Multi Agency Investigation Dismantles Georgia Asphalt Paving Syndicate Following Targeted Exploitation of Elderly Residents

Georgia authorities arrest two men for an organized asphalt paving scam targeting the elderly across Meriwether, Fayette, and Pike counties.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 4:37 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WALB

Law Enforcement Targets Sophisticated Paving Fraud

A coordinated law enforcement effort has led to the arrest of two individuals accused of spearheading a predatory asphalt paving operation across the state of Georgia. Authorities identified the suspects as 25 year old Johnny Lee and 33 year old Peewee Lee, both of whom allegedly participated in a structured scheme to defraud homeowners. The investigation, which is currently ongoing, suggests that these individuals were part of a larger organized group that traveled between jurisdictions to execute their deceptive practices. By focusing on residential areas, the group was able to secure illicit payments before local authorities could be alerted to the substandard nature of the work.

Elderly Residents Primary Targets of Deception

The criminal charges filed against the suspects highlight a disturbing pattern of targeting the most vulnerable members of the community. Each suspect faces three counts of exploitation of elderly persons, alongside multiple counts of felony theft by deception. According to Meriwether County investigators, the group frequently sought out senior citizens, using high pressure tactics to sell driveway repairs that were either poorly executed or never completed. This focus on the elderly is a hallmark of such mobile fraud units, as they rely on the trust and potential isolation of their targets to ensure compliance with their financial demands.

RICO Charges Highlight Organized Crime Element

In a significant legal move, prosecutors have applied the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to the case. This indicates that investigators view the paving scam not as an isolated incident, but as a coordinated criminal enterprise. According to Sheriff Chuck Smith, the agency has been successful in identifying these individuals as part of an organized crime ring that operates across state lines. The use of RICO charges allows for more severe penalties and provides a framework for dismantling the entire network, including co conspirators who may still be under review. By treating the scam as organized crime, law enforcement aims to disrupt the logistical support that allows such groups to persist.