Richmond County Police Operation Targets YWM Gang, Leads to Arrests and Major Drug Seizures

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Authorities say a coordinated gang enforcement operation involving Richmond County Police resources and led by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office resulted in multiple arrests, the seizure of large quantities of drugs and cash, and the detention of a suspected gang leader tied to criminal activity across Augusta and Grovetown.

According to officials, the operation was conducted Tuesday evening with assistance from Grovetown Police Department and targeted members of a street gang known as Youngins with Money (YWM). Investigators said the action followed a months-long investigation into alleged drug trafficking and violent crime in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

Authorities reported seizing approximately 30 pounds of marijuana, methamphetamine, and $211,166 in U.S. currency, along with gang-related items including jewelry and accessories displaying YWM insignia. Investigators stated the items were allegedly used to promote and identify the group.

Three individuals were taken into custody:

• Mikael Javaro Williams, charged with trafficking in marijuana and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
  
  

• De’Ante Cannon, identified by investigators as the suspected leader of Youngins with Money, also known online as YWM Flyaa, charged with trafficking in marijuana, unlawful participation in street gang activity, and obstruction of law enforcement.
  
  

• Kareem Levon Butler, charged with trafficking in marijuana.
  
  

Search warrants were executed at multiple locations in Richmond County and Grovetown, including residences on Henry Circle and Feldspar Court in Augusta and Candleberry Drive in Grovetown. Officials said the operation involved sheriff’s office gang and narcotics investigators, special operations teams, K-9 units, and coordinated support from Richmond County Police personnel.

Authorities stated that Youngins with Money has been under investigation since early 2025. According to law enforcement, the group has been linked to violent offenses, illegal firearms, and large-scale narcotics distribution throughout Richmond County.

In September 2025, a Richmond County Superior Court grand jury returned a 42-count indictment against 11 defendants, charging members and associates of YWM with violations of Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, along with related firearm and violent crime offenses.

Since January 2025, officials say enforcement actions involving Richmond County Police and the sheriff’s office have resulted in the seizure of 20 firearms, more than 41 pounds of marijuana, methamphetamine, oxycodone pills, and substantial amounts of cash believed to have funded gang activity.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley said the arrests represent a significant disruption to the organization’s leadership and financial resources, though authorities acknowledge the gang has not been fully dismantled.

The operation comes amid heightened public attention nationwide surrounding policing practices and accountability. Officials stated that no allegations of police brutality have been reported in connection with this investigation and that all arrests were conducted under judicially authorized warrants.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Article Information

Location: Augusta, Georgia

Date of Incident: December 17, 2025

Reporting Date: January 3, 2026

Primary Source: The Augusta Press 

Agencies Mentioned: Richmond County Sheriff's Office

Keywords: Richmond County Sheriff's Office , YWM, Youngins With Money, Gang Drug Bust

Note: This article is based on reporting from the Augusta Press, which first published the story. For the most current information, readers should monitor for official statements from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Contributor: Michael Saponara

Published on January  3,  2026