A man that was involved in a high-speed chase through Liberty County May 30, has now been indicted on a federal drug charge, according to Barry L. Paschal, Public Affairs Officer, for the Office of the United States Attorney - Southern District of Georgia.
Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia said that Sherick Sharari Leshane Brinson, 26, of Eatonville, Fla., is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine.
Paschal said the amount of cocaine seized is alleged to be greater than 500 grams. If convicted Brinson faces a possible life sentence in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“We are grateful that our law enforcement partners safely brought the defendant into custody,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We applaud their vigilance in helping to keep illegal drugs out of our communities.”
Brinson was taken into custody after leading Georgia State Patrol troopers and Liberty County Sheriff’s deputies in a chase on Georgia highways 405 and 38 that allegedly reached speeds of up to 127-mph.
The chase, that began shortly before midnight May 30, ended in a wreck in Flemington which injured three people.
According to GSP Trooper, Lyle Thurmond the chase began on I-95 northbound when a Liberty County deputy clocked Brinson’s vehicle traveling 88 mph in a 70-mph zone. According to earlier reports the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but Brinson continued to flee. During the chase GSP Trooper, Chris Ashdown joined the pursuit and attempted to stop the speeding motorist. Brinson exited the interstate at exit 76 making a left turn in the direction of Hinesville with the two officers still in pursuit, at times exceeding 120 miles per hour.
A Liberty County deputy set up stop sticks at the intersection of Leroy Coffer and East Oglethorpe which ended up damaging one of the tires on the fleeing vehicle.
Allegedly Brinson continued westbound where he attempted to make a U-turn at Caleb White to return eastbound. While attempting to make the U-turn he was struck by a vehicle heading in the westbound lane. Brinson fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.
According to police reports Brinson threw a book bag out the car window during the chase. The bag was later recovered. The bag allegedly contained more than 4 pounds of suspected Cocaine, over 11 ounces of suspected Methamphetamine, various pills, and other substances. Items in the bag also field tested positive for Fentanyl, a powerful and dangerous Opiate.
In addition to the federal drug charge Brinson faces a DUI charge, fleeing and attempting to elude police and numerous traffic citations.
“Transporting illegal drugs leads to only one destination, prison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “DEA, its law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office stand united and will not allow traffickers to turn our roads into cocaine and meth highways.”
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer G. Solari.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brinson is currently being held without bond at the Liberty County Jail. His bond was set at more than $219,000.00.