CATOOSA COUNTY, GA. — A Tunnel Hill man has been convicted of trafficking methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute following a March trial in Catoosa County Superior Court.
On March 20, a jury found Jason Earnest Jones guilty after evidence revealed he was transporting large quantities of meth into Northwest Georgia. Jones was arrested by a multi-agency task force that included the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators discovered over 300 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, and packaging materials during a lawful search of Jones’ pickup truck. A further search of his cellphone revealed incriminating text messages related to drug trafficking. Jones later admitted to bringing meth from the Atlanta area into Northwest Georgia.
Assistant District Attorney Zachary Trippe prosecuted the case. While the prosecution sought a life sentence due to Jones’ prior felony drug convictions, the presiding judge sentenced him to 20 years in the Georgia Department of Corrections.
District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller emphasized the office’s tough stance on drug crimes. “If you’re caught trafficking over 300 grams of methamphetamine — especially with a history as a convicted drug dealer — you can bet we’re going to seek the harshest penalty the law allows,” said Fuller. “We will not let you bring that poison into our community.”
Jones has two previous convictions for possession with intent to distribute, making this his third felony drug offense.