NAHUNTA — Two separate investigations Friday, October 16 by the Crime Suppression & Intelligence Unit (CSIU) resulted in two arrests and the seizure of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a handgun.
One incident involved a vehicle carrying a 13-year-old passenger, underscoring the unit’s commitment to protecting children from the dangers associated with illegal drugs.
In the first investigation, CSIU received information concerning a woman reportedly possessing methamphetamine and possibly being under the influence. Chief Brad Todd, Cpl. Cole Sturgill and Lt. Jeff Sturgill contacted Pepper Shellane Stewart, 50, of Nahunta, in the City Hall parking lot. During the investigation, officers determined Stewart was allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of suspected methamphetamine and a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine.
CSIU Detective Cpl. Sturgill arrested Stewart without incident and transported her to the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office, where she was turned over to corrections personnel.
At approximately 6 p.m. that same day, Capt. Brandon Todd stopped a vehicle on Knox Street for equipment violations. During the investigation, which included an interview with the driver and a probable cause search, Capt. Todd located suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and a handgun.
The driver was identified as Jerrin Lee Flowers, 40, of Hortense. Investigators determined Flowers had a prior felony drug conviction. He was taken into custody without incident.
A 13-year-old passenger was also in the vehicle. Capt. Todd released the child to her mother and advised the Department of Family and Children Services would be contacted regarding the circumstances.
Chief Brad Todd said the presence of a child made the second incident especially concerning.
Stewart
Stewart
“Every drug arrest matters because we know the damage these substances can do to families and neighborhoods,” Chief Todd said. “But when a child is riding in a vehicle where officers find suspected methamphetamine and a handgun, that concern becomes deeply personal. That child deserves safety, stability and adults who put her well-being first.”
Chief Todd emphasized protecting children is CSIU’s number one priority.
“We look at these children the way we look at our own,” he said. “We ask ourselves, ‘If this were my child or my grandchild, what would I expect someone wearing this badge to do?’
“Then we hold ourselves to that standard. Every child in this community deserves that level of care and commitment.”
The chief said CSIU will continue to pursue illegal drug activity, with particular attention to circumstances that place children at risk.
“Our message is clear,” said Chief Todd. “We will enforce the law, we will follow the evidence, and we will take action when children are placed in danger. We understand addiction affects entire families, and we want people who are struggling to seek help.
“But, a child cannot be expected to carry the consequences of an adult’s choices. When drugs enter a child’s world, protecting that child becomes our immediate responsibility.”
Chief Todd credited Capt. Brandon Todd and Cpl. Sturgill for their work and reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to Nahunta and Homeland families.
“Taking methamphetamine off our streets is part of the mission,” he said. “Protecting the children growing up on those streets is at the heart of it. These are our community’s children. We care about their futures, and we intend to keep showing that through our actions.”
All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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