Georgia safety Ja’Marley Riddle is facing felony drug charges after what police describe as a high-speed run on Interstate 95 ended with a traffic stop in Glynn County and a stash of marijuana products in his vehicle. Officers say a red SUV was weaving through traffic and accelerating well above the interstate speed limit before Riddle was pulled over, then booked on two felony drug counts and a misdemeanor speeding charge. The 19-year-old transfer from East Carolina was released on bond and now has a criminal case pending.
According to The Associated Press, a police report obtained by WGIG 98.7 FM says Riddle was arrested last week on two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor speeding charge. The report states that officers smelled marijuana, noted that Riddle appeared nervous, and searched a backpack where they say they found multicolored packets labeled as marijuana along with vape cartridges marked THC.
Stop on I-95
An undercover officer on Interstate 95 reported spotting a red SUV weaving through traffic and pulling away even as his patrol car approached speeds of about 95 mph, per CBS Sports. After uniformed officers carried out the traffic stop, the report says Riddle agreed to a search of the vehicle, which is when officers say they discovered the packaged marijuana products and THC vapes.
Team reaction and player background
The Georgia football program has acknowledged it is aware of the charges and is in the information-gathering phase, a spokesperson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. That report notes Riddle was arrested May 8 in Brunswick and posted bonds totaling $16,526 later that same day. According to Georgia Athletics, Riddle transferred from East Carolina and recorded 133 tackles, 10 pass deflections and six interceptions across two seasons with the Pirates.
What happens next
The case is set to move through Glynn County courts, and officials had not immediately responded to requests for additional information, according to The Associated Press. The Bulldogs have characterized the situation as an ongoing matter and declined to comment further while the legal process plays out.
