Passenger Is Arrested After Traffic Stop of Car
Matthew Ford, a passenger in a vehicle which was stopped on Sandpiper Drive on Saturday evening, Jan. 14, was arrested and charged with trafficking in drugs and possession of drug related objects, according to an incident report from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).
The report states the vehicle was stopped for not having an operating tag light and that the driver was a person named Samantha, with no last name referred to throughout the report. The report goes on to say Mr. Ford, the front seat passenger was asked to step out of the car so a quick exterior pat down for weapons could be performed. After exiting the vehicle Mr. Ford continuously insisted that the deputy had no right to search him, however a pat down revealed a round object in his pocket.
When asked if it could be removed Mr. Ford said no. At this time the back seat passenger was asked to exit the vehicle, and after a pat down and an interior pocket search with consent, no contraband was found.
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At this time another deputy arrived and after receiving consent search from the driver (Samantha), found a digital scale under the passenger front seat.
Mr. Ford admitted the scales belonged to him and said he used them for buying and selling gold. However suspected meth crystals were found on the scales and a subsequent search of Mr. Matthews revealed a meth pipe in his pocket and also two individually wrapped packets of suspected meth.
Mr. Ford was arrested, the back seat passenger was released, and the driver (Samantha) was also released with a citation.
Also, during the period of January 6-13, the JCSO reported the following criminal activity:
• On January 13 a resident on Perimeter Road reported the theft of two flat screen TVs and a computer reader.
• On January 7 a resident on Blue Heron Drive reported the attempted theft of the radio from his truck.
• On January 6 a resident on Herds Creek Road reported the attempted theft of an abandoned 1989 Chevrolet pickup.
Anyone with information concerning any of the above are encouraged to call the JCSO at 706-468-4912, or use the anonymous tips line 706-468-tips.
During the period of January 10-17 the JCSO reported the following arrests:
• Brian Michael Caron, 32, McDonough—hold for Newton County.
• Terry Edward Ryles, Sr., 56, Monticello—probation violation and child support.
• Robert Whidby, 61, Monticello—probation violation.
• Randy Cargile, 48, Monticello—probation violation.
• Amber Deanne Strickland, 21, Monticello—simple battery and cruelty to children.
• Bryan Keith Mason, 25, Monticello—probation violation.
• Jan Ryan Cheek, 41, Covington—probation violation.
• Donavan Jermaine Clemons, 27, Hillsboro—simple battery.
• Miranda Sharee Marks, 23, Monticello—simple battery.
• Kim Annette Slaughter, 44, Mansfield—probation violation.
• Robby Dale Griffin, 41, Mansfield—criminal damage to property in the second degree, probation violation (two counts) and failure to appear bench warrant (two counts).
• Joshua Scott Hudson, 21, Covington—probation violation.
• William Darnell Standifer, 47, Monticello—probation violation.
During this same period deputies with the JCSO responded to 145 calls for service including 61 stopping suspicious person/vehicle, 11 accident, nine subject needs officer, eight each alarm and livestock on road, five attempt to serve warrant, four each assist motorist, juvenile complaint and threatening/harassing calls, three each domestic, mechanical break down, and pick up prisoner, two each dog disturbance, EMS, discharge firearms, checking location, road hazard and argument, one each burglary, speeding auto, direct traffic, escort or convoy, fire alarm, theft by taking, overdose, possible suicide, persons refuse to leave and identity fraud/theft.
Also during this period, the Monticello Police Department (MPD) reported the arrest of Tony Lee Rooks, 51, of Monticello, and charged him with probation violation.
In addition, during this period officers with the MPD responded to 71 calls for service including 36 stopping suspicious person/vehicle, nine escort or convoy, five subject needs officer, four alarm, two each assist motorist, theft by taking, disorderly and 911 hang up, one each speeding auto, mechanical break down, EMS, crowd disbursement, welfare check, juvenile complaint threatening/harassing calls, checking location and vandalism of property.
