A Toccoa drug suspect, who had been on the run for several weeks, was arrested Thursday, at an apartment complex in Gainesville.
STEPHENS CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE:
“In early May 2026, task force agents with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division began receiving tips concerning Joseph Lee Williams, 23 of Toccoa, using and distributing illegal drugs—specifically methamphetamine—in and around Stephens County.
Agents were previously aware of Williams and that he had an outstanding probation warrant out of Stephens County for his arrest. Williams was actively making efforts to avoid detection from law enforcement by frequently changing locations.
On Wednesday, task force agents received information that Williams was staying at Toccoa Motel in Toccoa. With the assistance of sheriff’s deputies, a further investigation was conducted to corroborate this information. During the investigation, it was determined that Williams was staying at the motel but left earlier that afternoon and had not yet returned. At approximately 1 a.m. Thursday, task force agents received information that Williams had returned to the motel. However, when patrol deputies arrived, Williams fled the area on foot. Deputies, with the assistance of Toccoa Police officers, began conducting a search of the immediate area but were unable to locate Williams.
Later Thursday morning, task force agents received information that Williams had been picked up from the area by an associate and taken to an apartment in Gainesville. With the assistance of the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and Gainesville Police Department, investigators were able to identify and locate Williams’ associate at the Sycamore Ridge Apartments in Gainesville. Task force agents assisted by the Hall County Narcotics Unit, Warrant Unit, and K-9 Unit arrested Williams at the apartment complex without incident.
Officers later returned to the Toccoa Motel where a search was conducted of Williams’ room. They located approximately 10.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two Adderall pills, and other drug-related paraphernalia including syringes and a digital scale.
The investigation also identified Jasmine Jones, 19 of Homer, as having been in the room with Williams and involved in the illegal drug activity. At the time of Williams’ arrest, Jones was already in the custody of the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office resulting from an incident following a vehicle chase initiated by the Banks County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.
Both Williams and Jones are facing new charges in Stephens County for the following offenses: Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional drug-related charges are pending in Banks County.”