A former employee of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office faces felony drug charges after her recent arrest in what authorities said was a sting operation.

Tianna Mikelle Copeland, 32, was arrested July 22 in southern Dawson County and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and use of a communication device to facilitate a drug transaction.

Also arrested was a 32-year-old Alpharetta man, Ivey Nicholas Hawkins.

He faces one count each of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and use of communication device to facililate a drug transaction.

Hawkins also has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, said Sheriff’s Sgt. Johnny Holtzclaw.

“It is believed to be a prescription medication,” Holtzclaw said.

Both Copeland and Hawkins are being held at the Dawson County Detention Center, where they await bond hearings in Superior Court.

Copeland worked for the sheriff’s office in the court services division from November 2006 to April 2007.

According to Sheriff Billy Carlisle, Copeland was released after she was not able to meet the probationary employment requirements.