Gates County deputies arrest scammer Kelly Early in undercover operation

The Gates County Sheriff's Office successfully apprehended a suspected scammer during a recent operation aimed at tackling organized crime in the area. Investigators set a trap to catch the suspect, who drove into the operation in a 2025 black BMW sedan. The individual, identified as Kelly Early from Jacksonville, was arrested at the scene and is currently held on a $1,000,000 cash bond.

Sheriff Campbell emphasized that Early is believed to be part of a larger network of professional scammers, indicating that these individuals are not typical criminals but rather operate sophisticated criminal enterprises. He warned potential scammers to stay away from Gates County, stating, "Don't come to Gates County because we will hunt you down."

In light of this incident, Sheriff Campbell urged residents to report any scams they encounter without feeling embarrassed. He stressed the importance of immediate reporting to help combat such criminal activities. The Sheriff's Office continues to focus on protecting the community from scams and organized crime.