An investigation that began with a stolen four-wheeler in Jackson County ended this week with the discovery not only the ATV, but also of a cache of drugs, firearms and stolen property.
Five suspects, including Jefferson residents Tyler Hayes Winchell and Jennifer Heather Mercer, Commerce residents Cody James Prather and Sheena Marie McGonigle, and Braselton resident Michael James Waller, were arrested after the bust.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office opened the investigation on Tuesday, when a press release says they received a report of four-wheeler being stolen off Lewis Sailors Road. The location was apparently the site of a previous string of thefts, as well.
"A tracking device on the four-wheeler led investigators to a residence on Hammond Road where the stolen four-wheeler was located," the release said. "On April 29... investigators executed a search warrant at this location and located methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms, and stolen property."
Cody James Prather, 28, remains in the Jackson County Jail and faces the following charges:
- Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine w/ Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, and Felony Theft by Receiving a Stolen Firearm.
Sheena Marie McGonigle, 34, remains in the Jackson County Jail and faces the following charges:
- Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine w/ Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.
Tyler Hayes Winchell, 22, remains in the Jackson County Jail and faces the following charges:
- Felony Theft by Receiving and Misdemeanor Theft by Taking.
Jennifer Heather Mercer, 36, remains in the Jackson County Jail and faces the following charges:
- Felony Theft by Receiving and Misdemeanor Theft by Taking.
Michael James Waller, 48, has been released on baond and faces the following charge:
- Giving False Name to Officer.
Click on the picture at the top of this article to access more images, including mugshots of those arrested as part of the investigation.
