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Press release

VIDALIA — Vidalia Police Officers Dartavious Bethley , Roger McDonald Jr. and Chief Investigator Sam King conducted “power patrol” Thursday, Nov. 21, which yielded over 10 traffic stops and two drug arrest in an hour time span.

Bethley stopped a vehicle after seeing an infraction. While talking with the driver, identified as Bill Graham, McDonald engaged the passenger, identified as Jason Dale Wiley. Graham was seen grabbing a clear plastic baggie from the center console and attempting to conceal it on the back seat floorboard area. Wiley was removed from the vehicle and found to be in possession of suspected Xanax that was hidden under his clothes. He was detained and issued Miranda warnings.

Graham was removed from the vehicle, detained and issued Miranda as it was revealed his driver’s license was suspended. Upon search of the vehicle, a clear plastic baggie was found in the area Graham was seen reaching. That baggie contained suspected marijuana.

Both subjects were transported to Vidalia Police Department for booking. As Wiley was being removed from the patrol unit, officers discovered a chunk of a white, crystallized substance later testing positive for methamphetamine and suspected marijuana at Wiley’s feet along with approximately 19 Alprazolam pills and over $1,000 in cash.

“Chief (Joey) Merrill’s focus is to combat drugs in the town of Vidalia,” said King. “Power patrols and officers being proactive, recognizing the clues, will continue to yield this type of arrest.”

Graham was booked for driving under suspension and possession of schedule I (marijuana). Wiley was possession of possession of schedule I (marijuana), possession of schedule II (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute and possession of schedule IV (Alprazolam) with intent to distribute.

“As chief, my number one goal is keeping Vidalia safe for all of our citizens,” said Merrill.