A tip to police led to the arrest of a 75-year-old Toccoa man who is now charged with drug trafficking. Authorities arrested Kenneth Jerry McConnell Thursday afternoon at his home on Foster Street. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence on May 29, after receiving a tip that McConnell was allegedly dealing drugs from the home.
While executing a search warrant, authorities say they uncovered a large stash of narcotics and cash. They seized approximately 197 prescription pills—including clonazepam, oxycodone, and oxycodone hydrochloride—not prescribed to McConnell or anyone else in the home.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU), assisted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) Task Force and Toccoa Police Department, conducted the search. The sheriff’s office says that during the search, agents also discovered more than 4.5 grams of suspected fentanyl and $22,900 in cash.
Law enforcement also seized four vehicles from the property.
Multiple charges
The sheriff’s office says McConnell experienced breathing difficulty while still on scene. He was transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
In addition to trafficking and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, authorities charged McConnell with the following:
- Possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance
- Possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance with intent to distribute
- Four counts of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute
- Four counts of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance
- Tampering with evidence
“We would like to thank the GBI ARDEO Task Force and Toccoa Police Department for their assistance with this investigation,” said Sheriff Rusty Fulbright in a press release.
Law enforcement tip line
He encourages anyone with information about the case to contact the Stephens County Criminal Investigations Division Tip Line at 706-886-7048 or use the tip submission feature in the SCSO mobile app.
Tips may also be submitted to the GBI by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or through the “See Something, Send Something” app.
