Special to The Beacon
The Nahunta Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) K-9 and patrol officers made four drug arrests in a three-day period the last day of February and over the first weekend in March.
“I am extremely proud of the dedication and diligence of our CSU K9 and patrol officers,” said Police Chief Brad Todd. “Their efforts are directly contributing to safer roads and a safer community for the citizens of Nahunta.”
Mayor Marty Lee expressed his support for the proactive efforts of the Nahunta Police Department in combatting illegal drugs.
“The dedication of our officers is making a real difference in the fight against drugs in our community,” said the mayor.
CSU K-9 officers conducted a traffic stop Friday, February 28 on Jacob Street near Knox Street for equipment violations. During the stop, officers discovered a felony amount of marijuana and evidence linked to drug distribution.
The driver, Tacoma Lee Leverett, 23, of Brantley County, was arrested without incident. Leverett was also wanted in Waycross on traffic-related offenses and was currently on probation for prior charges.
He now faces charges for felony Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Related Objects and traffic offenses.
Leverett was transported to the Brantley County Jail. The Department of Community Supervision was notified of his arrest.
Sgt. Chuck Wilson initiated a traffic stop Saturday, March 1 for multiple violations, leading to the seizure of methamphetamine and drug related objects.
The driver, Nick Benedetto, 35, of Nahunta, was found to have a device commonly used to introduce dangerous drugs, along with suspected methamphetamine in plain view. Due to experiencing medical distress, Benedetto was transported by EMS to a local facility.
He faces charges for Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Drug Related Objects and Possession of Methamphetamine. The Georgia State Patrol assisted in the stop and is working alongside the Nahunta Police Department to ensure Benedetto is held accountable for his reckless behavior.
A CSU K-9 officer stopped a vehicle Sunday, March 2 on U.S. Highway 301 for speeding (69 mph in a 45 mph zone). During the investigation, officers determined the driver and passenger were in possession of heroin and other controlled substances.
The driver, Roger McConnell, was arrested for Speeding, Driving While License Suspended and Possession of Heroin.
The passenger, Chelsea Donaldson, was charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Crack Cocaine and Possession of Drug Related Objects.
Both individuals are from Jacksonville, Fla. Further investigation revealed McConnell had been released from the Department of Corrections just one week prior for a Possession of Fentanyl conviction.
The drug arrests followed several from late January and early February.
A CSU officer conducted a traffic stop Friday, January 31 at approximately 10 p.m., on GA Highway 520 near the Brantley County Library for an equipment violation.
During the investigation, the officer discovered approximately 11 ounces (317 grams) of marijuana, along with evidence indicating the substance was intended for distribution rather than personal use.
The driver, identified as Jajuan Deandre Preston, 33, of Brunswick, was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. Preston was transported to the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Corrections Division.
A CSU K-9 officer attempted to stop Andy Roscoe Johns of Nahunta Monday, February 3 at approximately 3:15 p.m., for an equipment violation.
Instead of complying, Johns fled from officers and refused to yield. After stopping, he continued to resist law enforcement, leading officers to deploy a Taser to safely take him into custody.
Johns was arrested and charged with Obstruction of an Officer, Driving with a Suspended Registration, Driving While License Suspended, Possession of Marijuana, and Fleeing and Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement.
Following his arrest, Johns was transported to the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office for booking.
The Nahunta Police Department remains committed to aggressive drug enforcement and ensuring those who bring dangerous substances into the community are held accountable.
