PRESS RELEASE – On 1/24/2024, a deputy with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office STING unit was conducting a concentrated patrol in the Shorewood Community when he observed a yellow in color Plymouth Valiant failing to maintain its lane.

The deputy also noticed that the rear driver side brake light was inoperable, and the tag affiliated to the vehicle did not return with correct information.

The deputy then conducted a traffic stop at Lakeland Drive and Holly Springs Road.

The deputy approached the vehicle and spoke to the occupants.

The deputy observed signs of nervous behavior from the occupants and instructed them to step out.

The driver of the vehicle then gave consent to search the vehicle.

While conducting a search, the deputy located a glass smoking pipe containing suspected methamphetamine rolled up in a rag inside the dash.

The driver, Billy Peeples, and passenger Joshua Bates were both arrested and transported to the Stephen’s County Jail.

Billy Peeples, 31 of Toccoa, was arrested and charged with Driving while License Sudpended, no insurance, no registration, brake light/turn signal violation, affixing license plate with intent to conceal, failure to maintain lane, possession and use of drug related objects, and illegal possession of controlled substance.

Peeples remains in the Stephen’s County Jail on $11,800 bond.

Joshua Bates, 34 of Toccoa, was arrested and charged with illegal possession of a controlled substance, and possession and use of drug related objects.

Bates remains in the Stephen’s County Jail on a $6,000 bond.