Gwinnett County police made a startling discovery early Friday during a drug raid at a home near Snellville — a day care center was being operated in the basement of the house where officers confiscated several guns, counterfeit currency, drugs and packaging material.
Acting on a tip that drugs were being sold at the home on Ashington Drive, officers late Thursday night pulled over a driver who had just left the house, Gwinnett police Cpl. Michele Pihera said.
Cocaine was located inside the vehicle, and Jimmy Simpkins, 41, was placed under arrest, she said.
Pihera said officers obtained a search warrant early Friday, and arrested Joseph Simpkins, 39 and Eric Zavare Ray, 20. Both were charged with possession with intent to distribute, theft by receiving firearm, possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related objects. Joseph Simpkins was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and forgery.
“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,” Pihera said. “The officers learned that four to six children are being cared for on a daily basis in the basement of the home.”
She said the suspected operator of the day care, 37-year-old Knishasa Ray, will not face drug charges, but will be charged with reckless conduct. She said the woman is not currently in custody.
A representative with Bright from the Start, the state’s Department of Early Care and Learning, was expected at the home Friday afternoon to investigate the case, Pihera said.
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