Fugitive of Towns arrested
By BECKY LANDRESS Sentinel writer

Sam Hedden

For approximately a month, Sam Hedden of Hiawassee has been on the run. Hedden fled the area to avoid being arrested on drug charges. More than a pound of marijuana and a cache of prescription pills were seized from the Hiawassee residence where Hedden had been staying. It was discovered that he had been staying at a residence in Madison County, Ga. since his disappearance from Towns County.

The Towns County Sheriffs office, Appalachian Drug Task Force and GBI were actively searching for the man. On late Saturday afternoon, they got their break.

A task force agent contacted Sheriff Clinton with a possible location on Hedden. A plan to bring him to justice was set up. The agencies enlisted the help of Madison County Sheriff's office and the Union County Sheriff's office's narcotics agent.

At approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday morning, Hedden was taken into custody. Later, he was transported back to Towns County Detention Center.

Hedden's charges include, felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of schedule IV narcotics and possession of schedule II narcotics.