Three McDonough County residents have been arrested on federal warrants in a continuing crackdown on local drug activity.

Terrell C. Jones, 23, was originally arrested by local authorities on Aug. 19 when 61.7 grams of cocaine was found in the car he was riding in with two other men.

As part of Operation Sheep Dog, the U.S. Attorney’s Office accepted the case and Jones was transferred into federal custody.

According to McDonough County Sheriff Rick VanBrooker, Operation Sheep Dog is a new push that focuses on habitual criminals and gang-related crime.

Also arrested on a federal warrant was 33-year-old Amanda D. Hastings, of Colchester.

As part of Operation Saddle Up, Hastings faces charges of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

She has been transferred from McDonough County Jail into the custody of federal authorities.

Also this week, local law enforcement officials arrested 30-year-old Molly M. Rusher, of Colchester, on charges that she violated terms of her supervised release in an ongoing federal methamphetamine case.

She was arrested earlier this year as part of Operation Saddle Up on charges of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

Rusher has been transferred to Peoria and put into federal custody there.

VanBrooker said that the arrests are the result of a joint drug investigation involving Macomb, Bushnell, Blandinsville and Colchester police, along with the sheriff’s department.

VanBrooker said he expects more arrests to come as part of Operations Sheep Dog and Saddle Up.