The Gordon County Sheriff’s Major Crime Unit (MCU) has wrapped up an investigation that led to the arrest of eight people and the recovery of more than $50,000 worth of stolen property.

Detectives from the MCU initiated an investigation on Nov. 18 into the activities of persons believed to be operating a theft and drug distribution organization in eastern Gordon County.

Using intelligence gathered in conjunction with Calhoun Police detectives, and acting on information obtained from several sources, Sheriff's detectives acquired a search warrant for a com-pound at 586 Apple Road in Ranger.

At about 9:40 p.m on Thursday, Nov. 19 MCU detectives, and other detectives from the Sheriff's office, along with uniformed deputy sheriffs, executed a search warrant.

Detectives arrested eight individuals who are believed to be a part of a theft ring.

“Some fine detective work led to this recovery,” Information Officer, Chief Dep.Robert L. Paris.

The detectives assigned to the case described the scene as "bizarre". Detectives found stacks of merchandise, including clocks, firearms, appliances, new clothing, a garden tiller, weed eaters and leaf blowers, were stored inside the home, with individual rooms accessible only through narrow corridors.

A small pack of dogs were roaming through the residence.

Detectives found evidence of the abuse of prescription drugs. Case detectives have reason to believe that stolen property was being exchanged for a variety of prescription drugs. Detectives have removed several truckloads of property they believe to have been stolen.

“I really want to brag on the department,” said Ralston. “These detectives have been working long hours to solve these big cases. We are conducting more investigations on a large scale.”

Ralston said this case should be a lesson to other would-be criminals.

“To those who come into Gordon County thinking they can get away these types of crimes, they are in for a rude awakening,” Ralston said.

The persons arrested were:

Wanda C. Dyer, 71, of 586 Apple Road, Ranger, charged with receiving stolen property and viola-tion of Georgia controlled substance act (VGCSA).

Stanley L. Yancey, 41, of 586 Apple Road, Ranger, charged with receiving stolen property.

Tammy Evonne Tanner Yancey, 39, of 586 Apple Road, Ranger, charged with receiving stolen property and violation of Georgia controlled substance act (VGCSA).

Rita Darlene Dyer, 52, of 586 Apple Road, Ranger, charged with receiving stolen property and violation of Georgia controlled substance act (VGCSA).

Jenny Rebecca Buff, 38, of 5 Henry Gallman Road, Chatsworth, Ga., charged with VGCSA posses-sion of methamphetamine.

Dolly Joyce Dyer, 47, of 1509 Sexton Road, Resaca, charged with VGCSA possession of metham-phetamine.

Ronald Donald Melvin Maddox, 51, of 4243 Loiuse Lane, Dalton, Georgia, charged with VGCSA possession of methamphetamine.

Floyd Clifford Dyer, 49, of 586 Apple Road, Ranger, and 1509 Sexton Road, Resaca, charged with VGCSA possession of methamphetamine and convicted felon with firearms

Sheriff Mitch Ralston said investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.