Aggressive Crime Enforcement (ACE) Unit Investigators were invited to speak at the Student Leadership Academy/Youth Civic Health Board Club at Pierce County High School last week. The investigators discussed three major crime trends: property crimes, crimes against children and drug-related crimes such as the sale, misuse, trafficking and organized operations involving narcotics. According to investigators, property crime is the most common. Investigators were able to explain to the students how individuals use criminal networks (sometimes international), money laundering, cartel involvement, etc., to grow, sale and misuse of drugs of many kinds. Investigators explained how one small tip from social media led to a major drug case which was adjudicated and one of the largest marijuana grow operations in Georgia history. Shown above are (l-r) front row: Malayna Wetherington, Christi Pitts, Investigator Wayne Mercer, Zaccheus Lyons, Alexander Lacot, Madison Gambrell, Jesica Nolasco, Emma Rusez, Reagan Wright, Riley Thomas, Daisy Cruz, Griffin Hull, Grayson Christmas, Julia Swain and Stephanie Bell, back row: Investigators Bryce Edwards, Greg Nettles and Jacob Winters and students Mollie Kate Dixon and J.J. Sierra.
