Monroe County drug investigation leads to arrest at Forsyth hotel

Deputies say the man was already out on bond for prior drug arrests.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Forsyth man is in custody without bond following a drug investigation at a Monroe County hotel.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a report of suspected drug activity Wednesday at Travelodge in Forsyth. Deputies responded to the scene and made contact with 62-year-old Ellis Zellner of Forsyth.

According to the release, deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from a bag Zellner was holding. When questioned, Zellner ran from investigators but was caught a short distance away.

Zellner is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of crack cocaine, possession of ecstasy, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of drug-related objects and obstruction.

Deputies say Zellner was already out on bond for previous drug arrests in July and September of 2024.