Authorities Announce Two Drug Arrests

Authorities are announcing a pair of drug arrests.

According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, the first arrest stemmed from the search for a fugitive earlier this month.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said that his office had been looking for 23-year-old William Brandon Vinson of Christine Circle in Toccoa for several weeks.

Shirley said Vinson faced charges of hit and run, failure to report an accident, and a felony probation violation.

“Vinson was able to elude law enforcement for weeks up until last Friday, when investigators got information he would be at a certain location,” said Shirley. “Deputies and investigators positioned themselves in the vicinity of a local convenience store and as he drove up, they were able to surround the vehicle he was driving. He was arrested without incident and as a result of searching his car incident to arrest, they were able to find a quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana in his backpack.”

Now in addition to the original charges, Vinson also faces charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Marijuana.

Shirley said Vinson is currently detained in the Stephens County Jail without bond.

Meanwhile, the second drug arrest came last Friday after the Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop.

The sheriff said deputies were trying to stop 31-year-old Charles D. Mayfield of Toccoa when he fled.

“As soon as they activated their blue lights, the driver accelerated and after a brief vehicle pursuit, the vehicle turned into an Avon Street residence and went around back and became stuck in the backyard,” said Shirley. “The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies gave chase and were able to apprehend Mayfield.”

Shirley said that after apprehending Mayfield, deputies searched him and found a number of items.

“During the search of the vehicle incident to arrest, deputies were able to recover one ounce of cocaine, a bag of methamphetamine, and different types of prescription drugs. Deputies also found 1 1/2 pounds of marijuana and a large amount of currency that has been seized by the Sheriff’s Office.”

Mayfield has been charged with Trafficking Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Distribute, five counts of Possession of Scheduled Prescription Drugs with Intent to Distribute, Felony Fleeing, Felony Obstruction of an Officer, and an active warrant for a probation violation.

Shirley said Mayfield was transported to the Stephens County Jail where is being held pending a bond hearing.