MERIWETHER COUNTY, Georgia — A coordinated law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of two individuals accused of running an organized asphalt scam that targeted vulnerable residents across multiple areas.
On March 20, the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside agencies from Fayette, Pike, and Coweta counties, as well as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), carried out search warrants in Brooks, Williamson, and Haralson.
Authorities arrested 25-year-old Johnny Ray Lee and 33-year-old Peewee Stumpie Lee. They face charges including exploitation of elderly individuals, felony theft by deception, and violations under the RICO Act. Investigators allege the suspects deceived victims into paying for poor-quality or nonexistent driveway paving services.
Both men are currently being held without bond at the Meriwether County Jail.
The investigation began after residents reported suspicious paving activity, allowing authorities to intervene before the suspects could expand their operations. Detectives later uncovered evidence linking similar fraudulent transactions across multiple jurisdictions in Georgia and possibly other states.
According to Sheriff Chuck Smith, the department has experience tracking organized crime groups, including theft rings and gangs operating across state lines.
Investigators say the suspects used aliases such as “Richard Wilson” and “Gary Wilson” and were associated with red or yellow Hummer H2 vehicles. Officials are urging anyone who may have been pressured into paying for unapproved work or received substandard paving services to contact local law enforcement.
Residents are advised to take precautions, including securing written contracts, verifying contractor licenses, and being wary of unsolicited offers—especially those claiming leftover materials.
Since the arrests, additional victims have come forward, and authorities expect more charges to follow both within Meriwether County and in other jurisdictions. The investigation remains ongoing, with potential involvement of additional suspects under review.
Officials have not yet disclosed the total number of victims or the financial extent of the alleged fraud.
