CANTON | Firefighters charged with using, selling drugs | News

CANTON, Ga. -- Two Cherokee County firefighters were arrested this week on charges of possessing and selling drugs.

An investigation into 34-year-old Johnathan Wayne Thomas began after officials discovered tampered medicine containers on a county ambulance, according to Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison.

Police began an undercover investigation and arrested Thomas at his Canton home. He was charged with possession of marijuana and controlled substances, and selling hydrocodone.

"The swift reporting of this incident by Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services was instrumental in the success of this investigation," Garrison said in a statement. "This agency will not tolerate any type of illegal management or mishandling of our controlled substances, nor will we permit the possession and use of illegal drug by our employees ... I hope Mr. Thomas will take the necessary steps to overcome this issue and situation."

The second suspect, 25-year-old Jarad Jones of Canton, turned himself in Thursday afternoon. He is accused of stealing and using Fentanyl, a liquid painkiller, from the back of an ambulance.

Both men are being held in the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. Thomas was not granted bond and has been suspended without pay while police complete their investigation. Jones' bond is set at $5,700.