Cardius Steagall Arrested On Multiple Charges

On Thursday, November 24, 2011 at approximately 9:30pm, Officer Gary Morgan of the Franklin Police Department stopped of a blue, Chevrolet Caprice, near the intersection of School Lane and Georgia Highway 34, after observing a violation.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Morgan stated that he detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle while speaking with the two occupants. As standard procedure, he then requested the assistance of the Heard County Sheriff’s Department, prior to conducting a search of the occupants and vehicle. Deputies Roman Ramseur and Billy Towler responded to his location and upon their arrival, Officer Morgan requested that the driver identified as Cardius Steagall, exit the vehicle. While speaking with him outside the vehicle, Officer Morgan reported that it was apparent that the marijuana smell was coming from Cardius Steagall, due to the strong odor.

A search of the individual revealed 7 bags of marijuana that fell from the crotch area, down his right pants leg, during the search. After conducting the roadside search, he was arrested and while being escorted to a patrol vehicle, officers observed 3 additional bags of marijuana fall to the ground that had also became dislodged from the crotch area of the individual.

Prior to being transported to the Heard County Jail, Officer Morgan informed Cardius Steagall that if he had additional illegal items on his person, he needed to inform him prior to crossing the guard line at the Heard County Sheriff’s Department.

Upon arriving at the Jail facility, Officer Morgan then discovered a cigar in which the tobacco had been replaced with marijuana. He was then released into the custody of the detention officers and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Crossing of Guard Lines while Possessing Drugs and Tag Light Required.