Several arrested in meth-trafficking sting

An ongoing meth trafficking investigation leads to several drug arrests in Macon County and Rabun County, Ga.

On Friday, July 24, 2015, Agents of the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, the Macon County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office, and NC State Bureau of Investigation took action in the drug sting.

Rona Burrell Stone, 48, of 192 Omega Hills Drive, Franklin, North Carolina was arrested, in Franklin, North Carolina and charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

Denise Andrews, 35, of 713 Eskona Street, Newland, North Carolina was arrested, in Franklin, North Carolina and charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

Karrie Elisa Varner, 33, of 214 Omega Hills Road, Franklin, North Carolina was arrested in Clayton, Georgia and charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

Joseph Anthony Persicketti, 26, of 214 Omega Hills Road, Franklin, North Carolina was arrested in Clayton, Georgia and charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

Agents executed three search warrants, in North Carolina which resulted in the seizure of approximately 11 ½ ounces of crystal methamphetamine (street value of $32,890.00).

Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland said in a news statement, “These arrests follow an extensive investigation by multiple agencies working together and as a result of citizens contacting their local Sheriff’s complaining and providing information concerning illegal activities in their community.”

“These arrests should show our citizens that the information provided does not fall on deaf ears although sometimes it seems that way. While an arrest looks good today what really matters is a conviction at the end of the judicial process.”