Chases, meth possession, and firearms charges top drug unit's operations in April

The Coffee County Drug Unit announces the following recent drug-related arrests:

April 18 - The CCDU located an individual identified as Travis Bennett, who was wanted on outstanding drug charges from a previous case in which he led deputies on a vehicle pursuit. Bennett was also wanted on numerous other criminal warrants on charges that included failing to appear in court, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and probation violations.

April 18 - A traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle driven by Raymond Marcum and occupied by Diana Joyner. Marcum sped through the Douglas WalMart parking lot and attempted to park his vehicle. It was discovered that both Marcum and Joyner were wanted on outstanding warrants for probation violations. Marcum violated probation for the original charge of possession of methamphetamine, and Joyner violated probation for the original charge of gang participation.

April 20 - Coffee County deputies responded to a vehicle accident, and it was discovered that the driver, Jonathan Davis, was under the influence of a mind-altering substance. The Georgia State Patrol assisted in the investigation. A passenger in the vehicle, Kaylie Murray, was found to be in possession of suspected drug-related objects and methamphetamine. Davis was charged with driving under the influence, driving while license suspended, and other traffic violations. Murray was charged with possession of drug-related objects and possession of methamphetamine.

April 20 - The CCDU attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Brandon Fender. Fender fled from deputies, and a chase ensued. The pursuit extended into Atkinson County, where Fender ran off the roadway and fled on foot through a field. Deputies apprehended Fender and placed him under arrest. It was discovered that Fender’s license was suspended, and he was wanted in Lowndes County on a probation violation for the original charge of trafficking methamphetamine. Fender was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug-related objects. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug-related objects, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, driving while license suspended, and other traffic related offenses.

April 20 - Coffee County deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Michael Stevens. Stevens appeared to be under the influence, and the Georgia State Patrol assisted in the investigation. Stevens was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine, as well, and was charged with driving under the influence, possession of methamphetamine, driving a vehicle with suspended, canceled, or revoked registration, and no proof of insurance.

April 22 - The CCDU executed a search warrant at a residence that had been the focus of another search conducted earlier this year. A quantity of suspected crack cocaine was discovered. As a result, Antonio McQueen and Linda Barnes were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. At the time, McQueen was out of jail on bond for charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon stemming from the previous search warrant.

April 25 - Coffee County deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Linda Story. Story was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and suspected alprazolam. Story was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance.

April 26 - The CCDU located a vehicle of interest in reference to a complainant who had reported the driver of the vehicle weaving while driving. The driver was identified as Samuel Patrick Hope and was found to be in possession of suspected alprazolam. Hope was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

April 27 - The CCDU attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Anthony Friedman. Friedman failed to stop and led deputies on a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit went into Jeff Davis County, where Friedman lost control of his vehicle while attempting to maneuver a curve. Friedman was arrested and charged with fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, and other traffic charges.