Traffic Stop Leads to Drug, Firearm, and Gang-Related Charges for Cordele Man

A 19-year-old Cordele man, Derek Grady, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after a traffic stop in Crisp County on April 2, 2025, led to a foot pursuit and the discovery of drugs, a firearm, and U.S. currency.

At approximately 4:00 P.M., a Crisp County deputy attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of 24th Avenue and Joe Wright Drive. The driver, identified as Derek Grady, exited the vehicle and fled on foot, unlawfully entering a nearby residence.

The deputy pursued Grady and apprehended him as he exited the back door of the residence. A search of a bag Grady was carrying revealed two bags of Marijuana, a firearm, a bottle containing oxycodone, and a sum of U.S. currency.

Grady was arrested and transported to the Crisp County Detention Center. He is charged with the following:

Possession of firearm during commission of a crime
Possession of Marijuana – felony
Gang activity
Illegal possession of controlled substance
Possess/manufacture/distribute etc. a controlled substance or Marijuana within 1,000 feet of schools
Manufacture/possess etc controlled or counterfeit substance, or Marijuana, near park/housing project
Criminal trespass
Obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers