Two Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery of Drugs and Firearms in Crisp County

On November 14, 2024, a traffic stop initiated by a Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy led to the arrest of two men on drug and firearm charges. The stop occurred around 12:00 p.m. in the 500 block of West 21st Avenue, where the deputy pulled over a red Nissan Altima for a traffic violation.

During the stop, the deputy observed the driver passing a bag from the back seat to the passenger. After the vehicle came to a stop, the passenger, Demarion Smith, immediately exited the vehicle with a backpack and was found to have a strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from him. A search revealed that Smith was carrying two handguns—one in his waistband and the other in his front pants pocket.

Smith was taken into custody without incident. When backup units arrived, the driver, Rontavious Lester, was also arrested. A subsequent search of the vehicle and Smith’s backpack led to the discovery of multiple bags of suspected marijuana, cash, digital scales, and baggies commonly used for distributing illegal substances.

Smith, charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and Lester, charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, were both transported to the Crisp County Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing, and further charges are pending.