New charges have been filed against two metro Atlanta men arrested almost two weeks ago during a traffic stop on drug trafficking and other charges, according to Flowery Branch Police. But the additional charges are not drug related.
FLOWERY BRANCH POLICE NEWS RELEASE:
“After further investigation into the (men’s) vehicle and its contents, Investigators discovered journals containing the identifying information of more than 35 individuals. To date, Investigators have confirmed 10 of the individuals were victims of identity theft. On March 12th, 2024, Mr. (Michael) Blackmon was charged with 10 counts of Identity Theft.
Additionally, Investigators discovered the vehicle identification number on the (car) was altered and the vehicle fraudulently registered in another state. Upon determining the correct vehicle identification number, the vehicle was confirmed to be a stolen vehicle. Based on this discovery, on 03/18/2024, Mr. Ahmad Essam was charged with Owning, Operating, or conducting a Chop Shop.”
EARLIER RELEASE:
“On March 8th, 2024, Flowery Branch Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a Mercedes GL350 being operated by Ahmad Essam, 21, of Atlanta Georgia. Michael Blackmon, 50, of Chamblee Georgia, was a passenger in the vehicle.
During the course of the traffic stop, officers discovered the duo were in possession of approximately 289 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 3 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 17 grams of suspected testosterone, several counterfeit driver’s licenses, and other drug related paraphernalia.
Mr. Ahmad Essam was charged with possession of cocaine, forgery 2nd degree, possession of drug-related objects, window tint violation, and having a defective windshield.
Mr. Michael Blackmon was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of a schedule 3 drug (testosterone), three counts of forgery 2nd degree, and possession of drug- related objects.
After further investigation into the vehicle and its contents, Investigators discovered journals containing the identifying information of more than 35 individuals. To date, Investigators have confirmed 10 of the individuals were victims of identity theft. On March 12th, 2024, Mr. Blackmon was charged with 10 counts of Identity Theft.
Additionally, Investigators discovered the vehicle identification number on the Mercedes was altered and the vehicle fraudulently registered in another state. Upon determining the correct vehicle identification number, the vehicle was confirmed to be a stolen vehicle. Based on this discovery, on 03/18/2024, Mr. Ahmad Essam was charged with Owning, Operating, or conducting a Chop Shop.”