Toccoa Trio arrested after deputy witnesses drug deal

Three Toccoa residents were arrested after a Sheriff’s Deputy observed what appeared to be a drug deal in a parking lot on Big A Road.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, the incident occurred on Tuesday, November 12, when deputies with his office were in the parking lot of a shopping center on Big A Road and observed some suspicious activity.

He says the deputy observed a gray sedan pull into the parking lot next to a red pickup truck.

Shirley said deputies observed what appeared to be a hand-to-hand transaction between the drivers of both vehicles.

As the gray sedan pulled away, deputies observed the vehicle had a damaged windshield. A traffic stop was then initiated on the vehicle.

During the stop it was determined that the driver, identified as Dustin Addison, 33, of Toccoa was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.

Shirley said the passenger of the vehicle, identified as Lori Kelly, 26, of Toccoa was found to be in possession of marijuana and packaging material.

After searching the vehicle, a large quantity of methamphetamine was hidden underneath the passenger seat.

Shirley said deputies were also able to stop the red pickup truck that was in the parking lot where the distribution of meth originally occurred.

That vehicle was driven by 36-year-old Jeffery Pearson, of Toccoa. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

All three were arrested and transported to the Stephens County Jail.

Addison was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine.

Kelly was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana.

Pearson was charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Addison and Kelly remain at the Stephens County Jail without bond. Person remains at the detention center on a $5,000 bond.