Armed robbery investigation leads to arrests

Several people were arrested following an alleged armed robbery on Monday, Jan. 6.

Deputies responded to a report of an assault at the Yonah Mountain Trailhead parking lot, according to White County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Clay Hammond. Johnathan Watson, 21, of Hiawassee, reportedly said that two unknown men attacked him with a baseball bat. However, deputies determined the parties were familiar with each other and planned to meet at the parking lot, Hammond said.

Following an investigation, deputies arrested Vincent Groce, 18, Cleveland, who is charged with aggravated assault, armed robbery, and criminal trespass, as well as Dalton Langford, 19, Cleveland, who is charged with armed robbery.

Rebecca Baughcum, 18, Cleveland, was charged with party to the crime of armed robbery. Watson had identified Baughcum as being at the scene with the two men when he was attacked, according to the report.

Watson was later arrested on Friday, Jan. 10, and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Hammond said the arrest came following investigation of the armed robbery complaint.