According to a Floyd County Police Department incident report, On February 3rd, 2023, at 3:15 PM, an investigator received information on the whereabouts of Jason Earl Edward, 36, of Rome, and Jennifer Gail Johnson, 36, of Rome. The investigator was informed they were at “New York’s” residence. The investigator reported he was familiar with Jesse Michael Cushing Sr., Aka New York, and knew he lived at 39 Clearvue Cir, Rome, Ga. He has prior police arrest for VGCSA. The investigator reported, “During interviews with people [I] have arrested for Possession of Controlled Substances, including meth, [I] was advised that Mr. Cushing’s residence was a place where they had used controlled substances. It has unusual foot traffic of people going in and out of the residence at different times of the day.” According to the report, Edwards and Johnson had felony arrest warrants for their involvement in several larceny reports. According to reports, they drove around town with their kids breaking into people’s cars. One of the stolen items was a firearm, and on January 25, 2023, Edwards had a box of bullets in his bedroom. Edwards is a convicted felon with a long history of violence against others, including threats of using firearms. Edwards is a member of the Aryan Brotherhood (AB). He still has visible tattoos known to be used by the Aryan Brotherhood. The investigator reported, “On January 25, 2023, [I] spoke with Mr. Edward about his AB affiliations. He stated that he was not part of them anymore. His statement was very unusual because AB members know that one of the rules is when the person becomes a full member or “brother” to the gang or organization, they will be part of it until his death. The term they use is “Blood in, Blood out.” The Aryan Brotherhood in Georgia is considered a Criminal Street Gang.” Officers, investigators, and deputies went to the listed address and arrested Johnson. Officers located drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the house. The Rome/Floyd Metro Task Force was contacted and requested for assistance, and a Search Warrant was secured. Investigators also contacted EPD and the Building Inspection Office to conduct a follow-up in reference to the unsanitary and structural issues. Johnson was booked into the Floyd County Jail and charged with entering an automobile with intent to commit a crime x14, felony theft by taking x14, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime x5, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon x5, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor x2.
According to a separate incident report, On February 6th, 2023, Officers received a tip about the location of Edwards, who had felony warrants. Officers observed Edwards inside a vehicle being driven by Manuel Alfaro Ochoa, 36, of Rome. The officer conducted a traffic stop, but Edwards was able to flee from them on foot. Ochoa was placed under arrest for a felony hindering the apprehension of a criminal. He is accused of transporting Edwards while he knew there was a felony arrest warrant against him. Edwards was eventually able to be arrested. According to the FCPD, Four people, including two juveniles, were arrested for entering 14 unlocked vehicles in West Rome, Armuchee, and Coosa and stealing items, including several firearms, from inside the cars. The property taken in these thefts included six stolen pistols, $900 in cash as well as illegal drugs. Edwards was booked into the Floyd County Jail and charged with entering an automobile with intent to commit a crime x14, felony theft by taking x14, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime x5, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon x5, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor x2.
