Watkinsville Man Charged with Drug Offenses Near Athens Elementary School

An 18-year-old Watkinsville man was arrested on multiple drug offenses Wednesday after a fight broke out over a stolen gun on Fourth Street in Athens around 5:15 p.m., police said.

Officers immediately turned Rasheed Armani Freeman of Rankin Road over to Clarke County Sheriff's deputies on an outstanding warrant for contempt of court.

After talking with a detective, a resident of the home, which is near Howard B. Stroud Elementary School, gave permission for police to search the residence for the stolen gun.

During the search, a backpack containing several pill bottles, several bags of marijuana, a digital scale, and a wallet containing Freeman's identification was found in a closet, according to a news release.

Detectives say they also found in a bedroom additional items belonging to Freeman as well as materials used to wrap narcotics and marijuana for sale and a pellet gun.

Freeman was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II drugs, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, drug offense within 1,000 feet of a school, possession with intent to distribute synthetic narcotic, drugs in original container, and sale/distribution/possession of dangerous drugs.

The Department of Juvenile Justice was also contacted regarding a 16-year-old. Police said they found a small bag of marijuana in his shoe, and the officers were asked to detain him.

The teen was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, drug offense within 1,000 feet of a school, and drugs in original container. He was turned over to deputies for transport to a youth detention center.

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