Nine people are in custody following a joint investigation that led to the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team’s (CNT) largest single cocaine seizure, as well as 40 pounds of marijuana, 21 firearms and more.
On March 5, CNT with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Chatham County Aviation Unit and other local and federal law enforcement agencies conducted drug operations at various hotels spanning several local jurisdictions.
During a joint investigation, CNT, DEA and supporting agencies learned a large drug transaction was to take place. The operation resulted in the seizure of 25 kilograms of cocaine, marking CNT’s largest single cocaine seizure. Six people were arrested, including four from Texas and two from Savannah.
In the weeks that followed, seven search warrants were conducted throughout Chatham County, including the Sandfly community; Eastside, Westside and Cann Park in Savannah; Pooler; and Lake Shore subdivision in Port Wentworth. CNT also conducted a search warrant of a residence in the metro Atlanta area.
Those arrested include: Herman Williams, 43, of Savannah/Pooler; William Robinson, aka Barron Robertson, 51, of Savannah; Allen Grady III, 41, of Savannah; Justin Swinton, 37, of Savannah; Barrington Miller, 47, of Savannah; and Rodrigo Rodriguez, 47, Edgar Marroquinn, 35, Desmond Jones, 46, and Christian Leyton, 42, all of Texas.
The investigation resulted in the total approximate seizures of 25 kilograms of cocaine worth roughly $4 million, 40 pounds of marijuana and 5 ounces of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/ecstasy); 17 bottles (260fl ounces) of codeine; 21 firearms, including 11 long guns and 10 handguns, with two of the firearms returning stolen; multiple vehicles, including a Chevrolet Corvette; and about $430,000 in cash.
“I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this investigation and thankful for the working partnerships we have,” said CNT Director Everette Ragan. “This was a dangerous organization that profited from poisoning our community. I strongly believe this case sends a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Our community deserves better and we stand ready to defend it.”
In 2017, CNT, DEA and the United States Postal Inspectors (USPI) identified a drug distribution group operating throughout Chatham County. The organization was identified to contain about 30 people locally in Chatham County, most of who had previous felony drug convictions and/or were deemed “career criminals.”
The heads of the organization were identified as 43-year-old Herman Felix Williams of Pooler/Savannah and 38-year-old Omar “Fresh” Jajaun Griffin of Savannah/Pooler/Atlanta.
CNT is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Griffin, who is known to frequent Chatham County, Atlanta and Houston, Texas. Griffin is described as a black male, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, 165 pounds, short black hair, brown eyes with a “clean cut” appearance.
According to CNT, Griffin is also known to regularly cover his face with hooded clothing and is known to grow his hair and facial hair out. He has a history of fleeing law enforcement and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Based on the findings of the investigation, it is believed the organization was regularly distributing large amounts of cocaine, marijuana, MDMA/ecstasy and codeine. The investigation also identified the organizations’ cocaine and marijuana sources of supply were located in Houston, Texas, and California.
"This criminal network posed a clear and present danger to the safety and security of the citizens of Chatham County. Their removal automatically makes this community a safer place,” said DEA Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy. “These arrests illustrate that success can be achieved through the combined efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement cooperation."
The investigation is ongoing and future arrests are expected.
Anyone with information regarding Griffin’s whereabouts is asked to contact CNT at 912-652-3900 or CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 where callers remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.