Traffic stop for phone use leads to drug, gun charges

Drugs and a gun Toccoa Police said they seized from a West Virginia woman after stopping her for violating Georgia's hands-free law. (Toccoa Police Department/Facebook)

TOCCOA, Ga. — What began as a routine traffic stop Sunday ended in a felony drug and firearm arrest, according to police.

On February 22, Toccoa patrol officers said they saw a gray SUV traveling on a public roadway with the driver actively using a cell phone. Officers stopped the vehicle for violating Georgia’s hands-free law.

When an officer approached the SUV, they reported smelling marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. During the investigation, officers developed probable cause to search the SUV, Toccoa Police Chief Brad Carlisle said.

The driver, identified as Sherri Thiab of West Virginia, was taken into custody at the scene.
Police charged Thiab with possession with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of drug-related objects, and violation of Georgia’s hands-free law.