Traffic stops lead to multiple drug arrests in White County

Drugs and firearms White County deputies say they seized from three men during three traffic stops during the overnight hours of June 30, 2020. (photo by White County Sheriff's Office)

Three Northeast Georgia men face drug charges following three separate traffic stops overnight Thursday in White County. During the stops, patrol deputies seized over 40 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms, Sheriff Ricky Kelley says.

Kelly identifies those arrested as 42-year-old Edwin Henry Johncox, Jr., of Eastanolle, 50-year-old Marcus Fred Franklin of Gainesville, and 35-year-old Clay Michael Tate of Murrayville.

Deputies charged Johncox with possession of methamphetamine and crossing a guard line with a weapon or drugs. Franklin was charged with possession of methamphetamine. And deputies charged Tate with possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and operating a vehicle without a revalidation decal.

Kelly commended the deputies on the arrests.

“The deputies involved did an outstanding job,” he says. “These arrests are a result of the White County Sheriff’s deputies being proactive and thorough in their duties. These actions show the dedication and determination that our deputies have in serving our community.”

A judge set bail for Johncox at $5,000, for Franklin $2,500, and Tate $8,000. Online jail records show all three remained in the White County Jail as of late Friday, July 1.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email