I-85 traffic stop leads to drug arrests near Seneca

Three people have been arrested in Oconee County in a drug investigation that started with a traffic stop on I-85. The Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrests on October 2 of Joseph Eugene Willoughby and Laura Renee Place. Willoughby was charged with possession of 28 grams or less of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute heroin; Place was issued a traffic ticket alleging simple marijuana possession. That investigation, according to the sheriff’s office, led the narcotics unit the next day to a Rochester Highway home shared by Willoughby and Betty Christine Roberts. After a search warrant was executed, officers say, Roberts was charged with possession of a weapon during a violent crime and trafficking heroin. And the sheriff’s office added charges of conspiracy to traffic heroin against Place and Willoughby.