News Details
Day Care Facility Discovered in Basement Where Guns and Drugs were Seized
(Snellville, Georgia) Officers assigned to the South Precinct (Morning Watch) received a tip that drugs were being sold from a person who lives at 4575 Ashington Drive in unincorporated Snellville. On Thursday, November 19, at around 11:30pm, officers pulled over a driver who had just left the residence. Cocaine was located inside the vehicle, and Jimmy Simpkins (age 41) was placed under arrest.
Jimmy Simpkins charges:
- Driving on a suspended license
- Tag light violation
- Possession of a controlled substance
Officers obtained a search warrant for 4575 Ashington Drive during the early morning hours of Friday, November 20. After the search warrant was executed, several guns, cash, counterfeit currency, drugs, and packaging material were seized. Eric Zavare Ray (age 20) and Joseph Simpkins (age 39) were placed under arrest.
Eric Zavare Ray charges:
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Theft by Receiving Firearm
- Possession of Marijuana
- Possession of Drug-Related Objects
Joseph Simpkins charges:
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Theft by Receiving Firearm
- Forgery 2nd Degree
- Possession of Marijuana
- Possession of Drug-Related Objects
All three suspects were transported to the Gwinnett County Jail. (Please contact the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office regarding booking information.)
During the course of the investigation, the officers learned that one of the residents was operating a day care facility (possibly unlicensed) in the basement of the home. Much of the contraband seized was taken from rooms adjacent from the room used for the day care. Knishasa Ray (age 37) is operator of the day care. The officers learned that 4-6 children are being cared for on a daily basis in the basement of the home. At this time, Knishasa will not face charges relating to possession of drugs. However, the lead officer assigned to this case has secured warrants against Knishasa for Reckless Conduct. (She is not currently in custody.)
A representative with Bright from the Start has been notified of this case. They plan on sending a representative to the home to investigate this case this afternoon (11/20).