Vinson arrested in Connection with Trafficking Methamphetamine 

By Rebekah Smith, Public Information Officer with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office 

Wednesday afternoon, September 30, 2026, deputies with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Crime Suppression Unit (CSU), in conjunction with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck in the area of Old Liberty Hill Road. One female was arrested in connection with trafficking illegal narcotics. 

At approximately 5:30 p.m., deputies with the SCSO CSU were patrolling the area of Old Liberty Hill Road when they observed a black Ford pickup truck fail to maintain its lane. Deputies initiated their emergency equipment and made contact with the driver of the truck at the intersection of Jordan Road and Pressley Run. 

During the traffic stop, deputies identified the driver as Carolyn Nicole Vinson, 33 of Winder, Ga. – formerly of Toccoa. Vinson was unable to locate her license and stated she was on felony probation for drug-related charges. Deputies confirmed she was wanted out of Stephens County for a felony probation violation. 

Deputies attempted to conduct a search of her vehicle incident to arrest. While attempting to safely remove two children from the back of the vehicle, Vinson became physically aggressive with deputies and a brief altercation ensued. Vinson was subsequently detained. 

Deputies then continued to conduct a search of the vehicle. During the search, they located the following items: a clear plastic baggie containing approximately 1.82 ounces (52 grams) of suspected methamphetamine, three clear plastic baggies containing various amounts of suspected methamphetamine, and approximately $396. The total amount of suspected methamphetamine located weighed approximately 3.1 ounces. 

Vinson was then arrested and transported to the Stephens County Detention Center without further incident. Her children were released into a family member’s custody. 

Vinson has been charged with the following: 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 remains in jail awaiting a bond hearing with a Stephens County magistrate court judge. 

The SCSO is committed to curbing the flow of illegal drug activity in Stephens County. If you have any information regarding illegal drug or gang activity in Stephens County, please contact the Criminal Investigations Division Tip Line at (706) 886-7048 or submit a tip using our mobile app.