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A multi-company investigation into an alleged asphalt paving scam involves teach in Fayette County, the put search warrants were done and surely one of the most suspects resides.

The operation, utilized March 20, fervent the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Location of labor alongside with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Location of labor, Pike County Sheriff’s Location of labor, Coweta County Sheriff’s Location of labor, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Search warrants were served in Brooks in Fayette County, in addition as Williamson and Haralson.

Investigators pronounce the case companies and products on an organized community accused of concentrating on residents—in particular aged folks—with untrue driveway paving schemes. Victims were allegedly misled into paying for work that used to be incomplete, defective, or below no conditions performed.

Two males were arrested, including one from Fayette County.

Peewee Stumpie Lee, 33, of Brooks, and Johnny Ray Lee, 25, of Williamson, each and each face a few fees, including exploitation of aged persons, prison theft by deception, and violations of Georgia’s RICO Act.

Both are being held without bond within the Meriwether County Penitentiary.

Fayette County connection

Authorities pronounce the Fayette County Sheriff’s Location of labor played a characteristic within the coordinated investigation and execution of search warrants tied to the alleged scam.

Investigators are urging Fayette County residents who would possibly maybe likely salvage encountered identical paving offers to come reduction forward, noting that additional victims are seemingly clean unidentified.

The suspects are believed to salvage operated all the way via a few counties and likely beyond Georgia, the utilization of identical tactics in each and each space.

How the scam labored

According to investigators, the community allegedly approached householders—usually via unsolicited, door-to-door contact—providing paving companies and products. In many cases, victims reported being forced into paying bigger than within the origin agreed upon or billed for additional work they did no longer authorize.

Authorities pronounce suspects every so usually claimed to salvage leftover supplies or provided “this day-only” pricing to bustle choices.

The investigation has already uncovered identical transactions in assorted jurisdictions, and additional fees would possibly maybe likely be aware.

Sheriff credits early guidelines

Meriwether County Sheriff Chuck Smith talked about experiences from residents helped poke the case forward prior to suspects would possibly maybe likely relocate.

“We’re appreciative of the suggestions that used to be obtained from our voters within the origin of these offenses,” Smith talked about. “Many cases, it’s weeks or months prior to those form crimes are reported and the offenders salvage moved onto assorted locations.”

He added that the investigation shows ongoing efforts to address organized criminal teach working all the way via jurisdictions.

Extra victims would possibly maybe likely clean be out there

Investigators pronounce the suspects would possibly maybe likely salvage passe the names “Richard Wilson” and “Gary Wilson,” and were reportedly linked with crimson or yellow Hummer H2 autos.

Residents in Fayette County and surrounding areas who skilled incomplete work, surprising fees, or rigidity to pay for unapproved companies and products are impressed to contact law enforcement.

Fayette County residents can contact native authorities at 770-716-4750.

The investigation remains ongoing, with additional arrests and charges that you may factor in.