Seven individuals, four men and three women, were apprehended for operating a “trap house” in Elko, Georgia. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of community tips, seized drugs from the property. The suspects, ranging in age from their late twenties to their early sixties, face various drug-related charges. 13WMAZ Staff reported
In Elko, Georgia, a group of seven individuals were arrested by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office for operating a “trap house.” The arrest took place at 332 State Route 26, a property that had become known for criminal activity due to numerous community tips and concerns. District Attorney William Kendall stated that the arrest occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. in the southwest region of Houston County.
Upon searching the premises, law enforcement officials discovered several sheds where multiple people were living. Some of these individuals were subsequently arrested on drug charges, including possession with intent. Additionally, three of the individuals had outstanding warrants in other states and counties, such as Dooly County and Texas. The four men and three women who were arrested were then taken to the Houston County Detention Center.
District Attorney Kendall noted that most of the individuals taken into custody appeared older than their actual age, which is a common occurrence among drug users. The ages of those arrested ranged from their late twenties to their 50s and early 60s. The individuals have been identified as Larry Passmore (74 years old), Johnny B. Brooks (68 years old), Andrew McBride (48 years old), Susan Brumley (62 years old), Andora Ross (54 years old), Destiny Chambers (22 years old), and Terrell Lester (58 years old).
Charges were filed against each individual according to the jail website. Passmore was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent and possession of drug-related objects. McBride faced charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent, possession of drug-related objects, and possession of a firearm or knife during a crime. Brumley was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent, possession of a firearm or knife during certain crimes, possession of firearms-convicted felons, and possession of drug-related objects. Ross was charged with possession of methamphetamine, while Chambers faced charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent and possession of drug-related objects. Lester was also charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent and possession of drug-related objects. The website did not specify the charges against Brooks at the time of reporting.
The district attorney’s office collaborated with the Houston County Sheriff’s Deputies and special deputy sheriffs assigned to the counter-narcotics task force to conduct the search. The property was situated adjacent to a cotton field. Kendall revealed that the area had experienced two shootings earlier in the year, one of which was connected to the killing of Deputy Tyee Browne in Crisp County. Although the perpetrator, Croshawn Gerard Cross, had been sentenced to life in Crisp County, he was facing additional charges related to the Elko shooting. These charges included Burglary in the First Degree, Theft by Taking, Aggravated Assault (two counts), Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony (two counts), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Further details regarding the alleged link between the “trap house” and Deputy Tyee Browne’s death were not disclosed due to the ongoing investigation. The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office claimed to be unaware of the Elko arrests and the potential connection. In addition to the shooting related to Deputy Browne’s murder, another shooting incident occurred at the residence in September, resulting in a man being shot in the leg.
District Attorney Kendall acknowledged that there were numerous known “trap houses” throughout Houston County where individuals possessed small quantities of drugs such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. These locations were considered a nuisance by authorities..