Sheriff's deputies in Stephens County and State law enforcement say a convicted felon, who is all-too familiar to the area's agencies, is back behind bars this week.
On Tuesday, April 29 the Sheriff's Office worked with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) in apprehending a previously convicted 33-year-old felon, Johnny "Hotrod" Jones of Toccoa. Jones was previously convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison with three years mandated through the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) for Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, Possession of Fiream by a Felon, and Violation of Georgia's Criminal Street Gane Prevention Act in January of 2022.
However, a press release from Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright on Friday indicates Jones had allegedly violated another condition of his release from prison, to remain banished from the Mountain Judicial Circuit--including Stephens County. Law enforcement officials spotted Jones' 2006 red Ford Mustang while conducting a traffic stop on April 29th, confirming Jones was the driver, and prompting a search of the vehicle. GBI agents and Stephens County deputies allegedly uncovered a quantity of marijuana, suspected criminal street gang paraphernalia, digital scales and $790 dollars in cash from Jones's car.
Jones was transported from the traffic stop scene to Stephens County Jail and was also reportedly found concealing suspected hydrocodone, methamphetamine, a felony amount of marijuana and suspected crack cocaine during a personal search. He now faces new charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Hydrocodone, Crack Cocaine and Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and eight new counts of Unlawful Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity. An investigation continues in the case with the GBI's Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO).
