Multi-Agency Crime Operation in North Georgia Forest Areas Leads to Drug Arrests, Citations and Immigration Arrests
STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — A multi-agency criminal interdiction operation targeting illegal activity on national forest lands resulted in dozens of citations, multiple drug arrests, and the detention of individuals accused of residing in the country illegally, according to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.
The operation, led by the United States Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations division, was conducted between May 1 and May 6, 2026, across parts of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Authorities said focused enforcement efforts took place between May 3 and May 5 in Stephens County with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force.
Law enforcement agencies conducted safety checkpoints and concentrated patrols on roads entering and leaving national forest lands.
According to officials, the U.S. Forest Service issued 33 federal citations ranging from traffic violations to drug possession and drug-related offenses.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources issued four warnings and six citations related to hunting and fishing violations, while the Georgia State Patrol issued 58 warnings and 36 traffic citations.
Authorities also stated that DHS officers arrested 25 individuals in Stephens County who were allegedly residing in the United States illegally. Officials said 14 had prior felony convictions and one individual was identified as a confirmed cartel member.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office additionally reported five felony drug arrests and three warrant arrests during the operation.
Investigators said Christian Villagomez, 29, of Clarkesville, was arrested May 3 during a traffic stop on an outstanding warrant connected to multiple fishing violations.
During another traffic stop, deputies arrested Victor Pena, 42, of Cornelia, and Kristen Sloan, 33, of Maysville, after allegedly finding approximately 3.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine and a glass pipe inside their vehicle. Both were charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Related Objects.
On May 4, authorities arrested Mark Justice, 48, of Eastanollee, and Rebecca Wood, 30, of Toccoa, during a traffic stop after investigators allegedly discovered suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Wood was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, while Justice was arrested on an outstanding Stephens County warrant. Both also received federal citations for marijuana possession from the U.S. Forest Service.
Deputies also arrested Dakoda Ponder, 29, of Toccoa, after investigators allegedly found suspected cocaine and an Oxycodone pill during a traffic stop. Authorities said Ponder was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, and Driving Under the Influence.
On May 5, two people fled on foot from a traffic stop conducted by U.S. Forest Service officers on Highway 365 near Rock Road, according to investigators.
Authorities from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia DNR assisted in a large search operation using multiple K-9 units.
Later that evening, investigators captured 31-year-old Minton Carreto near Highway 365 and Trestle Ridge Road. Authorities said Carreto was wanted in the metro Atlanta area and was allegedly residing in the country illegally.
The second individual involved in the foot chase was not located and is believed to have fled the area.
Rusty Fulbright said the operation was designed to reduce crime in remote forest areas that often receive limited patrol coverage and thanked federal, state, and local agencies for their cooperation.
