Gregore Gordon, 33, of Waynesboro, was charged with possession of a schedule II narcotics with intent to distribute and possession of schedule II narcotics with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school. Lacristifia Smith, 43, of Keysville, was charged with possession of a firearm by a first offender and possession of a schedule II narcotics with intent to distribute. Dale Roberson, 61, of Waynesboro, was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The arrests were part of a joint operation involving the Augusta Circuit of the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, FBI , Bureau Of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Georgia Bureau of Investigation , Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Waynesboro Police Department and the Augusta Circuit District Attorney’s Office. The Department of Community Supervision was leading the operation in Burke County.

The sheriff’s office selected 24 offenders for Fourth Amendment waiver searches based on gang validations, violent histories and significant narcotics histories. According to the sheriff’s office, numerous contacts were made and those who were found in compliance were thanked and congratulated for their continued success.

“Several individuals failed court-ordered drug tests and others were in violation of living arrangements,” Chief Deputy Lewis Blanchard said in a release. “The Department of Community Supervision will be following up regarding these individuals and take appropriate action as deemed necessary.”

The Fourth Amendment protects people from unlawful searches and seizures. Law enforcement is allowed to search a probationer’s person, auto or home without justification if the Fourth Amendment has been waived.

Gordon was arrested after he was found with 30 oxycodone pills, which were packaged in a way that indicated they were for sale, according to the sheriff’s office. He was also found with vacuum-sealed bags and mason jars that smelled like marijuana, a box of 9mm ammunition and digital scales.

Smith, who had an outstanding probation warrant, was found at her residence by agents in possession of three firearms and several rounds of ammunition for each gun. Agents also found several bags of suboxone pills. According to the sheriff’s office, her case will be taken by ATF for federal prosecution.

Roberson had several bags of crack cocaine and marijuana packaged for resale. A digital scale with a small amount of cocaine residue was also found in his possession.

“The safety of our community and well-being of our citizens is my main priority as Sheriff of Burke County,” said Sheriff Alfonso Williams in the release. “We greatly appreciate our partners at the federal, state and local levels. Drugs, gangs, and guns in the hands of criminals do nothing positive for our community and therefore the Burke County Sheriff’s Office will use all available resources and partners in an effort to ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors.”

By Jozsef Papp The Augusta Chronicle