Americus Times-Recorder, Americus, Georgia

January 27, 2009

Montezuma police make drug trafficking charge

From Staff Reports

MONTEZUMA — Several drug arrests have resulted from work by the Montezuma Police Department, according to a press release from Chief Eric R. Finch.

According to that release, on Jan. 20, Montezuma Police Department K-9 Officer Rodney Flynt stopped a green 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis on North Dooly Street for a seat violation. During the stop, the officer noticed that the passenger within the vehicle was acting very nervous. Both the passenger and the driver were asked to step from the vehicle, and while conducting a search of the passenger, a large quantity of cocaine was found on his person.

Officers arrested Alveno Levar Crocker, 29 of 309 South St., Marshallville and charged him with trafficking cocaine.

The police chief stated, "We have been receiving information on Mr. Crocker and we had heard that he was supplying drugs in the Marshallville area."

Then, on Jan. 22, according to the release, Flynt stopped a 2003 Ford Expedition for failure to use a turn signal. Flynt was able to make contact with the driver and a passenger in the vehicle who started acting nervous when questioned by the officer. The driver gave the officer consent to search the vehicle and which revealed a large quantity of marijuana in a cooler underneath some ice and large sum of money.

Officers arrested Keeshan Williams, 30, of 552 Asbury Road, Oglethorpe and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and Charlie Griffin III, 29, of 207 Rigas Road, Americus, charged with with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Finch said, "We are in the process of looking at charging both Williams and Griffin with trafficking once we get everything weighed in.”

Officers of the Montezuma Police Department are also in the process of seizing the cash in this case as well as the 2003 Ford Expedition.

Also on Jan. 22, Flynt arrested Maurice Jerome Mathis, 20, of P.O. Box 237, Oglethorpe. Mathis was stopped for a traffic violation and checked through the E-911 Center which advised that Mathis had an outstanding warrant in Americus. Upon checking Mathis' vehicle, officers found marijuana in it. Mathis was charged with possession of marijuana.

Finch said that all four of those arrested were taken to the Macon County Jail.

"I am proud of the work all our officers are doing. Currently we are running two K-9 units and they are both doing an excellent job of working drug cases within our area," Finch said.ontezuma Police make drug trafficking charge