Bartow County: Large-Scale Methamphetamine Distribution Network Disrupted in Multi-Agency Investigation

Beginning in March 2025, the Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force (BC-DTF), operating under the Special Operations Division of the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, initiated an extensive investigation into a criminal network distributing significant quantities of methamphetamine throughout Bartow County and surrounding areas.

This investigation was conducted in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad), Paulding County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia Bureau of Investigation Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force – NWGDTF), Cartersville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and SWAT Team, and the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

According to Bartow County Sheriff Clark Millsap, Drug Task Force Agents identified the primary target as Jonathan Russell Nelson, of Acworth, Georgia. Nelson is a multi-kilogram methamphetamine distributor with confirmed ties to the Vagos Motorcycle Club. At the time of his arrest, Nelson was in possession of over two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and multiple firearms.

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, this collaborative operation culminated in the execution of eight search warrants across Bartow, Cherokee, and Paulding counties, resulting in the arrest of twenty-eight individuals. The individuals arrested face charges for various violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, including Trafficking Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine, as well as felony Obstruction of Officers and multiple firearms offenses.

During the operation, Agents seized:

-Approximately 8 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (estimated street value of $640,000)
-Seventeen fluid ounces of -Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)
-Sixteen firearms
-Five vehicles
-U.S. currency

Sheriff Millsap praised the dedication and teamwork of all participating agencies, stating:
“These arrests and seizures are the direct result of dedicated collaboration between local, state, and federal partners to keep dangerous drugs and violent criminals out of our communities. I commend the hard work of all personnel involved in this operation.”

The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office extends appreciation to its Patrol Division, Jail Division, and Criminal Investigations Division for their critical assistance in supporting this investigation.

This investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated.