Jeff Davis County deputies arrested a wanted fugitive from Alma and a suspected drug dealer in Hazlehurst during separate investigations earlier this month.
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, Jeff Davis County deputies located a wanted fugitive from Alma at a residence in Jeff Davis County. Law enforcement approached Jonathan Taylor and informed him of his outstanding warrants. Taylor initially complied with law enforcement then suddenly attempted to flee on foot. A short foot chase took place before deputies were able to detain him. A search incident to arrest revealed Taylor to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and marijuana. Taylor was arrested and charged with outstanding probation warrants, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana (less than one ounce), obstruction, and probation violation.
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m., Jeff Davis drug investigators initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a window tint violation. The vehicle failed to yield and continued to travel at a slow pace and eventually pulled into an empty parking lot. Investigators made contact with the driver, Allen Damon Bennett, and informed him the reason for the traffic stop. Bennett was presented with the reading of the tint meter on his window and it read 8 percent.
Investigators asked Bennett to step out of the vehicle to speak with him to explain the traffic stop in further detail. Investigators informed Bennett that law enforcement had received information that Bennett was working in Hazlehurst at a factory and while there, was trying to sell drugs to employees, some of which were recovering addicts. The traffic stop was part of that investigation.
Officers asked Bennett if there was anything in the vehicle that they needed to know about. Bennett stated there was pistol in the glove box but nothing else. Officers retrieved a loaded firearm from within the glovebox and arrested Bennet for illegally possession a firearm by a convicted felon. Officers searched Bennett and a digital scale with meth residue was found in his right cargo pants pocket. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered sandwich baggies used for packaging materials in the backseat.
As the investigation continued, a search of Bennett’s residence was conducted and small quantities of marijuana, digital scales and more packaging materials were located. While Bennett was being transported, he allegedly discarded contraband in the patrol vehicle but it was discovered by law enforcement. The contraband was approximately 14 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
Bennett is currently serving a probation status under the First Offender Act for related charges stemming from a 2022 criminal case where Investigators arrested Bennett for similar behavior, allegedly selling drugs at work, being in possession of methamphetamine, and being in possession of several firearms.
Bennett was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of marijuana (less than one ounce), possession of drug-related objects, and a probation violation.