A Covington man was arrested on drug charges after an observant Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) deputy saw him loitering in the parking lot of a closed business.

According to his report, Deputy Christopher Richardson was patrolling in the area of Hwy-81 South and Hwy-212 at around 4:15 a.m. March 21 when he saw a Ford Taurus occupied by Ryan Arthur Maynard, 28, sitting in the parking lot of a closed business.

According to the report, due to recent commercial burglaries, Richardson pulled into the lot. When he pulled in, he reportedly saw Maynard sit up in the driver’s seat and attempt to leave. Richardson activated his emergency equipment and stopped the vehicle.

According to the report, when Richardson asked Maynard why he was in the parking lot, he said that he was waiting for a friend.  The deputy reportedly smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and noticed loose tobacco on the center console. According to the report, he also noticed a small, clear plastic bag similar to those used for narcotics on the passenger seat of the car.

According to the report, Richardson told Maynard that he smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked him to get out. Richardson reportedly searched Maynard and found several small plastic baggies like the one he observed in the passenger seat of the car.

Richardson reportedly found a clear, crystal substance that appeared to be methamphetamine. A search of the vehicle also turned up a digital scale and marijuana that had been dumped and rubbed into the carpet.

According to the report, Maynard was arrested and charged with Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act (VGSCA), loitering and prowling and possession of drug related objects. He was transported to the Newton County Law Enforcement Center.