COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — A Coffee County fugitive who repeatedly evaded law enforcement is now back behind bars after deputies with the Drug Interdiction & Criminal Enforcement Unit (D.I.C.E. Unit) located and arrested him on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Officials say William Micajah Batten, previously convicted on felony drug charges, violated his parole in late 2024, prompting a statewide warrant for his arrest. Deputies had identified Batten earlier this year but were unable to take him into custody after he fled on foot.

During the most recent attempt to apprehend him, Batten again tried to run. This time, the newly formed D.I.C.E. Unit was prepared. Through a coordinated effort, agents quickly captured Batten and transported him to the Coffee County Pre-Trial Detention Center without incident.

Authorities say Batten is well-known to law enforcement for distributing methamphetamine and ephedrine substances tied to illegal meth production. His arrest, they note, removes a significant source of dangerous drugs from the community.

“This operation is exactly what our zero-tolerance, no-nonsense policy looks like,” Sheriff Fred Cole said. “It reflects our firm stance on drug and criminal activity in Coffee County.”

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