Winder Woman Arrested After Deputies Find 3.1 Ounces of Suspected Methamphetamine

STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. – A 33-year-old Winder woman was arrested after Stephens County deputies conducting a traffic stop discovered approximately 3.1 ounces of suspected methamphetamine in her vehicle, according to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit, working with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, conducted the traffic stop at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sept. 30 in the area of Old Liberty Hill Road.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies observed a black Ford pickup truck fail to maintain its lane while traveling in the area. Deputies initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver at the intersection of Jordan Road and Pressley Run.

The driver was identified as Carolyn Nicole Vinson, 33, of Winder and formerly of Toccoa. Deputies said Vinson was unable to locate her driver’s license and reported that she was on felony probation for drug-related charges.

Authorities subsequently confirmed Vinson was wanted in Stephens County for an alleged felony probation violation.

Deputies attempted to search the vehicle as part of the arrest. While deputies were removing two children from the back seat, Vinson allegedly became physically aggressive toward deputies, resulting in a brief altercation before she was detained.

A subsequent search of the pickup truck resulted in the seizure of approximately 1.82 ounces, or 52 grams, of suspected methamphetamine contained in a clear plastic baggie. Deputies also located three additional clear plastic baggies containing various amounts of suspected methamphetamine, as well as approximately $396 in cash.

The total amount of suspected methamphetamine recovered from the vehicle was approximately 3.1 ounces, according to the sheriff’s office.

Vinson was transported to the Stephens County Detention Center without further incident. The two children were released into the custody of a family member.

Vinson faces charges of trafficking in methamphetamine; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; two counts of misdemeanor hindering law enforcement officers; window tint violation; failure to maintain lane; and possession of controlled substances within, on or near a public or private school.

She remained in the Stephens County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing before a Stephens County magistrate court judge, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information regarding illegal drug or gang activity in Stephens County to contact the Criminal Investigations Division Tip Line at 706-886-7048 or submit information through the agency’s mobile application.