Full Notification

On October 1, 2011, at approximately 8:30 AM, deputies responded to a report of a suspicious person crouching in the woods behind 1321 Julian Drive. The complainant stated that the suspicious person appeared to be “casing” the residence.

When deputies arrived on scene, they found an individual in the back yard that was armed with a pistol, which he was carrying in his left hand, and that matched the description given by the complaint. The individual initially ignored commands to stop and to drop the weapon, but he then complied, and he was detained. It was soon determined that this was the home owner, Michael Lee Keyser (52). Keyser stated that he had seen someone in his backyard whom he thought was attempting to steal his truck; so, he went outside with his pistol.

Prior to leaving the scene, the deputies checked Keyser’s identification and subsequently learned that he was wanted out of Clarke County on a felony Theft by receiving stolen property charge. The pistol’s serial number was then checked, and it was discovered that the pistol had been reported as stolen. Keyser was placed under arrest.

The residence was secured, and a search warrant was obtained for the residence. A search of the residence led to the discovery of numerous drug related items such as grow lights and scales, a substance believed to be methamphetamine, and a large quantity of marijuana.

Keyser was turned over to Clarke County on the outstanding warrant. He will also be charged via warrant in Oconee County for the following charges: Theft by Receiving Stolen Property (for the firearm), Possession of methamphetamine, Possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.