Four arrested in south Bibb meth operation bust

A month-long joint investigation into a methamphetamine trafficking operation led to four arrests and the seizure of about $235,500 worth of the drug in south Macon on Thursday afternoon.

Julie Rebecca Merritt, 33, was arrested about 3 p.m. in the 3900 block of Spencer Circle, which isn't far from the intersection of Ga. 247 and Rocky Creek Road, according to a news release from the Bibb County Sheriff's Office. At the same time, 50-year-old David Ashley Lanier was arrested after a traffic stop on Broadway at Mead Road, according to the release. A short time later, 52-year-old Harolyn Kent and 58-year-old Rhonda Leah Patton were arrested at a home in the 4000 block of San Juan Avenue about a mile away from Lanier.

Merritt is charged with trafficking methamphetamine; Lanier is charged with possession, trafficking and selling the drug; Kent is charged with trafficking methamphetamine and sale of the drug; Patton is charged with possession of methamphetamine, according to the release.

The arrests are the result of a joint investigation involving the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, the Peach County Sheriff's Office and the GBI, according to the release. About two kilograms of methamphetamine were seized from the drug operation.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 43-year-old Shennan Eurekus Dorsey for trafficking methamphetamine in connection with the operation, according to the release.

To contact writer Laura Corley, call 744-4334 or follow her on Twitter @Lauraecor.

This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Four arrested in south Bibb meth operation bust ."