Augusta law enforcement agencies recently teamed up to raid multiple locations allegedly associated with the Youngins With Money street gang, seizing drugs and more than $200,000 in cash.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the Grovetown Police Department on Tuesday to conduct search warrants at locations on Henry Circle and Feldspar Court in Augusta and Candleberry Drive in Grovetown, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office Wednesday.
In total, the agencies seized 30 pounds of marijuana, an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine worth $211,166 and more, the release states.
The Sheriff’s Office said it arrested De’Ante Cannon, the alleged leader of the “Youngins With Money” group, and two others. He was charged with trafficking in marijuana, unlawful participation in street gang activity and obstructing law enforcement.
Cannon’s alleged associate, Mikael Javaro Williams, was arrested on suspicion of trafficking in marijuana and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, the Sheriff’s Office noted. Another alleged accomplice, Kareem Levon Butler, was arrested on suspicion of trafficking marijuana.
More: Augusta man killed when moped crashes into vacant building while fleeing police
“Last night’s arrests are another step in the right direction for Augusta and the entire CSRA,” said Richmond County Sheriff’s Chief Lewis Blanchard. “These results reflect the tireless work of our investigators and the strength of our partnerships. We are extremely grateful to the Grovetown Police Department and Chief Jamey Kitchens for their assistance and coordination.”
The Sheriff’s Office began an investigation in February that focused on Youngins With Money’s connection to illegal gun possession and large-scale drug trafficking and distribution throughout Richmond County.
In March, two YWM members were arrested after a large amount of marijuana was found in their car on Tubman Home Road in Augusta. Two incidents in September included the arrest of two YWM members on gun and drug charges and the grand jury indictment of 11 members of the gang on multiple charges.
This year, the Sheriff’s Office has seized 20 firearms, approximately 41 pounds of marijuana, methamphetamine, oxycodone pills and cash used to fund the gang’s criminal activities, the release states.
“I want to thank the dedicated officers of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, our partners at the Grovetown Police Department, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, and gang prosecution units across the state for their outstanding work and professionalism,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley. “These cases require patience, coordination and commitment. Our partnerships are making Augusta safer for everyone.”
This article originally appeared in the Augusta Chronicle: Grovetown Augusta raid targets Youngins With Money street gang
