Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Reports Surge in Drug Arrests During Substance Abuse Prevention Month

October is recognized as Substance Abuse Prevention Month, and the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is intensifying efforts to combat illegal drug use within the community. Since the beginning of the month, deputies have arrested nearly ten individuals related to illegal drug activities.

On October 2, deputies made multiple arrests during two separate incidents. In the afternoon, SCSO K-9 Unit deputies assisted the Toccoa Police Department in a search for a missing child, which led to the discovery of drugs and the arrest of a suspect.

At approximately 1 p.m., deputies responded to South Alexander Street to aid in the search for an abducted child. Upon arrival, they gathered information about a female suspect and deployed K-9 Lady to track her down. The suspect and child were located at a residence on Hill Place, where deputies met with Michael Brandon Blanchard, 33, who claimed to have methamphetamine in a bag on his person.

Upon searching Blanchard’s bag, deputies found a small container with two plastic baggies containing suspected methamphetamine, along with a scale bearing methamphetamine residue. Blanchard, who was already on active parole for trafficking methamphetamine, was arrested and transported to the Stephens County Jail. He remains in custody on a $41,000 bond with charges that include Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Related Objects.

Later that day, around 4 p.m., deputies with the K-9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a white SUV for a seatbelt violation, leading to the arrest of two individuals for possession of illegal narcotics. The deputy observed the vehicle’s passenger not wearing a seatbelt while monitoring traffic on Big A Road. After the vehicle stopped, the deputy approached the driver, identified as Larry Parsons, 42, and the female passenger, Kelly Adams, 41. Both exhibited nervous behavior, prompting the deputy to request consent to search the vehicle.

During the search, deputies found a lighter commonly used to heat illegal drugs, two baggies of suspected methamphetamine, packaging materials, needles, and a digital scale, all indicative of drug distribution. Both Parsons and Adams were arrested, with Adams allowed to see her children before transport to the Stephens County Jail.

During the intake process, officers discovered a pipe associated with methamphetamine use on Adams’ person. She faces charges including Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession and Use of Drug Related Objects, and a seatbelt violation. Adams remains in jail with a bond of $37,000.

Parsons has been charged with similar offenses, with a bond set at $36,000.

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is committed to reducing illegal drug use in the area and will continue to provide updates on drug arrests throughout the month as they collaborate with local law enforcement and other agencies.