5 Arrested Following Stephens County Drug Trafficking Investigation

PRESS RELEASE – This week, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) assisted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) with searches throughout the county in regard to drug trafficking.

Beginning in January 2025, ARDEO agents initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking operation that involved large quantities of illegal contraband being transported from Metro Atlanta into Stephens County.

On Tuesday, March 18, deputies and investigators with the SCSO CSU assisted ARDEO agents in conducting searches at multiple locations within Stephens County. The following five individuals were arrested as a result.

Jimmy Dale Turpin, 46 of Toccoa, was found in possession of 282.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine, one firearm, and $1,893 in U.S. currency. Turpin has been charged with Trafficking in Illegal Drugs, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Parole Violation.

Jonathon Purcell, 39 of Toccoa, was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant out of Gwinnett County.

Westley Woody, 43 of Martin, was arrested for an outstanding felony probation warrant out of Stephens County.

Robert “Bobby” Thompson, 47 of Eastanollee, and Candice P. Martin (Stanford), 33 of Martin, were found in possession of 78 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 23 grams of marijuana, 10 grams of suspected psilocybin (mushrooms), a variety of multiple prescription medications, and $4,393 in U.S. currency.

Thompson and Martin were arrested and have been charged with Trafficking in Illegal Drugs, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Felony Probation Violation (Thompson), and Felony Parole Violation (Martin).

ARDEO and SCSO CSU are continuing this investigation. If you have any information, please contact the SCSO tip line at (706) 886-7048 or GBI tip line at (706) 348-7410. You can also submit tips through our SCSO mobile app or the GBI website at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.