Drug, Alcohol, and Firearm Discovery Leads to Arrests in Stephens County Traffic Stop

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, a traffic stop by a deputy with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office S.T.I.N.G. Unit led to the discovery of illegal narcotics and a firearm. The stop occurred at the intersection of Defoor Road and James Thomas Road when the deputy observed a beige Volkswagen Passat with no insurance.

During the stop, the driver, Jeffery Johnson, 54, of Lavonia, was allowed to update his insurance, but a search of the vehicle revealed an open alcohol container, marijuana, and a $1 bill with suspected cocaine residue. Johnson admitted to possessing the marijuana and cocaine.

Further inspection uncovered a handgun under the passenger seat, which passenger Tony Curry, 53, of Toccoa, claimed as his. Curry, a convicted felon, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Johnson was charged with Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana Less Than One Ounce, and Failure to Maintain Insurance. Curry was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Both were released from the Stephens County Jail on November 22 on bonds of $7,000 and $5,000, respectively.