$2,900 in illegal gambling payouts seized

PRESS RELEASE – In the early morning hours on Oct. 5, 2024, a deputy with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a blue in color Buick Lesabre which resulted in the arrest of one individual.

While traveling along Big A Road at around 2:30 a.m., a deputy got behind a blue in color Buick Lesabre. The deputy was familiar with the vehicle and had reason to believe the occupant was traveling between convenience stores and possibly engaging in illegal activities. The deputy turned left onto East Currahee Street behind the vehicle and observed that the driver started to gradually swerve left and right across the double yellow lines. The deputy then activated his emergency equipment, signaling the driver to stop the vehicle.

After stopping the vehicle, the deputy made contact with the male driver who lit a fresh cigarette – a common sign of nervousness. During their initial conversation in which the deputy informed the driver of the reason for the stop, the driver informed the deputy that he had been out playing slot machine games at convenience stores. Due to the deputy’s awareness of illegal activity common among game users along with the male’s nervous behavior, the deputy requested consent to search the vehicle. Receiving permission, the male stepped out of the vehicle and was patted down for any dangerous objects. He was identified as Daniel Williams, 53 of Martin.

During the search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered a pill bottle containing Hydrocodone – a Schedule II controlled substance – which was not labeled for Williams. Due to the pills being in his possession, the deputy placed Williams under arrest. After being informed he would be going to jail, Williams began walking as if there was something between his legs and complaining of feeling faint.

The deputy then searched Williams. In his wallet, Williams was carrying $2,900 in $100 bills. Having knowledge that Williams was unemployed, the deputy questioned Williams on how he received the money. Stating that he received the cash under-the-table with no paperwork to prove his income was legitimate, the deputy informed Williams that the money would be seized. He further stated that the cash came from illegal payouts on the gambling machines at local 24-hour convenience stores.

After Stephens County EMS arrived to check on Williams due to him complaining of high blood pressure and feeling as if he would pass out, they determined he did not need to be hospitalized. Williams was then transported to the Stephens County Jail without incident.

Daniel Williams was charged with Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance and received a citation for Failure to Maintain Lane. He was released from the Stephens County Jail on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 on a $6,000 bond.