Stephens County Deputies Make Multiple Arrests in Toccoa Drug and Parole Operation

TOCCOA, GA — On Friday, October 10, 2025, deputies with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) conducted multiple arrests in Toccoa, apprehending two wanted fugitives and another suspect involved in drug-related offenses.

Around 5:14 p.m., deputies observed a white Lincoln sedan run a stop sign near West Currahee Street and North Broad Street. The driver, 28-year-old Jessica Bennett of Eastanollee, was pulled over. Officers detected the odor of marijuana and determined Bennett was driving under the influence following a roadside interview and Standard Field Sobriety Test.

The passenger, later identified as 33-year-old William Vinson of Toccoa, initially gave a false name. Vinson has an active parole warrant. A search of the vehicle uncovered suspected marijuana, methamphetamine, hydrocodone, tramadol, an open alcohol container, a hand-rolled blunt, and various drug paraphernalia. A two-year-old child was in the backseat and was safely turned over to the father.

Bennett faces charges including multiple counts of possession and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, driving under the influence, failure to obey a stop sign, and endangering a child. Her bond is set at $155,000. Vinson faces similar drug charges, possession of drug-related objects, giving false information to law enforcement, and parole violations; he was denied bond for the parole violation and has a $93,000 bond for the other charges.

Earlier the same day, deputies located 56-year-old Timothy Steele, wanted for felony parole violation and possession of methamphetamine, hiding at a residence on Factory Street. Steele was arrested without incident and remains in jail on a $5,000 bond for methamphetamine possession and no bond for his parole violation.

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office CSU emphasized its ongoing efforts to combat gang and illegal drug activity. Residents with information regarding criminal activity are urged to contact the SCSO Criminal Investigations Division Tip Line at (706) 886-7048 or submit a tip through the SCSO mobile app.