Carroll County Sheriff’s Reports

Drug Charges — On January 3, Deputy Alex Sherwood conducted a traffic stop on a black 1997 Ford F-150 after observing a non-illuminating driver-side headlamp. The stop occurred on Highway 104 East near Hickory Flat Road.

According to the report, the driver, George Southerland, 36, of Cedar Grove, appeared very nervous and was making furtive movements inside the vehicle. After contact was made, Southerland consented to a search of the vehicle. During the search, deputies located a small clear plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance on the center console. The substance field tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed approximately 0.5 grams.

Southerland was arrested and charged with possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine). The vehicle was towed, and the suspected methamphetamine will be sent to the TBI lab for analysis.

Driving on Revoked License — On January 6, Deputy Dustin McClure observed a silver 2006 Nissan Altima traveling north on Spruce Street in Bruceton after leaving a convenience store. While following the vehicle, Deputy McClure observed it slowly roll through a stop sign.

A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver was identified as William Arnold Taylor, 66, of Bruceton. Taylor confirmed that his driver’s license was revoked due to a prior DUI. A records check confirmed the revocation and showed the offense was a second violation.

Taylor was arrested and transported to the Carroll County Jail on a charge of driving on a revoked license for DUI, second offense. The vehicle was seized, and a seizure hearing was scheduled.

Fraud Investigation — On January 6, Investigator Angel Furr responded after a report was made regarding fraudulent online purchases. The reporting party advised that multiple credit cards had been compromised and used to make unauthorized purchases through Walmart.com.

During the investigation, it was determined that two iPhones had been ordered online and delivered to the reporting party’s address using stolen credit card information. The phones were later picked up through UPS using an electronically generated return label, despite the reporting party never initiating a return.

Further investigation revealed that an unknown individual had gained access to the reporting party’s Walmart and credit card accounts and changed the phone number associated with the accounts to a number belonging to the suspect. The phone number used was determined to be a spoofed VOIP number that could not be traced.

Tracking information confirmed that both devices were ultimately shipped to the same address in Falls Church, Virginia. The investigation verified that the reporting party did not authorize the purchases and was not in possession of the devices.

The case remains pending with the involved financial institutions and merchants.