Published Friday, September 11, 2009

Methamphetamine dealers arrested

By Elizabeth Melville

The Newnan Times-Herald

A complaint from management at the Travel Lodge south of Newnan led to the arrest of three methamphetamine dealers in Coweta County Wednesday.

Investigators with the Newnan-Coweta Crime Suppression Unit's Narcotics Task Force received a complaint from management at the Travel Lodge -- located at 1344 South Highway 29 -- that 37-year-old James Ray Lester, a long-time resident of Room 301, was selling meth and pills from his room, according to Inv. Victor McPhie.

On Wednesday morning, a confidential informant made a meth purchase from Lester to confirm the allegations, according to McPhie.

Investigators returned to the Travel Lodge around 10 a.m. Wednesday with an arrest warrant. Lester told police that his supplier would be coming shortly to bring more drugs.

Three investigators waited in the room with Lester while police set up a perimeter around the Travel Lodge.

Michael Grady Smith, 42, of Luthersville, and his girlfriend, Jennifer Ann Werner, 27, of Senoia, arrived and knocked on Lester's door. Police moved in and took Smith and Werner into custody.

Investigators searched the suspects and found meth, marijuana and hydrocodone pills. Both suspects initially lied to police about Smith's identity. They were charged with possession of meth with intent to distribute, possession marijuana with intent to distribute, possession Schedule III drugs, and giving false information to law enforcement. Other criminal charges are pending.

Lester was arrested and charged with sale of meth.

"Management is sending a message that they won't tolerate illegal activity," said Inv. Edwin Rivera.

The county's anonymous tip line is 770-253-2324.