Georgia Prison Guard Receives Litany of Criminal Charges after Traffic Stop

by David Reutter             

Following an August 2013 traffic stop, a Georgia prison guard was slapped with seven criminal charges and jailed. It marked the second time in a month that a Georgia guard was arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Greene County Sheriff’s K-9 Deputy Patrick Paquette spotted a black Chrysler Sebring traveling “above the speed limit” and failing to signal when changing lanes. As he approached the vehicle after the traffic stop, Paquette detected an odor of alcohol coming from the car, which was driven by Atlanta Transitional Center guard Alexander Ford.

Upon noticing a clear plastic bag that appeared to hold cocaine, Paquette asked Ford to step out of the car. Rather than comply, Ford grabbed the plastic bag and attempted to destroy the evidence by putting it in his mouth.

A physical alteration ensued after Paquette ended up inside the vehicle and retrieved the plastic bag. “Ford was attempting to put the car into drive, but was never able to engage the transmission,” said Green County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Ron Thurmond. “The deputy was finally able to call for assistance on his portable radio.”

A struggle ensued after backup arrived, but it ended when Sgt. Robert Prause used his Taser to subdue Ford. Once taken into custody, Ford was charged with possession of cocaine, driving under the influence, speeding, tampering with evidence, felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and failure to signal when changing lanes.

Source: www.msgr.com

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