30, who both lived in the house, and Johnny Green, 37.
"Two persons of interest detained in a traffic stop by other officers shortly afterward have been released after questioning by detectives," police say.
"The investigation by Homicide Unit detectives and forensics officers extended through the night as patrol officers secured the scene. While detectives said the shootings clearly were targeted, they also focused on risky activities that took place in the residence to determine if they were connected to the crime."
An "unruly" crowd at the scene briefly hindered police investigation but police say they are pursuing persons of interest in the case. More updates as we get them.
"Central Precinct patrol officers responding to a shots fired call about 8:30 p.m. were directed to a house on the 1200 block of N.E. 36th Street where they could see the three bodies through an open door," a police spokesman says.
The victims were identified as Anderson Mells, 52, and Gary Mells, 30, who both lived in the house, and Johnny Green, 37.
"Two persons of interest detained in a traffic stop by other officers shortly afterward have been released after questioning by detectives," police say.
"The investigation by Homicide Unit detectives and forensics officers extended through the night as patrol officers secured the scene. While detectives said the shootings clearly were targeted, they also focused on risky activities that took place in the residence to determine if they were connected to the crime."
An "unruly" crowd at the scene briefly hindered police investigation but police say they are pursuing persons of interest in the case. More updates as we get them.
