Multi-agency investigation removes drugs, guns, cash and criminals from street

Recently, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, and the Toccoa Police Department conducted a search warrant on a residence at 18 Shire Drive after a four-month-long investigation which resulted in a large quantity of marijuana, crack cocaine, powdered cocaine, ecstasy, two firearms, and $9,064 cash seized.

On March 31, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a red in color Ford Focus after observing a brake light violation. During the traffic stop, deputies noticed a very strong odor of marijuana emanating  inside the vehicle, as well as a handgun lying in the cup holder. The occupants of the vehicle were instructed to exit the vehicle where they were searched prior to being detained. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Justin Holland, was found to be in possession of a small baggie of marijuana, a small container that contained three baggies of suspected crack cocaine, and one bag of suspected powdered cocaine in his hoodie pocket. 

During the pat down of the front passenger, identified as Alexander Brown, deputies located two rolls of cash tucked into his pants in the amount of $1,070, and they discovered an outstanding warrant out of Fulton County for Brown’s arrest. A GCIC check of the rear passenger, identified as Jaquion Turner, revealed he had a warrant out of Hall County.

Investigators secured the residence of Turner and Brown at 18 Shire Drive while agents procured a search warrant. During the execution of the search warrant, investigators recovered more than one and a half pounds of marijuana that was pre-packaged into three separate baggies, 23 grams of crack cocaine, four grams of ecstasy, two grams of powdered cocaine, a Taurus G2C Handgun, a Glock 43 Handgun, and $7,994 in cash.

Jaquion Turner, 26 of Toccoa, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, and two counts of  Possession of Firearm during the commission of certain felonies. Turner remains in jail on a $25,000 bond.

Alexander Brown, 39 of Toccoa, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, three counts of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, two counts of Possession of a Firearm during commission of certain felonies. Brown remains in jail on a bond for $110,000.

Justin Holland, 33 of Toccoa, was arrested for two counts of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and Brake Light Violation. Holland remains in jail on a $50,000 bond. 

Shirley stated that collaborative efforts between state and local law enforcement are key when taking down major offenders, as well as pursuing drug and gang issues in Stephens County.