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Shots report leads to apparent drug ring
More than 15 pounds of pot seized, one injured
crimescenetape

A report of shots fired Saturday near a Long County mobile home park sparked an investigation that resulted in more than 15 pounds of marijuana and other drugs being seized, according to the Long County Sheriff’s Office.

About 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the Long County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 report of a shooting near Tibet Mobile Home Park. Upon arrival, Sgt. Donald Bierly and Deputies Tony Fowler and Jake Howard discovered a crime scene, which included damage to a mobile home and vehicle.

Long County EMS was dispatched and investigators called. Deputies secured the scene and rendered assistance to a woman who was injured, but who has not been identified.

Cpl. Austin McGinn led a team of investigators, who, after applying for a search warrant, discovered over 10 pounds of suspected marijuana, and other drugs, including cocaine. Prescription medications were also collected. Two allegedly stolen firearms were discovered, along with a stolen TV. Weapons were also confiscated.

More than $23,000 in cash currency was seized. Investigators allege the money is the product of a criminal enterprise. A forfeiture application will be submitted to the Long County Superior Court to retain this money. Two motor vehicles were seized, and will also be subject to the forfeiture application. Financial records were taken into evidence.

Eleven Sheriff’s Office personnel participated in the investigation, which lasted over 14 hours.

As the investigation continued, another five pounds of marijuana was seized on Monday. The report did not say where it was found.

One arrest has been made. Whitney T. Bacon, 26, of Allenhurst, has been charged with two counts of criminal damage to property.

The Sheriff’s Office has identified another suspect, Willie Lee Taylor Jr., 36, who lives Tibet Mobile Home Park Lot 9, Ludowici. An arrest warrant for Taylor has been issued. Anyone with information about Taylor’s location is asked to notify local law enforcement, or 911 immediately.

Several witnesses have been interviewed, and the investigation is ongoing. Numerous electronic sources, including cell phones and computers, have been collected, and this evidence is being examined.

Additional arrests warrants are expected to be issued.

--Much of this report is directly from the Long County Sheriff's Office.

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