Special to The Beacon NAHUNTA – Three men were arrested Thursday by the Nahunta Police Department’s Crime Suppression and Intelligence Unit (CSIU) K-9 Division following two separate traffic stops for equipment violations.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal narcotics in the community.
“These arrests reflect the dedication and commitment of our CSIU K-9 Unit to making our streets safer,” said Nahunta Police Department Chief Brad Todd. “We are working with and for the community, and we will continue to tirelessly pursue those who choose to bring dangerous drugs and criminal behavior into our city. Our team is passionate about keeping Nahunta drug-free and protecting those who call this community home.”
CSIU K9 Detective conducted a traffic stop at 6 p.m., on a vehicle for an equipment violation. During a consent search of the vehicle, methamphetamine was discovered in the possession of the two rear passengers.
The individuals, identified as Marcus Dean Travis II, 42, and Georgia Nicole Turner, 37, both of Hortense, were taken into custody without incident.
The front-seat occupants — two teenagers — were identified, interviewed and released at the scene.
Later that evening, at approximately 9:45 p.m., the CSIU K-9 Unit stopped a pickup truck, also for an equipment violation.
During the stop, the detective detected the odor of marijuana. The detective asked the driver, John Paul Branham, 31, of Nahunta, to exit the vehicle.
Branham refused to comply with verbal commands, prompting the deployment of a department-issued Taser. A foot pursuit ensued, during which Branham attempted to discard marijuana while fleeing.
He was apprehended several blocks away in a field. A subsequent search revealed methamphetamine concealed inside Branham’s shoes.
Branham was transported to the Brantley County Jail and charged with Obstruction of Law Enforcement and Possession of Methamphetamine.
The Nahunta Police Department remains committed to proactive enforcement, drug interdiction, and public safety through community partnerships.
Travis
Turner
Branham
