A convicted felon previously sentenced for gang-related violence was arrested Tuesday, April 29, in Stephens County for allegedly resuming criminal street gang and drug activity after his recent release from prison.
Johnny Rodrickus “Hotrod” Jones, 33, of Toccoa, was taken into custody by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit in coordination with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), the GBI Metro Gang Task Force and the FBI-North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force.
Jones had previously pled guilty to multiple felony charges stemming from a January 2, 2022, shooting at the Toccoa Pines (Prather Park) apartment complex. In that case, he was convicted of three counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of the Georgia criminal street gang prevention act.
A Superior Court Judge sentenced him to 20 years, with three years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), and banished him from the Mountain Judicial Circuit, which includes Stephens, Habersham, Banks and Rabun counties.
Despite the court-ordered banishment, authorities received tips from concerned citizens that Jones had returned to the area and was once again allegedly involved in gang activity and drug trafficking. Investigators identified him as operating a ruby red 2006 Ford Mustang during these alleged activities.
On April 29, law enforcement officers located Jones’ vehicle in Stephens County. During a traffic stop that afternoon, police say investigators confirmed Jones was the driver and searched the vehicle. They discovered marijuana, suspected gang paraphernalia, digital scales, packaging materials and $790 in cash.
Jones was arrested and taken to the Stephens County Detention Center, where he allegedly attempted to conceal multiple illegal substances during the booking process. Investigators recovered suspected methamphetamine, hydrocodone, crack cocaine, and a felony amount of marijuana.
Jones now faces a series of new charges, including: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of schedule II controlled substances with intent to distribute (crack-cocaine and hydrocodone) and four counts of crossing guard lines with drugs without consent of warden and other drug possession charges.
Bond for these charges was set at $141,000 by the Stephens County Magistrate Court.
Jones also has been charged with eight counts of unlawful participation in criminal street gang activity. He was denied bond for those charges and must appear before a Superior Court Judge for further consideration.
The investigation remains ongoing.
