Monroe County’s animal control director is now at the center of a sweeping drug investigation after deputies say they uncovered evidence of a multi-state operation. Three people were arrested Wednesday following a search at a home in the River Forest subdivision and charged with manufacturing and distributing controlled substances. The arrests have stirred quiet but pointed questions inside the county’s animal services office as the probe continues.
Search Warrant Shakes River Forest
According to WSB-TV, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on April 29 at a property in the River Forest subdivision as part of what officials described as a multi-state investigation. The sheriff’s office has not released a full list of what was seized or identified the outside agencies involved. Investigators say the case is active and that more information will be shared when they are ready to release it.
Who Was Arrested and the Charges Filed
As reported by CBS News Atlanta, those taken into custody were 49-year-old Becky Gifford, Monroe County’s animal control director, 52-year-old Chad Gifford and 22-year-old Holden Haworth. All three face charges of manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances and are being held without bond at the Monroe County Jail, the outlet reports. Officials have not publicly detailed what types or quantities of drugs are alleged in the case.
County Role Under the Microscope
County records list Becky Gifford as Monroe County’s Animal Control Director and show she has worked in the department since 2019, according to Monroe County. The county’s animal services pages focus on day-to-day shelter operations and field response work and do not offer any comment on personnel issues. At the time of reporting, county officials had not issued further public statements on the arrests.
Sheriff Puts Out Call for Tips
The sheriff’s office has asked anyone with information to contact its Investigations Division at 478-994-7043, according to WMGT/41NBC. Local outlets report that authorities plan to release more updates as investigators gather evidence and determine whether more arrests could follow.
Probe Fits Familiar Pattern
Middle Georgia has seen other multi-county and multi-state drug investigations that pulled in regional task forces and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which has led similar trafficking cases in the past, per the agency’s earlier press releases. That history suggests Monroe County investigators may be teaming up with outside partners, although officials have not named any collaborating agencies in this case.
What Comes Next
The three suspects remain presumed innocent unless and until they are found guilty in court, and for now the focus stays on the unfolding investigation. This story will be updated as the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office or other agencies release new details.
