Local authorities serving a search warrant found more — and less — than they expected.
They found the drugs, but not the suspected drug dealer. They also found loaded guns and a lot of dogs, several of which were severely neglected, and one that was dead.
Putnam County Sheriff’s Lt. Harry Luke and Detective J.D. Turk, Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell, and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to a house on the 300 block Sparta Highway early Friday morning before sunrise. Even though the lights were turned on inside the residence, no one was home, including the suspect, Ricoh Johnson, Luke said.
Inside the house, the officers discovered approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine, one-half pound of marijuana, scales, and bagging materials. A loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and a loaded .22 pistol were in the same area with the drugs. Luke estimated the street value of the drugs to be $2,500 to $3,000.
“But that’s just because it’s so cheap right now,” he explained. “The price has fallen in the last four years to a quarter of what it used to be, but that’s about to stop as soon as (President Donald) Trump shuts that border down.”
Outside in the yard, the law enforcement officers found eleven chained dogs.
“Some of them were in pretty good shape, some weren’t. Animal control said they’re going to charge him for neglecting some of the animals,” Luke said. “We found one dead pitbull that had died from exposure.”
Luke said there was no evidence that the dogs were being used for fighting.
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has a warrant for 38-year-old Ricoh Johnson and is actively seeking him. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should call 706- 485-8557.