Two Wanted Fugitives and One Woman Arrested in Stephens County Drug Investigation

TOCCOA, Ga. — The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) arrested two wanted fugitives and one woman Friday evening during a series of law enforcement operations in Toccoa.

According to the sheriff’s office, the first arrest occurred around 5:14 p.m. on October 10, 2025, after deputies conducted a traffic stop on West Currahee Street near North Broad Street. Deputies said they observed the driver of a white Lincoln sedan fail to stop at a stop sign.

The driver, identified as Jessica Bennett, 28, of Eastanollee, was found to be under the influence of drugs, deputies reported. During the traffic stop, officers also encountered a passenger who initially gave a false name but was later identified as William Vinson, 33, of Toccoa — a wanted parole violator.

A search of the vehicle revealed suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, hydrocodone, and tramadol, along with drug paraphernalia, an open container, and a hand-rolled blunt. Deputies also discovered a two-year-old child in the back seat, who was later released to the father.

Bennett was arrested and charged with multiple drug and traffic offenses, including:

• Possession and possession with intent to distribute Schedule II and IV controlled substances,
• Possession of marijuana,
• Driving under the influence of drugs,
• Failure to obey a stop sign, and
• Endangering a child while driving under the influence.

Her bond was set at $155,000.

Vinson faces similar charges, including drug possession, intent to distribute, providing false information to law enforcement, and a parole violation. His bond was set at $93,000, with no bond allowed for the parole violation.

Later that same day, deputies located and arrested Timothy Steele, 56, of Toccoa, at a residence on Factory Street. Steele was wanted for felony probation violation and possession of methamphetamine.

Around 6:13 p.m., CSU investigators and patrol deputies executed a warrant at the residence and took Steele into custody without incident. He remains in the Stephens County Jail on a $5,000 bond for possession of methamphetamine, with no bond for the probation violation.

Sheriff officials said these arrests are part of the department’s continued efforts to reduce drug and gang activity in the community.

“The SCSO CSU is committed to curbing the flow of gang and illegal drug activity in Stephens County,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.