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Published Wednesday, November 19, 2008 in Local
Expect drug crackdown like Coweta hasn't seen
The Times-Herald
Coweta County has a drug epidemic.
Law enforcement officials want the community to be forewarned -- "We're through playing," said Newnan Police Chief Douglas L. "Buster" Meadows.
Last week, according to Sheriff Mike Yeager, the Coweta County Sheriff's Office, the Coweta District Attorney's Office and the Newnan Police Department all met with the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, and the end result is going to be a drug crackdown unlike this county has ever seen.
During the meeting, the group decided to implement stiffer penalties and utilize tools and programs for enforcing the war against drugs, according to Yeager. Much of the initiative will target property owners who knowingly house violators.
According to Meadows, the bulk of the criminal drug activity fluctuates between Newnan and areas outside the city in Coweta County depending on where enforcement is perceived to be tightest at the moment. Rather than sweeping the problem around, Coweta officials are ready to be rid of it once and for all.
Since the drug problem exists mainly with renters, Coweta officials are going to enact a top-down approach and focus efforts on the property owners through nuisance laws and condemnation procedures.
The county's Crime Suppression Unit Narcotics Task Force and the Newnan Drug Unit are going to focus on the areas that have become a drug nuisance. The city will be targeting problematic areas such as Kidd Street, Landers Street, Richard Allen Drive and the Westgate area, according to Meadows. Yeager says the county will target the west side of the county, particularly the Arnco area and the Blackjack area off Gordon Road in southeast Coweta.
"Our goal is to clean up these neighborhoods in the city and the county," said Meadows.
"We especially want landlords to be more proactive with their properties," said Senior Assistant District Attorney Ray Mayer.
"We're not targeting a person, we just want to provide law-abiding citizens with a peaceful and safe place to live," said Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney Pete Skandalakis. "Citizens are being put on notice, if you rent to known drug dealers, then you're in violation of the law."
Skandalakis added that, with the current situation, drug dealers operating in Coweta are bringing people into the community who don't have a stake in it and don't have a problem committing crimes -- especially violent crimes.
Meadows says that another tool of enforcement will be targeting those violators who reside in government subsidized housing -- which is funded by taxpayer money. Violators will be kicked out of the program, and participating property owners who knowingly rent to violators will also be kicked out of the program.
According to Skandalakis, Mayer and Assistant District Attorney Kevin McMurry will both be "point men" for the district attorney's office. As such, they will be sending notices to property owners and working alongside the sheriff's office and city police department to attempt to broker solutions with landlords, according to Mayer. Meanwhile, they continue to prosecute the growing number of drug cases.
According to McMurry, the county will crack down on the drug situation by enforcing various statutes.
The asset forfeiture statute says that if a landlord knowingly allows illegal activities to go on in their rental property, then the property can be seized by law enforcement, according to McMurry. A public nuisance statute allows the municipality the means to abate the problem without seizing the property. An alternate resolution could be demolishing the structure or turning the land into a park.
Other tools at the county's disposal include code enforcement of existing property standards and working with public assistance agencies to remove the violators from government programs, according to McMurry.
"We don't want to be property owners, we just want the properties cleaned up," said Meadows.
"We just want landlords to use due diligence with whom they're renting to," added Skandalakis.
The sheriff also stressed that these laws not only apply to residential property owners, but also to businesses such as hotels and apartments that become problematic.
"We're experiencing recurring events at some of the same places," said Meadows.
"And many times it's involving recurring people," added Yeager.
"We are coordinating efforts to work to rid the community of drugs using the tools at our disposal," said McMurry.
"This is going to be a joint effort -- that's what it's going to take," said Meadows.
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Good luck Coweta PD, you are truly underpaid. When you are finished there, please stop by the new Starship that will be opening up at Thomas Crossroads and check out our drug paraphernalia. Yes, that is right boys and girls! Now you too can have your porn and your drug paraphernalia all in one stop. So funny that the top story of drug crack down is followed by the annoucement of Starship. Anyone else see the irony?
Posted by TC resident at 10:44 PM
THEN YOU SHOULD HOPE THEY START AT WESTGATE WIDE OPEN AND GET THE IDIOTS OFF THE STREET! MAYBE YOUR KIDS WONT HAVE TO BE HARASSED LIKE YOU WERE AND IF THEY ARE..DRUG FREE RIGHT?
Posted by GIGGLES at 8:21 PM
CONGRULATIONS SISTA! YOU MUST FEEL LUCKY CAUSE YOUR HUBBY MAY JUST BE THAT 1 GOOD COP OUT OF 100 IN COWETA!
Posted by INNOCENT FOUND GUILTY at 8:14 PM
YOU MAKE BETTER SENSE THAN MOST NPD COPS HAVE! PERIOD!
Posted by CONCERNED PARENT AS WELL at 8:09 PM
I APPLAUD YOU! BLIND IS RIGHT! HEY NPD...WHEN YOU CLEAN UP ARNCO, PLEASE START AT THE CORNER OF 3RD STREET! HINT HINT!!! DUH!
Posted by AROCO ST at 8:04 PM
HA!! REALLY!!! DRUGS DEALERS ARE ALSO SWEET! SUPRISE SUPRISE BARNEY FIFE!
Posted by GIGGLING IN COWETA at 7:58 PM
HERE WE GO! THE RACE THING! NO, ARNCO IS NOT A KNOWN "BLACK" NEIGHBORHOOD BUT FULL OF DRUGS! LOOK AROUND AND ANSWER YOUR OWN QUESTION ABOUT THOSE WHO STAND AROUND IN THE STREETS DEALING & WANDER WHY PLACES LIKE WESTGATE ARE TARGETED! HELLO?
Posted by WHITE BOY at 7:45 PM
PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING HERE ABOUT NAMING THEIR AREA AS IF THEY ARE NOT ONLY BLIND...BUT MAYBE DEAF & DUMB TOO! ARNCO IS MY AREA..IM NO LONGER PROUD TO SAY! IT'S FULL OF DRUGS! BLACK, WHITE, AND ALL OTHER RACES TOO! CHEERS TO CLEANING IT UP!
Posted by ARNCO RESIDENT at 7:13 PM
Fighting marijuana is a complete waste of tax payer money. Legalize it and tax it to death. How did illegal Alochol work out?
Posted by Joe Schmoe at 5:47 PM
Many of the comments overstate the drug problem in our schools. Public schools are comprised of students who are representative of our community population, so yes, it is true that some public school students probably get away with using and dealing drugs. But to indicate that drug use and dealing is rampant in the high schools is ridiculous. I work at a local high school every day and have not encountered any drug use or dealing. My three children have never witnessed drug use or drug dealings while in high school. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, but if it was a huge problem, I would know about it and would not want to teach in the setting or have my children in the setting. Even if one person uses or deals drugs in the schools,it is right to consider it a problem to be dealt with. But let's don't go beserk and act like our schools are overrun with drugs. It is simply not true and if you aren't there and don't have any evidence to support your comments you shouldn't make assumptions.
Posted by high school employee at 8:57 AM
Can anyone be more specific ? what number on Alpine Drive ? as my stash is getting low!
Posted by BrookFoot Boner at 4:04 PM
I'm surprised by the drugs on Alpine Drive comments. Read it twice now. Perhaps it could be the one rented house on the street or the new one that was just built. Otherwise, there is no way. The same folks have lived there for years upon years. I know them all, I've played in their houses, and I can tell you, they are not crackheads. They have all given to their community and are good, sweet people that are hard to find these days.
Posted by B at 8:07 AM
I wish for a return to the good ol' days when the townsfolk took care of business themselves. If there was a bad apple in their midst, they would come in the night carrying torches and burn them out. Totally burn down their property and everything on it. Then - come sun up, they had better be gone or else risk being filled with lead !! Talk about yer education - everyone understands action. Like I said in my previous post... guns a blazin'........ And I mean apply this technique to all citizens who offend. Rich, poor, white, black, latino, young, old, whatever. This country was founded on action and we can take it back the same way.
Posted by felix at 7:42 PM
The police can only do so much, we as parents need to do our job and be aware of what our children are doing. My daughter has friends that their parents could care less where they are and what they are doing most of the time. I'm glad to hear that the police are going to do more, now I only wish some of the parents would make the same commitment.
Posted by A Mom Who Knows at 6:51 PM
There are drugs in all neighborhoods, even in Lake Redwine and on Alpine Drive. You may not find a "crack" house but maybe a cocaine house instead. Since they are so educated and make a couple of hundred thousand a year, they don't need to deal with the small stuff. If you want cocaine then go to the high class neighborhoods, if you want crack or weed then go to Arnco, Westgate, Pinson or Kidd Street or any other low class area, if you want meth then go to the trailer park. They should bust all drug dealers. What's the point of being a drug dealer when you still live at home with your mother or you stay with your girl/boyfriend, you don't have a car that can make it out of the state without it breaking down or maybe you don't have a car period. So what's the point in selling drugs, the title "I'm a drug dealer". Get a job where you will make the same if not more money and you will have benefits. It's getting to cold to stand on the corner to make $5 or %10.
Posted by T.B. at 5:25 PM
CoonGoneWild, your comments seems a little off key. I believe what you are referring to is a "Martial Law" situation. Those of us that enforce the laws your elected officials put in place do this with you in mind. We have never once said "I wonder what the Mayor or Council or City Manager or County Commissioners want us to do here". That is evident when we put those people in jail for breaking the law. Don't believe me? What happened last week to the county finanical director? What happened two years ago to the city council member that stole utilities? I think they went to jail. Now if you want Martial Law to include mandatory curfews, rations on food and drink and gas, no freedom of speech or assembly, no freedom to purchase merchandise at stores you chose and oh yeah, take out the first 28 amendments of the U.S. Constitution. If that's what you want, petetion the elected officials and we would be glad to wear military style uniforms, drive humvees and carry assault riffles all day. Let me know when to start!!!
Posted by LEO at 5:13 PM
Citizens of Coweta County: Wake Up!!! If you don't know it, (and I assume most of you don't, because I don't see or hear very many parents taking an active roll in your teen's education or future.)the Coweta County high schools are over run with drugs. Yes, they are pushed and sold there. Your child is not going to rat out anyone and tell you about it because there are known consequences for that. The school system is not going to rat themselves out and tell you about it. You have to take TIME and find out for yourself unless of course you don't want to deal with the truth, or you can't miss work because you want a bigger house, car etc.,or maybe you use yourself and could care less. My point is this, we need to realize that this epidemic is not going to be solved with a few arrests or a cute little drug program. Pushers and dealers should be expelled permantely. Zero tolerance for drugs is no good if the administrators keep looking the other way. Until this community gets ready to stare reality in the face (your kid or maybe your neighbors kid is doing drugs and he got them at school) then nothing will change. because eventually the kid grows up and is hooked and the cycle continues. It's not a black or white thing it's a red, white and blue thing. Stop trying to point fingers and get united and do something for all the kids....if you really care.
Posted by concerned citizen at 4:56 PM
The Newnan Police Office that sits in our neighborhood off the bypass is more interested in trying to catch people making an illegal turn into our subdivision than he is the people selling drugs out of the house right behind him. And, we actually have several law enforcement officers from different counties that live in our neighborhood and the illegal activity continues in broad day light.
Posted by Take a closer look at 3:58 PM
Don't pretend you know anything about my husband. My husband exercises good judgement EVERYDAY. He is not some mindless robot blindly following orders. Every person he comes across is first and foremost a person and is treated as such. He is a person that my children can be proud of. When he goes out in the community "big brother" isn't over his shoulder telling him what to do or how to do it. He is a man of honor and integrity. Does he have his faults....yes, he leaves his clothes on the floor, his cup on the table and forgets to call all the time and oh yeah, no matter how much it may put him out he can never tell his friends "no" when they ask for help. Yes, a lot of cops screw up and get tunnel vison but the vast majority at Newnan are just men trying to go out and help the community. My husband and I debate on many issues (we enjoy it) and I never have been some shy little wife that would stand by and watch him change because of a job. Perhaps people should get to know the man and not judge local officers based on what they see in the news. Just as every banker, doctor, lawyer, dentist is different so is every officer. And for those that live in the neighborhoods that are mentioned in this article, I am sorry if you are an innocent that is questioned because of your location. I am sure that my husband treated you with respect, however he may not know you and has to question what you are doing because of the area you are in. It is not personal. I know that I am talking to a wall and most minds will not be changed, I can only hope that one day you will meet him and see the type of man that he is.
Posted by Police Officers Wife at 3:28 PM
I can't believe I just got called a sheep. I have never blindly followed my husband about every little topic. I'm not some suzy homemaker quietly standing by my man.If my husband screws up at work then I would gladly admit it. Til giving a good reason not to I will continue to support my husband and his coworkers to the best of my ability. And never seen a police man protect the public? Are you kidding me? My husband has written letters from average citizens claiming he saved them. So I think I will go with what I have SEEN firsthand. You can go on hating the police officers but its all good. They will still show up to save you if and when you need it.
Posted by C at 2:35 PM
well here we go again may be we'll have better luck this time.things are bad when your scared to go out side in broad open day.most of the property is rental. and used for hang outs.i've seen it for a number of years.you are right its not right we pay our taxes and should not have to live next door to drug and alcohol houses.all i can say is good luck.
Posted by dale hyde at 2:25 PM
hey greg everything isn't about racism but here we are dealing with harassment.Everybody in those areas aren't drug dealers.how would you like if your children walked down the street and was harassed by the drug task force for no apparent reason.believe me it happens i grew up in westgate and was stopped and searched plenty of times just cause. so you wake up and smell the roses moron,cause one day after they clean up the neighborhood(URBAN RENEWAL)those same people you called morons are going to be your neighbors.(smile)
Posted by madd at 1:50 PM
true enough there are drugs in westgate and on kidd st etc.drugs are in every neighborhood so why so much attention on low class neighborhoods? the arrest rate in westgate is way down from a report in 2000.So what do the authorities really want,is it just our property? I think so.If they wanna build parks why not do so now.
Posted by eyes wide open at 1:38 PM
My other comments weren't admitted. Those of you wives who support their husbands I commend you all. I'm sure you loved ones are dedicated to the force. Unfortunately the force is not with the community. It serves the government. I've never seen an officer protect the public. They protect Newnan, GA not the people of Newnan. Don't be fooled ladies. Your men don't use judgement anymore. They enforce laws to protect the city, not the citizens. If Newnan really wanted to rid itself of drugs, educate the people!!!! As longs as Newnan continues to recycle ignorance, there will always be drug dealers. Aren't thoe areas mention black and latino sections of town. Same old story. It's Christmas time folk, the police gotta make money too.
Posted by CoonGoneWild at 12:30 PM
If they are going to crack down on land lords that rent to people that are involved in drug dealing than why not crack down on land lords that rent to illegal immagrants...that is another problem that is growing in our community.
Posted by Rob Davis at 11:08 AM
My husband along with most of the Local Law Enforcement is a good, caring man. For those of you that think drug use is not a violent crime, are you serious? I mean really? I guess when someone is hyped up on crack and beats there toddler its not violent. Or when men are beating their wife because they are so high they cant see straight, its ok. How about when the little old lady gets robbed of her grocery money for the month so some "non- violent" methhead can score a hit, goes hungry. Im guessing if a house burnt down and killed a child because the mother was passed out form an Overdose that would be ok too. Drugs are bad. They lead to all other horrible violent crimes. I see that first hand in my job and so does my husband. I work for an attorney and do you know how many repeat clients we have for drug charges? Slaps on the risk don’t work. We need to go in hard and keep hitting hard until the problem is solved. I love this county and will sacrifice the family time I miss with my husband to clean up this county. We need to hit where it hurts and that means in people wallets. Take their houses, their land, their cars, take whatever it takes to make a point. We must come together and unite. We must as a community take a stand and fight. Its not only the cops job to fight drugs it's our also.
Posted by Nikki at 11:04 AM
I believe you; but that's just stupid! Maybe our local law officials should complain about that. No one would turn down money!! Why would people want to point out all the criminals? If for instance your guess was wrong, now you have given that person to take revenge on you! I'm by no means for drugs, but I'm not willing to risk my families safety for free! Our law enforcement gets paid to do this! Nobody in the community helps me for my paycheck! Make it worth our while!
Posted by Jeff G at 10:06 AM
My husband has proudly served this community for many years working for the NPD. You couldn't ask for a better bunch of people to police this community. People are all too often so quick to judge all officers based on the actions of a very few bad apples. I just wish everybody could see some of the things officers are forced to put up with. Its the silly petty crimes that just makes me mad. It seems like the community as a whole doesn't want to support its police department. True Newnan is still pretty safe compared to places like Newnan. But here lately bigger crimes are starting to happen more and more. My husband isn't asking for more money because he know the pay scale when he accepted the job. And he isn't even looking for a pat on the back. It would just be nice not to hear people talking smack about you even if you know its not really true. If you are going to talk about officers it would be nice if you included names.So that the truly bad officers could be confronted. But I don't think Newan has any truly bad officers not like some places near here.
Posted by c at 9:17 AM
Money or property taken from drug dealers has to go back to the state. Then the money is spilt between the state and local police who seized the assets. The money is not allowed to go back into the general fund of county government. Don't believe me the look it up.
Posted by C at 9:01 AM
As a wife of a Police Officer I can tell you this...He works to keep your kids and family safe. He does not go to work thinking that locking up a drug user/dealer will change the user/dealer. He does however hope that it will help the children, mothers, fathers, neighbors, etc.. of these areas. He does it in the hope that somewhere it makes a difference. He has seen meth heads using meth in front of their infant children....it tears him up..but he goes to work everyday to save these children, these innocent victims. He see's elderly parents struggling to get by have their own children steal from them to get drugs, he works to help them. He see's communities fall apart, friends shooting friends all in the name of drugs. He does it for them and for you. There is no payout for him..we struggle like everyone else. In this economy their is no overtime for these Officers, if it runs over than it is just time away from family. My kids see very little of their Daddy because he is out working for you. Please don't dishonor these officers sacrifice. You can look back in the paper at past articles and see that people in these communities asked for more of a Police presence. It is not about race. Meth is a huge problem in Coweta County and many "white" meth areas have been a priority as well. Not everything makes the paper. Can it be a game of politics? Sure! Is it the Officers game..no. The officers don't want your house. These landlords continue to let the same type of people move in time and time again. Officers arrest people at the homes only to find that a week later the same problems are at the home only with a new set of renters. At Some point enough is enough and these landlords have to be held accountable. And yes we do think that their should be more programs out there to help people with addictions. Hopefully it will happen. For now all he can do is his job and hope that somewhere sometime it makes a difference.
Posted by A Police Officers Wife at 8:44 AM
If Newnan/Coweta would start distributing the earnings that they make from these "crackdowns", I think you would get a better response from the community! If they seized $200 million from down the street, maybe they should disburse checks to our local people. Wouldn't you want to help out if you got a $1500.00 check in the mail every six months or so? I know this wouldn't solve the whole problem, but when times are tough, you do what you have to do! Habitual violaters,sex offenders,child molestors,anyone with a exceptionally bad record,etc.; shouldn't receive this gift. But do you think our county would pay us for helping them out?
Posted by Jeff G at 7:03 AM
Everyone that lives in Newnan knows about the drug problems in and around the areas that were named and I do not remember anything in the paper that said anything about black people. So let me get this straight. The law enforcement is going to crack (no pun intended)down on the drug problem in those areas but it seems that some morons that live in those areas are trying to make it into a racial issue. If your not the ones buying or selling the drugs then shut up, sit down, and let the local law enforcement do their job. Gee whiz, if your house catches on fire, are you going to start yelling racism when they send firemen that are not black? Slavery ended along time ago and I don't see anyone trying to resserect it. Get over it and get on with your life.
Posted by Greg at 3:26 AM
So, in a time of financial instability our government decides to spend more money in order to prosecute non-violent crimes. Then we house, clothe and feed these non-violent offenders and over populate our jails. Why is it that we never hear about a child molester crackdown? Our government is focused too much on their re-election and how they look to the voters that are in their demographic (upper-middle class white and rich) Why is it that you can go to a government officials house for a party and there is an abundance of cocaine? The time for this stupidity is running out, the generation of up-tight, suit wearing, right wing extremists is drawing to a close. Lets spend some money in the school's and teach children about drugs and the consequences. I went to Coweta County Schools from kindergarten till graduation. I sat through all those DARE meetings and all it did was make me curious. Lets teach our children, not throw money away by starting crackdowns with 100 cops racking up overtime knowing that a week after it's over everything will be back up and running. Different (and some of the same) people selling the same drugs. If you want to look for drugs try White Oak, Summer Grove, Newnan Pines, Spring Water . . .
Posted by coweta county resident at 2:06 AM
It's about time they do something about this, I live around Arnco and its so bad! You drive to the store and on the way you see people selling drugs on the side of the road, day or night!
Posted by Jennifer at 1:35 AM
Go to Alpine Drive or Lake Redwine and just try to score some crack...I challenge you to locate a "Crack House" betcha won't cause the people who live there don't sell it. Most upscale neighborhoods where educated professionals live and work and Average $250,000 or so per year and can afford a $750,000 home don't need the revenue that drug sales generate. Anyone from any socioeconomic class can be a drug user or a drug dealer and I am certain some are, but they go to the places like Arnco and Westgate to buy their drugs of choice because that is where they are sold. It ain't a white thing, it ain't a black thing, it's a poor thing and as long as there is profit to be made or reality to escape drugs will be found in any poor or economically depressed neighborhood. Good people can be from or live anywhere.I am certain that many good people came from Arnco or Westgate or anywhere in this town where you choose your path and no destiny is written in stone. Sadly the jail here is four to a cell here most of the time and as long as the door to the courthouse revolves a steady revenue of fees and fines you will NEVER see this problem solved,like cancer there is too much money in it. When I see my government concerned enough about the need to TREAT addiction instead of fining it,we might truly see progress. And what kind of message are we going to send by becoming a society that polices body fluids? wake up folks and think about what you are asking for.
Posted by JH at 11:29 PM
Seems to me that all you people on here think law enforcement have a crystal ball to look in and find where the drugs are at all times. You complain about the lack of enforcement in the past and then drop little hints like "Try the houses near smokey rd." Do you realize how many houses there are "near smokey road"? People, if you have information, call the police department or sheriff's office. If you want, call the tip line and don't use your name. If you are unwilling to give the information in a reliable and court approved format, don't complain when the officers/investigators have little pity for your "hood". If you want action, take action and turn these people in. They are the ones that will rob you, beat you, kill you and even sell your 6 year old drugs to make a dollar. Otherwise, Stop crying and plan on your next vent of how to be a good victim. You seem to be experts.
Posted by Wondering where the witnesses are at 10:48 PM
WIKIPEDIA COWETA COUNTY 78.86% WHITE 17.97% BLACK WHAT'S RACIAL?
Posted by ex westgate resident at 10:40 PM
Don't be so sensitive. We all have a bad apple or two or three in our neighborhoods. It's a message, only a message, and pertains to anyone thinking of dealing drugs just anywhere. I for one am keeping my eyes open in my own area. And the Section 8 folks that don't appreciate their home, then I still say the owner needs to lose those rights. The owner knows what kind of people are in their rentals. And the owner in most cases lives right here in Coweta County living in a nicer neighborhood. There is a name for that. To end this comment for the day, I trust law enforcement for all they do. Anyone else who comments about money in pockets are just plain idiots. We need law enforcement , so stop complaining about it, when you need them they are there. They put their lives on the line every day, do you? They get very little praise, all complaints. Most people wouldn't want that kind of job. But they are dedicated. We are blessed to have what goodness we have in this county. But I agree with article, we need a crackdown. By the way...property values are down anyway. Go with the flow.
Posted by sick of it at 9:39 PM
"Through Playing"when where they playing?I think if the police and the DA office educate and rehabilitate most offenders they won't reoffend.As a lifelong resident of newnan I feel ashamed of to live here now because law enforcement knows just as well as I do locking people up is going to solve everything.It looks good on paper be for real.whats the real motive behind all of this "URBAN RENEWAL"?
Posted by ex westgate resident at 9:10 PM
The only thing people involved in this kind of lifestyle understand is being shot at. I say come in with guns blazing and then everybody will take you seriously and we might actually end up with a cleaner Coweta county ! :o)
Posted by felix at 8:59 PM
why are you naming area like westgate,kidd street and other. this is bring down our property value due to the police consider our area is as a drug area.its not just our area check the other areas as well. its not just a black area it all the area of coweta county.its very disrespectful of the police to name all the black area and no the other area.
Posted by concern person at 6:45 PM
Law enforcement won't drug test students even the ones they know do drugs. I personally know of kids on probation for dealing and the probation officers won't even drug test them! Even when probation received an anonymous tip, they called ahead - what moron doesn't know how to beat the Coweta County system never mind middle and high schoolers.
Posted by Facing the Facts at 5:15 PM
Very well written. Hope everyone appreciates it. However investors and Section 8 homes that are in "Home Owners Associations" have a responsibility to other people in the same neighborhood. Sometimes those people in those homes are irresponsible. Of course, many Section 8 are well taken care of because they APPRECIATE having a home. But there are exceptions, and sometimes people put on a good show in that once a year inspection. If government is paying for that, then the joke is on all of us.
Posted by sick of it at 4:36 PM
heck this is how it is....money in law enforcements pockets and out of law abiding landlords pockets for a park on each corner for more dope dealers to hang out...SMART MOVE...How about building a rehab facility or putting money into a state funded facility for people with the disease of addiction IN COWETA COUNTY ???? You would help your momma if she had the disease of diabeties wouldn't you ???
Posted by concerned citizen at 4:21 PM
Many investors have bought these homes and never once looked at them. The Government places these "families" in homes that must pass a section 8 inspection annually and many of them are extremely nice. It seems to me that the problem lies in the hands of the GBI and ATF. Local agencies take the brunt of the lack of control by the other assisting agencies. If I am correct, most of our service men and women are trained on southern soil and many of these soldiers go into Law Enforcement. The South is by far NOT dead. As a board member of Teen Challenge International, I personally know how God can heal and restore men and women. Thing is, YOU have to want it. Let's solve this thing respectively and show our Counties, States, and our Nation that we now stand together, both Blue and Gray, Orange and Purple, and any other color in the spectrum. Believe in your elected officials to make the right moves in order to shake up the whole system.
Posted by AGENTJ at 3:41 PM
No I don't think anyone wants to take any business away. But if they have been warned about tenants a million times and the kids do drugs, then what is the alternative. I agree kids should be tested at school as well. Property owners of Section 8 ought to be more alert to what is renting from them, make visits, check on your home/apt weekly. The neighbors would be your friend to watch for you if you only had a open mind about things.
Posted by Sick of it at 1:35 PM
I have been hearing this for quite sometime i have one ? when you lock one up another takes it place newnan or no county predicts how long you stay in jail the police control all the dope the only ones get busted if you dont play ball with them
Posted by it dont matter at 1:15 PM
I'm against the drug problem as much as anybody but it seems your targeting the wrong people going after the landlords. Bust the drug dealers! If we are expected to know what's happening in the home then the police should be expected to stop the illegal activity. Don't take my law abiding business! If Mr. Skandalakis thinks I should know "known drug dealers", then why are they still on the streets???
Posted by Landlord at 12:43 PM
Please don't forget some of your own friends home Newnan Tough Squad. These areas are high profiled and remember the ones who come into the neighborhoods, a Judge, Lawyers and Officers
Posted by Totally Newnan at 11:54 AM
This is not a shoot-em, hanging country and Newnan needs to come to grip. Just like the election polls this is a good ole boy mentality. Rehabilitation is the best way. This is what separates the man from the animals, the US Constitutions and Jim Crow days are gone. It is up to man wisdom to interpret those dead documents. I am curious about what benefits to Newnan or the No good Drug Dealers will get from the proceeds of this money collected. As far the ones who comments about people can pack up and leave, that sounds like the Old South mentality.
Posted by Newnan Own at 11:22 AM
Take it from me !!! Folks we need to drug test our middle school and high schools students. You would be suprised just who does and how many!!!!
Posted by LC at 11:17 AM
Responsible citizens need to remember the innocent children, who are forever affected by the drug use of their parents. Long lasting brain damage, violence which tramatized brain circuits may never be altered or changed. The disruption drugs and alcohol have done to families has caused the real epedemic of increased foster care, and grandparents having to adopt grandchildren or see them in foster care for 15 years. What kind of legacy is that to leave this generation.
Posted by GLORIA E. DANIEL at 11:16 AM
Try the houses on Smokey Rd. One in particular. Somewhere around the middle school is what I heard.
Posted by fly on the wall at 11:14 AM
I'm sick & tired of all these closet racist using this community blog as a soapbox for your outdated, offensive & cowardly views, I'm all for the crack down on drugs just like any other tax paying citizen of this county but if your going to do it, do it right, true their are a lot of drugs being sold on Pinson street & the other so called "hoods" but there are also a large number of drugs being sold & manufactured in our rural areas of the county & trailer parks & I don't know many blacks that reside in those areas or for that matter I don't know any blacks that even know the ingrediants needed to produce meth of even haw to make it, I do know that crack is fadeing away on its own & meth is the growing drug of choice in Coweta County, all I'm saying Is by all means crack down but do it across the board.
Posted by M Britt at 11:09 AM
I THINK THIS IS GREAT!! WE NEED TO KEEP DRUGS OFF THE STREET. YOU CAN'T GO ANY WHERE ANYMORE WITHOUT SOME ONE HAVING DRUGS OR DOING DRUGS. I THINK THE PEOPLE THAT ARE SELLING THESE DRUGS SHOULD BE PUNISHED LIKE THE RAPEST AND MURDERERS AND THEY NEED TO GO FIND A REAL JOB.
Posted by KASEY at 10:33 AM
It is a good idea to publish the locations because I bet you anything none of the people in those areas even read the newspaper, for that matter, even online. Time for a good wash. Clean it up!!
Posted by Damn Rite at 10:22 AM
Seems alot of people know where the known drug houses are but in 20 years in this county I have never once seen them hit!! The meth problem is skyrocketing and these "safe houses" continue to provide refuge and more. Why arent the avenues of distribution being stopped.People who are addicted arent geting much help. Block access to the drugs and that will help them much more...word is you can get any drug even while in jail. So how is locking up the addicted helping them. I will be watching to see who they go after. It will be interesting to see if the really do the right thing.
Posted by eyes wide open at 10:05 AM
When slumlords are friends with the so called 'powers that be' in Coweta County, no drug bust will ever take place on their property. Trust me on this one.
Posted by mdl at 9:40 AM
While law enforcement is focusing on certain areas, they need to add schools to the list. We have a terrible problem in our middle and high schools. Take a look!
Posted by rmm at 8:57 AM
I do agree that announcing the names of the locations that will be targeted is not very smart. Ei, yi, yi!
Posted by In The Know at 8:53 AM
Those who question the measures being taken are just as guilty by giving a sense of acceptance of this kind of activity. Why question or complain about actions being taken by those who want a better place for our families. (or) do you condone this type of activity. If that is the case, PACK UP AND LEAVE AND DONT FORGET TO TAKE THE RIF-RAF WITH YOU, since you don't mind it. I do agree, with one comment, why give a heads up to where the crackdown is coming. That would be like telling Al-Qaida where we are coming next. That just does not seem very bright. Let's be smart and use due diligence before tipping off those who the authorities are trying to catch instead of hindering an investigation. Oh’, and don’t give us that “Freedom of the press” crap. You know were right. Thank you to those who are cleaning up the area, and God's Speed.
Posted by Omega at 8:53 AM
First off I wish much sucess on winning this war. Second its a fact that most drugs in this town are being sold on one or two streets mainly Pinson and Maryann st.And is it just by chance those streets are considered black neighborhoods? Nope its just that is the way it is and always has been. I just hope no officers/deputies get hurt during this crackdown. Good to see LEO leaders admit this town has a big problem. Now maybe something will be done to stop the thugs.
Posted by C at 8:40 AM
This is a distrubing article as it seems and appears with everything in Coweta County these days. The main players in the game ( the Chief, Sheriff and DA ) should educate themselves more in tune with a process of developing bettern communication lines versus trying to fatten their pockets. As this continues to be the underlying motive as in previous years. I know some of these dealers don't care and this is not the right motives, please explain beside jail times what rehabilitations measures or method are in place for the ones who wishes to do something positive for their lives. The targeting area is profiling and racial motive. I am strongly and spritual against drugs that are being used to destroy any race of people. Please seek a win-win situation versus and cowboy style/ This is a New Age and The Ole South is dead.
Posted by Newnan Son at 8:37 AM
I am so pleased you did mention that the property OWNERS knowingly allow bad people to rent from them will also be responsible. I will be watching closer as well to see if the renters are violating their Section 8 home privileges. And bet your bottom dollar I will be screaming to the owner and to law enforcement about it. And whats with the remarks its about racism in the comment section. Good grief , get over yourselves. Even if you are purple with yellow polka dots and you do wrong, you pay the price. Law enforcement ought to know where they are getting the complaints the most, not you people just reading the article.
Posted by Sick of it at 8:32 AM
this is in response to chad i hart. First of all --law enforcement are not trying to harass anyone. They are only going and addressing the problems where they exist!!!! Not a racial issue---get over it!! This is about the safety and wellbeing of all citizens. It's about time that our law enforcement agencies are cracking down on this problem that has existed for FAR TOO LONG!!!! jUST BECAUSE SOME OF THE WORST CASE OFFENDERS HAPPEN TO LIVE IN YOUR 'SO-CALLED HOOD' doesn't mean it's racial. I'm so tired of that old agrument. It you have knowledge of wrongdoing in your 'hood' or 'neighborhood'--have the decency to let them know. Don't critisize unless your're willing to be part of the solution. It is what it is----!!!
Posted by rocket at 8:20 AM
When did Arnco become ‘prominently black’?
Posted by Landlord at 8:17 AM
Now that the officials have told where they'll be looking primarily, the dealers will just move to somewhere else. Thanks for letting them all know where the targeted areas are!! Smart work as always!
Posted by sowers at 8:09 AM
We just need to make sure that the police focus more on the suburbs of Newnan than the inner city slums so it isn't a racial war. Good idea, Chad.
Posted by ceb at 8:08 AM
How can you say that it is a racial war? What part of 70 pecent or more of the drugs being sold in coweta county coming out of those places racial? Give me a break not everything is about race!!!!
Posted by B at 7:39 AM
"asset forfeiture" That says it all. No need to prove in a court of law, just take it.
Posted by Skip at 7:16 AM
As a person in the box looking out........trust me it's not a race war, you would be surprised were you can buy drugs. It just isnt in " the hood".
Posted by fred at 7:13 AM
I respect the county decision to wanna clean up the city, but from a person that have been on the inside and now looking out, i see this as aracial war with the authorities only focusing their attention on the predominatly black neighborhoods.Don't just harass people in the hoods cause drugs are in the suburbs too.
Posted by chad i hart at 3:10 AM
drugs bring the communities and cities down, along with the stupid people that sell and use this mess. thank God for someone coming up with a plan to break it down or completely remove this trash from our system.
Posted by sjru at 11:14 PM
well doesn,t this sound familiar. heard this talk before, the fact is the law has allowed the kingpins to gain profits at the price of those whom suffer from a disease. more programs for those who need help and stopping the flow of the drugs into the county. I quote Sheriff Yeager some years back that the problem was the sick people that are addicted, well if you think you can and will rid the county of drugs, good luck, but believe me its just talk. there has to be stoppage of the pipeline of drugs, and the law knows who they are. Maybe they are afraid of them or could it be Riggs and Yeager also have profitted from the sins of a sick society.
Posted by recovering elsewhere at 9:34 PM
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From the sheep
11/24/2008
Link To This Comment
No I know my husband is no better or worse then all the other policemen. My husband was given a job to police the streets of his hometown. And sometimes he might have to do thinngs he doesn't like or agree with. But he has sworn to uphold the laws as written by lawmakers. He doesn't get to pick and choose who to arrest. Anbd its not up to him to decide gulity or innocence. So that is indeed why some truly innocent people end up in jail.
Posted by C at 9:42 AM