A routine traffic stop for a minor infraction in Chattooga County on Friday, July 19, 2025, quickly escalated into a drug arrest when a deputy discovered methamphetamine and marijuana in a vehicle. Brandon Monroe Samuels, 42, was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine following the incident.

According to an arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Ellenburg was patrolling US-27 North when he observed a white Dodge Ram pickup truck traveling too closely to the vehicle in front of it. Deputy Ellenburg initiated a traffic stop on US-27 at Gore Fire Hall Road.

Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Brandon Samuels, Deputy Ellenburg immediately detected the distinct odor of marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle. Samuels was asked to step out and speak with the deputy at the patrol vehicle. When questioned about illegal substances in the vehicle, Samuels denied their presence.

The deputy then spoke with the passenger, Jonathan Stephens, who also denied any drug use or the presence of contraband in the truck.

Despite the denials, the odor of marijuana provided probable cause for a search of the vehicle. During the search, Deputy Ellenburg located a small amount of marijuana tucked underneath the passenger seat. More significantly, a syringe containing a clear liquid substance, which the deputy immediately identified as methamphetamine, was also discovered in the same location.

Cpl. Wilks arrived on scene to assist, and Samuels was detained. Further evidence emerged when Jonathan Stephens reportedly showed deputies text messages from Samuels, instructing Stephens to hide his “rig” – referring to the syringe – that was found under the passenger seat.

Samuels was subsequently arrested without incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail, where he was booked on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine. The passenger, Jonathan Stephens, was not arrested.