On January 7th, 2022, the Athens County Sheriff’s Office and the Athens Major Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at 7 Beech Road in The Plains after an investigation into drug trafficking and counterfeiting. Units recovered suspected heroin and methamphetamine, along with digital scales and packaging materials. Sheriff Smith advised “Units also recovered over $30,000 in a mixture of counterfeit United States Currency and motion picture prop money, along with printing materials to forge copies of currency.” Ashley L. Hamilton, age 38, of The Plains was arrested and charged with Counterfeiting, a Felony of the 2nd degree and Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 4th degree. This case was investigated by the Athens County Sheriff’s Office and the Athens Major Crimes Unit with the assistance of the Athens City Police Department and the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office.
