Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Drug Charge in Crockett

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT — Billy Vaughn Patton was arrested early Tuesday, Aug. 4, after a traffic stop on Loop 304 led to the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and other items, according to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).

At approximately 1:24 a.m., Deputy Long stopped the motorcycle after observing that it did not have a license plate and had defective lighting equipment. During the stop, Long noticed what HCSO described as suspicious behavior from the driver.

With Patton’s consent, Long and Crockett Police Department Officer Rhone searched Patton and his backpack. They located a glass pipe containing suspected methamphetamine residue, a digital scale with suspected methamphetamine residue, multiple small plastic baggies and approximately 2.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

A field test returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

Based on the suspected methamphetamine, packaging materials and digital scale, Patton was arrested and charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance in Penalty Group One, one gram or more but less than four grams, a second-degree felony.

Patton was transported to the Houston County Jail without incident.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]