Search Warrants Executed in Franklin County; Three Arrested on Drug, Firearm and RICO Charges

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, along with agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) ARDEO unit, executed search and arrest warrants in Franklin County on Wednesday morning, resulting in three arrests.

According to the sheriff’s office, authorities executed a search warrant at 70 No Name Road in Canon. During the operation, deputies arrested Bart Starks, 70, who resides at the address.

Starks faces charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violations under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Two additional individuals were also taken into custody in connection with the investigation. Arthur Poole, of Hall County, and Randy Stewart Hill, of Canon, were each charged with RICO violations, authorities said.

Sheriff Andrews described the operation as “closed for business” following the arrests.

The sheriff’s office expressed appreciation to the GBI ARDEO unit, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office and the Canon Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.

The case remains under investigation.