The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and the Cleveland Police Department are proud to have jointly participated in a major multi-agency investigation that began here in the 10th Judicial District and extended across the Southeast, reaching all the way into Mexico, uncovering ties to drug cartel activity.

Initiated in early 2024, this investigation has now led to federal indictments of 14 individuals and the seizure of:

22 lbs. of methamphetamine

13,900 fentanyl pills

136 grams of fentanyl powder

56 firearms

4 vehicles

$60,453 in U.S. currency

Those indicted in the Eastern District of Tennessee include:

Trevor Hawkins – Athens, TN

Gerard Birk – Athens, TN

Marc Blair – Sweetwater, TN

Saralyn Miller – Athens, TN

Jason Lemke – Athens, TN

Corey Peters – Chattanooga, TN

Trevor Heater – Etowah, TN

Tinzelle Buchanan – Chattanooga, TN

Jimmy Pike – Etowah, TN

Ashley Roderick – Athens, TN

Stephen Wattenbarger – Etowah, TN

Daniel Buis – Athens, TN

Indictments remain pending for one suspect in Atlanta, GA and one in Mexico, names are being withheld until arrests are made.

Director Bill Cherry, 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force:

“This case shows what can happen when local, state, and federal agencies work together for a common goal. We hope and believe countless lives have been saved and impacted by these efforts.”

Chief Mark Gibson, Cleveland Police Department:

“This case demonstrates the power of collaboration in law enforcement. The Cleveland Police Department is proud to stand alongside our local, state, and federal partners in the fight against illegal narcotics in our communities. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by our officers and all involved agencies.”

Sheriff Steve Lawson, Bradley County Sheriff’s Office:

“This investigation is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when agencies work together with a shared mission. I am proud of the role our deputies played in this operation, and I commend all of our partners for their relentless efforts. Together, we are sending a clear message: drug trafficking and violence will not be tolerated in our communities.”

This case is a strong example of what’s possible through unified effort and unwavering commitment. Together, we are removing dangerous drugs from our streets, taking violent offenders into custody, and protecting the lives of those we serve.

Our thanks go to all the agencies that made this operation a success:

10th Judicial District Drug Task Force

DEA

ATF

U.S. Marshals Service

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Athens Police Department

McMinn County Sheriff’s Office

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

Sweetwater Police Department

Cleveland Police Department

Bradley County Sheriff’s Office

Together, we are stronger. Together, we save lives.