Authorities seize three of four suspects in multi-county drug bust

CLEVELAND — Tips provided by concerned citizens lead to three arrests and the dismantling of a tri-county marijuana distribution organization operating in White, Habersham and Gwinnett Counties.

Joint efforts between White Co. Sheriff’s Office, Habersham Co. Sheriff’s Office, Cleveland PD, Demorest PD, Norcross PD, the Department of Community Supervision and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office resulted in the seizure of several pounds of marijuana, THC wax and $56,253 from this operation.

With the use of interviews and surveillance footage, ARDEO Agents were able to execute a warrant for Steven Pruitt’s residence located on the 100 block of Rolling Ridge Dr. in Cleveland.

Investigators found eight pounds of marijuana and 200 grams of THC wax along with numerous firearms inside the home.

A second search warrant was taken out for 25-year-old Evan Johnstone and William Blake Moore’s townhome located in the 600 block of Summer Place in Norcross, Ga.

There, investigators seized 14 pounds of marijuana, 200 grams of THC wax, 104 .500 ml THC vapor cartridges, and $42,169.

Johnstone was arrested during a traffic stop in White Co. and officials seized $3,500 and THC wax.

William Ryan Crispin, 20, was also arrested after a traffic stop in White Co. and possessed marijuana, $9,584 and another $1,000 was found at his residence located in Demorest, Ga.

Further investigations revealed that Crispin was on his way to White Co. to purchase marijuana from Pruitt who is supplied by Johnstone and Moore.

A large quantity of the marijuana was smuggled into the state illegally and it appeared that Johnstone and Moore were producing their own THC wax which also referred to as Butane Honey Oil or ‘Butter.’

The street value for THC wax can go up to $120 per gram, far more compared to the $30 to traditional marijuana.

Pruitt, 33, Crispin, 20, and Johnstone were arrested under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute and transported to the White Co. Detention Center.

Moore is still on the loose and investigators are asking for anyone who may have information on his whereabouts are asked to contact the ARDEO via instant messenger or call 706-348-7410 or contact your local sheriff’s office.