Stephens County Man Arrested Following Multi-Agency Search

A Stephens County man wanted on an outstanding probation warrant was arrested Thursday following a multi-jurisdictional search that stretched from Toccoa to Gainesville and resulted in the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and other drug-related items.

According to the Stephens County Sheriff's Office, task force agents with the Narcotics Division began receiving information in early May regarding Joseph Lee Williams, 23, of Toccoa, allegedly using and distributing methamphetamine in and around Stephens County.

Investigators were already familiar with Williams and were aware that he had an active probation warrant for his arrest. Authorities say Williams was actively attempting to avoid law enforcement by frequently changing locations.

On Wednesday, May 27, agents received information that Williams was staying at the Toccoa Motel. With assistance from the Sheriff's Office night shift patrol division, investigators worked to confirm the information and determined Williams had been staying at the motel but was not present at the time.

At approximately 1 a.m. Thursday, May 28, authorities received information that Williams had returned to the motel. When deputies arrived, however, Williams reportedly fled on foot. Deputies from the Stephens County Sheriff's Office, assisted by officers with the Toccoa Police Department, searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate him.

Later that morning, investigators learned Williams had allegedly been picked up by an associate and transported to an apartment complex in Gainesville in an attempt to avoid capture.

Working alongside the Banks County Sheriff's Office, Hall County Sheriff's Office, and Gainesville Police Department, investigators identified the associate and located Williams at Sycamore Ridge Apartments in Gainesville.

Stephens County task force agents assisted members of the Hall County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, Warrant Unit, and K-9 Unit in taking Williams into custody without incident.

Following the arrest, investigators returned to the Toccoa Motel and conducted a search of Williams' room. During the search, authorities reported locating approximately 10.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two Adderall pills, syringes, a digital scale, and other drug-related paraphernalia.

The investigation also identified Jasmine Jones, 19, of Homer, as being present in the motel room and allegedly involved in the illegal drug activity. At the time Williams was arrested, Jones was already being held by the Habersham County Sheriff's Office following an unrelated incident that occurred after a vehicle pursuit initiated by the Banks County Sheriff's Office.

Williams and Jones are both facing charges in Stephens County including:

• Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute

• Possession of Methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance

  
  

Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing, with additional drug-related charges pending in Banks County.

The Stephens County Sheriff's Office credited the Hall County Sheriff's Office, Banks County Sheriff's Office, Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, and Gainesville Police Department for their assistance in the case.

Officials stated that the cooperative effort among agencies helped remove illegal drugs from the streets of Stephens County and surrounding communities. Two more suspects involved in the vehicle pursuit that entered Baldwin this week were apprehended in Hall County Two more suspects involved in the vehicle pursuit that entered Baldwin this week were apprehended in Hall County as well.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity in Stephens County is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division Tip Line at (706) 886-7048, submit a tip through the agency's mobile app, or use the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's "See Something, Send Something" app.