TOCCOA, Ga. — Three people, including two wanted fugitives, were arrested Friday evening during separate operations by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU).
Around 5:14 p.m. October 10, deputies stopped a white Lincoln sedan on West Currahee Street after the driver ran a stop sign. The driver, identified as Jessica Bennett, 28, of Eastanollee, showed signs of impairment and tested positive during a roadside sobriety test, according to the sheriff’s office.
A deputy reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle. Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright said a search turned up suspected marijuana, methamphetamine, hydrocodone, tramadol, an open alcohol container, and several drug-related items. A two-year-old child was in the back seat.
The passenger, William Vinson, 33, of Toccoa, initially gave deputies a false name but was later identified and found to have an active parole warrant. Both Bennett and Vinson were arrested without incident, and the child was released to their father.
Bennett remains jailed on a $155,000 bond, facing multiple drug charges, DUI, child endangerment, and a traffic violation. Vinson is being held on a $93,000 bond for similar drug offenses, giving false information to law enforcement, and a parole violation for which no bond was granted.
Second fugitive arrested at residence
Earlier that day, CSU investigators arrested Timothy Steele, 56, of Toccoa, who was wanted for felony parole violation and possession of methamphetamine. Deputies found Steele hiding at a residence on Factory Street around 6:13 p.m. and took him into custody without incident.
Steele remains in the Stephens County Jail on a $5,000 bond for possession of methamphetamine and no bond for parole violation related to a previous charge of possession with intent to distribute.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office said the Crime Suppression Unit “remains committed to curbing the flow of gang and illegal drug activity in Stephens County.”
Tips about criminal activity may be submitted by calling (706) 886-7048 or through the sheriff’s office mobile app.
