Gang member dragnet cast in North Georgia

Saturday, September 22, 2007

By Ryan Harris
Staff Writer

DALTON, Ga. -- Seven known gang members wanted in North Georgia on charges ranging from murder to narcotics violations are the subject of a dragnet issued by the Conasauga Safe Streets Task Force.

The task force is composed of investigators from the Whitfield County Sheriff's Department, the Dalton and Calhoun police departments, the FBI and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Officials said most cases involving the seven have been under investigation for months.

"We've exhausted all our resources trying to find these people, and we are now asking for the public's help," said Dalton police spokeswoman Kristy Hunt. "It's not like we've had a rash of anything (new) happen."

Three men wanted in connection with murder investigations are included in the dragnet.

Carlos Barrios, 23, is wanted in a Calhoun, Ga., stabbing death case from last month, officials said. He is also known by the alias Wilber Hernadez.

Wanted in connection with a 2006 murder case are Jose Chavez Hernandez, 18, and Omar Olvera, 18, officials said.

Mr. Hernandez is also wanted on a charge of first-degree forgery, records show.

Also included in the dragnet is:

* Celso Gomez, 24, wanted on charges of possession of cocaine, giving false information and forgery.

* Eric Sanchez, 18, wanted for failure to appear in connection with a theft charge.

* Jose Trinidad Perez Fraire, 20, facing charges of felony probation violation for weapons possession, DUI, driving with a suspended license and other traffic charges.

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