Washington Police investigator Lt. J.D. Nelson poses with just one bag of evidence seized in Thursday night's Peachtree Street raid. "More arrests are coming," Nelson said. "You can count on that." A Washington man is facing life in prison for allegedly selling crack cocaine again after being convicted for the crime three times before.

Washington Police say that Exzaben Hardeman, 29, who has been convicted three times for possession of cocaine with intent to sell, was arrested Thursday night in a raid by WPD, Wilkes Sheriff's deputies, Taliaferro County deputies, GBI agents, GSP troopers, state probation and state parole authorities, on the Peachtree Street home where he lived.

Hardeman was just released six months ago, investigator Lt. J.D. Nelson said. A number of citizen complaints had indicated that Hardeman was allegedly selling crack cocaine from the home of his cousin at 203 Peachtree Street. Armed with information from a confidential informant, the combined task force served a search warrant at the Peachtree Street home. When officers entered, they arrested Hardeman and Dontidius Wylie, 24. Wylie, who tried to flee, was in possession of a considerable quantity of cocaine, marijuana, and money, Nelson said.

Wylie provided muscle for Hardeman, Nelson said, who was "a kingpin" in the local drug scene. "He was determined to be 'King Hoover,' but he's looking at life," Nelson said.

In a related arrest, officers arrested Joe Gartrell, 48, of Washington when he was found with a "good quantity" of powdered cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana, and a large sum of currency, Nelson said.

Hardeman, Wylie, and Gartrell are each charged with a felony, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

The investigation is ongoing, Nelson said, and he expected more arrests coming soon. "There's a lot more out there," he said. "They will not learn their lesson, and they'll wind up like this guy, looking at a life sentence."

In a roundup of local law enforce- ment activity during the month of Octoberber, the following arrests were reported:

Phillip A. Booker, 30, of Washington, was arrested Octoberber 29 by Washington Police and charged with cruelty to children; simple assault; and battery. He was held on bond.

Patrick Bryant, 33, of Wilkes County, was arrested October 31 by Wilkes County deputies and charged with disorderly conduct. He was held for Lincoln County authorities.

Paul Jernigan, 42, of Waterloo, S.C., was arrested October 21 by Wilkes County deputies and charged with possession, distribution, etc. of a controlled substance; possession of drug related objects; driving while license withdrawn, no insurance; affixing license plate to conceal; and failure to drive within one lane. He was held on $34,000 bond.

Gregory T. Smith, 36, of Athens, was arrested October 27 by Wilkes County deputies and charged with theft by deception. No bond was noted

Jerry Derrico, 37, of Washington, was arrested October 27 by a Georgia State Patrol trooper and charged with driving under the influence; driving with an open container; and with failure to stop for a stop sign. He was released on $2,500 bond.

John Lee Moore, 17, of Washington, was arrested October 9 by Washington Police and charged with entering an auto with intent of felony. He was released on $3,500 bond.

Judie Michelle Whitener, 27, of Lincolnton, was arrested September 30 by Wilkes County deputies and charged with one charge of deposit account fraud. She was released on payment of a no-contest cash bond. Whitener was also arrested October 22 on the same charge, and was released on payment of a cash fine.

Jimmy Evans, 49, of Wilkes County, was arrested October 24 by Washington Police and charged with driving with no insurance; driving with expired license; and driving with an expired vehicle tag. He was held on $1,773 bond.