An off duty Gordon County deputy sheriff was located at a private residence on McDaniel Station Road in unincorporated Gordon County on personal business. While he was there, a neighbor approached him and reported that her nearby residence was being burglarized. The deputy quickly responded and effected the arrest of three people:

  1. Joseph W. Brown ,age 35, of 8290 Nickelsville Highway, Ranger,
  2. Maggie D. Mason, age 18, of 154 Bunch Mountain Road, Adairsville,
  3. Stephen C. Howell, age 28, of 470 Old Highway 41, Adairsville

Personnel from the local State Patrol post responded as well as other deputy sheriffs to the scene. All three defendants have been charged with Burglary,  and Possession of Methamphetamine after a search of their vehicle revealed drugs and drug related paraphenalia. All three defendants are lodged in the county jail pending bond.