California murder suspect among several Athens gang members recently arrested

Richard Charles Jones

By Joe Johnson

An Athens man wanted for murder was one of seven people arrested last month as part of an initiative by Athens-Clarke County police to combat criminal street gang activity.

The arrests were announced by ACCPD on Wednesday.

Richard Charles Jones, 26, of Live Oak Dive was arrested on March 31 for a probation violation, when it was learned that he had an active murder warrant in Los Angeles. Police previously identified Jones as a member of the NBA (Never Broke Again) gang, who had a history of arrests for drugs, illegal firearms, and gang activity.

Jones is being held at the county jail, pending his extradition.

The others who were arrested and their charges are Tyhiem Way, 20, theft by taking and burglary, and an illegal firearms warrant from Pottstown, PA.; Tyrese Tanner, 18, possession with intent to distribute marijuana. terroristic threats, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime; Siderious Heard, 20, theft by receiving a stolen firearm; Emory Simmons, 18, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Isaac Howard, 19, warrants for a probation violation and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and Rontravious Farley, 18, burglary

Lt. Shaun Barnett said gang affiliations of the suspects were being withheld due to the ongoing initiative.

Since the beginning of the gang initiative in November of last year, ACCPD has made a total of 41 arrests and seized 38 firearms.

Since March 1, police have seized 13 handguns, two rifles, and various drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.