Former Veterans High School football coach arrested after transporting marijuana in Ben Hill County

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Men in uniform standing behind a table. The table has the evidence including money, firearms and bags of marijuana. — The Ben Hill Sheriff’s Office arrested Kerrion Smith and three others on Monday, March 2. (Courtesy: Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office)

WARNER ROBINS — Kerrion Smith, a former teacher and football coach at Veterans High School, was arrested for transporting pounds of marijuana, according to the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the office’s Facebook, the case began in January after investigators received information that Smith was allegedly transporting pounds of marijuana into Ben Hill County for distribution.

On Monday morning, the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources executed a search warrant at 309 West Orange Street in Fitzgerald.

As a result of the search warrant, three individuals were placed under arrest and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, along with additional felony charges.

During the operation, deputies seized:

Two vehicles
Approximately 1.28 pounds of marijuana.
$4,816 in U.S. currency
Three handguns

The post stated the residence is located 1,000 feet from the former Fitzgerald High School campus, used by staff and students for various activities.

The investigation was spearheaded by Case Agent Gary Rodgers, Investigator James Skinner and Investigator Grayson Watson, assigned to the agency’s Special Operations Division.

The Sheriff’s Office says the case is the result of relentless, intel-driven investigative work and the coordinated efforts of its Special Operations Division, working as a unified team.

“Their dedication and professionalism continue to make a measurable impact in the fight against illegal drug activity in Ben Hill County. We are grateful to everyone who assisted in this operation. Because of this teamwork, another drug distributor and organization have been removed from our streets,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

The Houston County School District has released a statement:

“We are aware of reports regarding the recent arrest of a VHS teacher. Because this is an active legal matter and a personnel issue, we are limited in what we can share at this time; however, we can confirm that this individual is not currently at the school. The Houston County School District takes all matters involving employee conduct seriously. We are following established district procedures in accordance with board policy and employment laws.”