Stolen car leads to drug-related charges on 8 adults, one 16-year-old in Walker County

A stolen vehicle led to the drug-related arrests of eight adults and one juvenile in Walker County, authorities say.

The vehicle, taken Thursday from the lot of a convenience store in Flintstone, Ga., was located Monday afternoon at 3846 Happy Valley Road, Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said in a news release.

A search of the vehicle found a small quantity of methamphetamine and paraphernalia related to methamphetamine use such as pipes, spoons and syringe needles, Wilson said. In addition to the methamphetamine, several bags of marijuana were found, he said.

Along with the eight adults arrested, a 16-year-old was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and for being runaway from Chattanooga, he said.

The adults arrested were:

Eric Wade Smith, 29, charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, theft of motor vehicle and giving false name or address to a law enforcement officer;

Edward Curtis Murphy, 38, charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and giving false name or address to a law enforcement officer;

James Howard Franklin, 57, charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana with intent to sell;

Joseph Shane Franklin, 31, charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana with intent to sell;

Heather Nicole Young, 25, charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana with intent to sell;

Valerie Rose Defur, 27, charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and manufacturing methamphetamine;

Amy Pearson, 25, charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana with intent to sell;

Velisha Kirby, 31, charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.