Story Published:
Nov 24, 2007 at 3:53 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Nov 24, 2007 at 4:15 PM EDT
Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives need your help finding 11 fugitives wanted in connection with the illegal possession and sales of firearms, drugs and stolen vehicles to undercover agents and Richmond County Sheriff’s detectives.
The charges stem from a 16-month investigation called Operation Augusta Ink, in which undercover ATF Special Agents and Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies posed as owners and employees of a Hephzibah tattoo parlor, purchasing illegal firearms and drugs from the criminal element.
Ultimately, more than 330 firearms were purchased from suspects, many of whom are gang members and convicted felons.
On November 14, 2007, the investigation culminated in a large arrest operation.
Just prior to the take down, 48 individuals had been indicted by a federal grand jury and 12 additional federal arrest warrants were issued pursuant to the filing of federal criminal complaints.
Eleven federal defendants and suspects now remain at large.
“Violence, gun trafficking and drug dealing were the main ingredients of these suspects and their criminal lifestyle,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Vanessa McLemore.
“ATF wants these defendants to answer to their charges as swiftly as possible and we need the public’s help.” As a result of “Operation Augusta Ink,” the following persons are wanted pursuant to federal indictments and criminal complaints:
Jimmy BONAPARTE, aka: “Rugged,” 39, of Augusta, Ga.;
Balaam Benjamin GRINNAGE, aka: “Bizo,” 25, of Augusta, Ga.;
Larry Thomas HARRIS, 25, of Augusta, Ga.;
Gregory Maurice HUMPHREY, aka: “Maurice,” 20, of Augusta, Ga.; Kedrick Marquiez JOHNSON, aka: “Kedric,” 26, of Augusta, Ga.; Dwayne Cleon O’SULLIVAN, aka: “Rasta,” aka: “Donavan Jackson,” 38, of Atlanta;
Pamela Diane PALMER, aka: “CiCi,” 32, of Augusta, Ga.;
Rodriquez Chavantez PALMER, aka: “Fish,” aka: “Van,” 33, of Augusta, Ga.;
Jumar Antwan SHEPPARD, aka: “Jamal,” aka: “Jumor,” 19, of Augusta, Ga.;
Samuel Vanessa SUNKETT, aka: “Van,” 51, of Augusta, Ga.
Terrence Quinton WILLIAMS, aka: “Q,” 18, of Hephzibah, Ga.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these fugitives is asked to call: 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). All calls will be kept confidential.