Toccoa Man Arrested Following Multi-Agency Search; Drugs Recovered From Motel Room

STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — A Toccoa man wanted on an outstanding probation warrant was arrested following a multi-jurisdictional search that spanned several counties and resulted in the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and other narcotics, according to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.

In early May, agents with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division began receiving information alleging that Joseph Lee Williams, 23, 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 for his arrest. Authorities said Williams had been actively attempting to avoid law enforcement by frequently changing locations.

On May 27, task force agents received information that Williams was staying at the Toccoa Motel. With assistance from Stephens County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies, investigators conducted surveillance and confirmed Williams had been staying at the motel. However, authorities learned he had left earlier in the day and had not returned.

At approximately 1 a.m. on May 28, agents received information that Williams had returned to the motel. When deputies arrived, Williams allegedly fled the area on foot. Deputies from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by officers with the Toccoa Police Department, searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate him.

Later that morning, investigators received information indicating Williams had been picked up by an associate and transported to an apartment complex in Gainesville in an effort to avoid capture.

Working with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Hall County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department, investigators identified the associate and located Williams at Sycamore Ridge Apartments in Gainesville. Stephens County task force agents assisted Hall County Sheriff’s Office narcotics, warrant and K-9 units in taking Williams into custody. Authorities said he was apprehended inside the apartment without incident.

Following the arrest, agents returned to the Toccoa Motel and executed a search of Williams’ room. During the search, investigators reportedly recovered approximately 10.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two Adderall pills and various items of drug-related paraphernalia, including syringes and a digital scale.

The investigation also identified Jasmine Jones, 19, of Homer, as having been present in the motel room with Williams and allegedly involved in the drug activity. Authorities said Jones was already in custody at the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office at the time of Williams’ arrest following a separate incident involving a vehicle pursuit initiated by the Banks County Sheriff’s Office.

Williams and Jones are both facing charges in Stephens County, including Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance.

Officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing, 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 their assistance in the case.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity in Stephens County is encouraged to contact the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division tip line.