Drug Task Force Shuts Down Alpharetta Drug House, Saves Baby

ALPHARETTA, GA — Four adults were recently arrested after police found their "filthy" drug house, which also was the home of a 6-month-old baby and two abused dogs.

Last week, officers from the Johns Creek-Alpharetta-Forsyth County Drug Task Force (JCAF) and Alpharetta’s newly formed Community Response Team (CRT), shut down a suspected drug house in Alpharetta. Based on information from an ongoing investigation, anonymous community tips, and other law enforcement sources, a search warrant was obtained and executed at 474 Michael Drive where four adults were taken into custody.

When the officers entered the house they found heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and illegally possessed prescription pills all over the house. The house was filthy with rotting food, used syringes and other drug-related objects, and knives covering the floor, the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety said. Living in these conditions with his parent was a 6-month-old child. Fulton County DFACS responded and turned the child over into the custody of grandparents.

In the backyard, a closed trailer was found to be the home of two dogs. With no moving air, 90 degrees outside, and no food or water, these malnourished animals were turned over to Fulton County Animal Control where they are currently recovering. One of the dogs is suspected of having an untreated broken leg, the department said.

The suspects were charged with the following offenses:

• Justin Walker: Sale of Heroin, Sale of schedule I drugs, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Schedule I Drugs, Drug Related Objects, Cruelty to Animals
• Randolph Echols: Possession of Cocaine and Drug-Related Objects
• Preston Nolan: Possession of Schedule I Drugs and Drug-Related Objects
• Swantia’ Lawler: 1st Degree Cruelty to Children

The Johns Creek Police Department, Alpharetta Department of Public Safety and Forsyth County Sheriff's Office formed the JCAF Drug Task Force in May 2018.

The mission of the initiative is to turn law enforcement attention to "dealer-level" narcotic investigations. The Task Force is made up of 18 agents who are "committed to combating drug sales in our areas," the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday.

The JCAF Task Force will also move freely within the three jurisdictions while conducting investigations, the agency added.