GEORGIA — A Toccoa man wanted on a probation warrant was arrested Thursday following a multi-agency search that stretched from Stephens County to Gainesville, according to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said narcotics agents with the sheriff’s office began receiving tips earlier this month that Joseph Lee Williams, 23, was using and distributing methamphetamine in and around Stephens County.
Authorities said Williams was already wanted on an outstanding probation warrant and had been moving between locations to avoid law enforcement.
Investigators received information on May 27 that Williams was staying at the Toccoa Motel. Deputies and narcotics agents confirmed he had been at the motel but learned he had left earlier in the day.
At approximately 1 a.m. Thursday, agents were notified that Williams had returned to the motel. When deputies arrived, Williams allegedly fled on foot. Deputies and officers with 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 an apartment in Gainesville.
With assistance from the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Hall County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department, investigators located the associate at Sycamore Ridge Apartments in Gainesville. Stephens County narcotics agents assisted Hall County deputies, including narcotics, warrant and K-9 units, in taking Williams into custody without incident.
Following the arrest, investigators returned to the Toccoa Motel and searched Williams’ room. Authorities said they found approximately 10.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two Adderall pills, syringes, a digital scale and other drug-related paraphernalia.
Investigators also identified Jasmine Jones, 19, of Homer, as allegedly being involved in the drug activity and staying in the motel room with Williams.
At the time of the investigation, Jones was already being held at the Habersham County Detention Center following an incident connected to a vehicle pursuit initiated Wednesday by the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said.
Williams and Jones have both been charged in Stephens County with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and additional drug-related charges are pending in Banks County.
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 investigation.
