Stephens County Drug Investigation Leads to Arrest of Wanted Suspect, Meth Seizure
STEPHENS COUNTY, Georgia – A drug investigation in Stephens County led to the arrest of a wanted suspect and the seizure of methamphetamine following a multi-agency effort spanning several North Georgia jurisdictions.
According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, narcotics investigators began receiving tips in early May that 23-year-old Joseph Lee Williams of Toccoa was using and distributing methamphetamine in and around Stephens County.
Investigators were already familiar with Williams and knew he had an outstanding probation warrant in Stephens County. Authorities said Williams frequently changed locations in an effort to avoid arrest.
On May 27, investigators received information that Williams was staying at the Toccoa Motel. Deputies determined he had been staying there but had left before officers arrived.
At approximately 1 a.m. on May 28, authorities learned Williams had returned to the motel. When deputies arrived, Williams allegedly fled on foot. Deputies from the sheriff’s office, assisted by the Toccoa Police Department, searched the area but were unable to locate him.
Later that morning, investigators learned Williams had reportedly been picked up by an associate and taken to the Sycamore Ridge Apartments in Gainesville.
With assistance from the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and Gainesville Police Department, investigators located Williams and took him into custody without incident.
After the arrest, investigators returned to the motel and executed a search of Williams’ room. Authorities said they recovered:
- Approximately 10.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- Two Adderall pills
- Syringes
- A digital scale
- Additional drug-related paraphernalia
Investigators also identified 19-year-old Jasmine Jones of Homer as being involved in the drug activity. Jones was already in custody at the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office following a separate incident involving a vehicle pursuit initiated by the Banks County Sheriff’s Office.
Williams and Jones both face charges of:
- Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
Authorities said additional drug-related charges are pending in Banks County.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office credited the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, and Gainesville Police Department for assisting in the case.
