Officers discover suspected methamphetamine, handgun during stop

The Coffee County Drug Unit recently arrested a convicted felon after investigators discovered over 20 grams of methamphetamine and a handgun inside his vehicle during a traffic stop this week. 

According to an investigator with the unit, on December 27, a vehicle was pulled over for a taillight requirement on Spring Oak Street around 2:14 p.m. A search of the vehicle revealed over 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine, as well as a .22 handgun. 

While being questioned by the investigator, the suspect stated that his name was Martin Merrill. However, following an investigation, the man was identified as Glenn Leroy Merrill Jr., a convicted felon. 

Merrill was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, and giving a false name to a law enforcement officer. 

According to documents filed in the Superior Court of Coffee County, Merrill pleaded guilty to one count of possession of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance (tramadol) in 2020. 

Merrill has not been released on bond and is currently in the Coffee County Jail.