Donald Cadet

Name:
Cadet, Donald Joseph

Date of Booking:
05/08/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

BRAKE LIGHT/TURN SIGNAL VIOLATION

DUI

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On May 8th, 2026, at approximately 2138 hours, I, Deputy Holden Helcher, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of [1800 BLOCK] Cool Springs Rd, Clarkesville, GA, inside Habersham County.

While conducting traffic enforcement on SR17, near the intersection of SR105, I observed a black Dodge Ram Van, with Georgia Tag [REDACTED], traveling West on SR17 towards Helen. As the vehicle passed in front of my marked patrol car, I observed the registration plate affixed to the rear of the vehicle to be bent upwards, to the point that the tag lights did not illuminate the tag from the rear. I then observed the vehicle’s driver and passenger side brake lights activate but did not observe the top third brake light activate. I then caught up to the vehicle in order to confirm the brake light violation.

Upon approaching the vehicle from the rear on SR17 at the intersection of Cool Springs Rd, I observed the driver and passenger side brake lights activate again but did not observe the top third brake light activate. The vehicle then turned onto Cool Springs Rd. I then activated my emergency equipment and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the area of [1800 BLOCK] Cool Springs Rd.

Upon making contact with the driver, Donald Cadet, and the passenger, James Dean, I explained the reason for the traffic stop. Mr. Cadet advised he was not aware of the brake light not being operational and did not realize his tag was bent and was not illuminated by the tag lights. I asked Mr. Cadet for his driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.

While Mr. Cadet obtained the documents, I observed his eyes to be red and bloodshot and his eyelids to be heavy and droopy. I could also smell the faint odor of marijuana emitting from within the van. My observation of Mr. Cadet’s eyes and eyelids raised my suspicion he possibly could be under the influence of marijuana or another narcotic.

Mr. Cadet provided me with his Georgia Driver’s License and attempted to obtain his insurance card from his mother via phone. I then asked and obtained Mr. Dean’s information. I then asked Mr. Cadet to exit the vehicle and speak with me at my patrol car. I then requested for Sgt. Young to respond to assist with the traffic stop.

Upon Mr. Cadet exiting the vehicle, I observed a pocket knife located in his left front pants pocket. I asked Mr. Cadet if I could remove the knife, at which point he removed the knife and placed it on his rear bumper. I then asked and obtained consent from Mr. Cadet to search his person. Upon searching and coming in close contact with Mr. Cadet, I could smell the strong odor of marijuana emitting from his person.

I then conducted the enforcement action of the traffic stop and ran Mr. Cadet’s and Mr. Dean’s information through GCIC/NCIC. While conducting the enforcement action, I spoke to Mr. Cadet about his travels. Mr. Cadet explained he and Mr. Dean work together and he was taking Mr. Dean to visit his sister who lives on Cool Springs Rd. When asked about probation or parole, Mr. Dean acknowledged that he was on probation for DUI Alcohol.

I then asked Mr. Cadet if he smokes marijuana, at which point he confirmed he does smoke marijuana. Mr. Cadet admitted to smoking marijuana earlier this date between 1600 and 1700 hours. I asked Mr. Cadet if there was any marijuana inside the vehicle, at which point he admitted that there was possibly a smoked marijuana blunt but no other marijuana inside. When asked about other narcotics, Mr. Cadet denied possessing any other narcotics and admitted that he was a former “Roxy” or Roxicodone user.

Sgt. Young arrived on scene, at which point I explained to Sgt. Young my observations and Mr. Cadet’s statements regarding marijuana usage. Sgt. Young then began speaking with and evaluating Mr. Cadet while I made contact with Mr. Dean. I explained to Mr. Dean that Mr. Cadet admitted that there was possibly a marijuana blunt inside the vehicle.

When I asked Mr. Dean if he had any items inside or any narcotics, Mr. Dean immediately looked down towards the center console area then advised he did not. I asked Mr. Dean for honesty and asked about marijuana or other narcotics. Mr. Dean then admitted that he had a THC vape pen inside the vehicle. Mr. Dean did not know the THC percentage but believed it could possibly be greater than 0.3% allowed by law. I then asked Mr. Dean to exit the vehicle.

I conducted a search of Mr. Dean’s person with his consent. I then asked Mr. Dean where the THC vape pen was located, at which point he advised the center console area. I then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the course of the search, I located a black THC vape pen, containing a thick dark liquid consistent with THC, in the center console area. I then located two un-used hypodermic needles and folded tin foil in the center console area. Upon unfolding the tin foil, I observed burn drag marks across the foil and a partially burnt white pill, imprinted with “M”, which is consistent with Roxicodone or other fake Oxycodone pills.

I then instructed Sgt. Young to detain Mr. Cadet while I detained Mr. Dean. I then read both subjects their Miranda Rights, at which point they both stated they understood and agreed to speak with me. Mr. Cadet stated that the pill belonged to a friend who smoked it then left it inside his vehicle. Mr. Cadet then stated that the hypodermic needles were for his girlfriend because she is a diabetic. When asked what type, Mr. Cadet stated she was a “Type A” diabetic, which is not a true and proper diabetic type.

I then asked if his blood was to be tested on the side of the road, would it return with Roxicodone in his blood stream. Mr. Cadet admitted that he had been using Roxicodone again. Mr. Cadet stated he does not use needles to inject the Roxicodone but smokes it off the tin foil instead. I then continued searching the vehicle.

During the course, I located a burnt marijuana blunt and rolling papers inside the driver side cup holder. I then located a clear plastic bag containing marijuana shake in the floor behind and between the driver and passenger seat. No further contraband or narcotics were located.

I then spoke with Mr. Dean about the Roxicodone pill located. Mr. Dean denied any knowledge or ownership of the pill. Mr. Dean advised the only item he had was the THC vape pen. I then spoke to Mr. Cadet and advised him that he was being placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance. Sgt. Young advised he was also being placed under arrest for DUI Drugs Less Safe.

All narcotics and narcotic related objects were seized. Due to not being able to test the THC concentration and confirm the legal THC limit, the THC vape pen was seized for destruction. The marijuana blunt, rolling papers, and hypodermic needles were also seized for destruction.

Sgt. Young transported Mr. Cadet to the Habersham County Jail without incident. The vehicle and Mr. Dean were released to a licensed driver. The evidence was documented and submitted. The evidence was sealed in an evidence bag and secured in an evidence locker. GBI Submission Form was completed and attached to the evidence. Warrants will be obtained through Habersham County Magistrate in reference to this incident.

[End of Narrative]