News Release

Local Man Imprisoned for Drug Trafficking in National Park

Date: July 29, 2021
Contact: Todd Milsaps, 706-866-9241, ext. 141

Fort Oglethorpe, GA: On, December 27, 2020, a park ranger on patrol contacted three adults loitering inside the park after hours. It turned out that two of the individuals were convicted felons. In the vehicle, the ranger found a handgun, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, baggies, a magnetic hidden compartment, and almost six ounces of Methamphetamine. No one claimed ownership of the items, resulting in all three adults being jailed.

A lengthy investigation included interviews, forensic analysis of cellular phones, and the use of a confidential informant. In cooperation with the Lookout Mountain Judicial District Attorney’s Office, a guilty plea of 30 years in prison was agreed upon for Jeffery Whitmire, 37, of Walker County, GA, for possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine. Whitmire will be required to serve 10 years in prison upon which he can serve the remaining 20 years on probation. He is also required to pay $370,150.00 in fines and restitution to the State of Georgia.

If you have more information regarding this case or other related matters, please contact the case agent, Justin Young, at 706-866-9241, x 142. To submit a tip, call, or text, 888-653-0009.

The purpose of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is to preserve, protect, and interpret the nationally significant resources associated with the Civil War Campaign for Chattanooga and the 12,000 years of American Indian presence on Moccasin Bend.