Henry Counter gang member sentenced after trying to flush marijuana down hotel toilet

A Henry County man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after trying to flush a large amount of marijuana down a hotel toilet.

Joseph Lee Elgers, 28, of McDonough was convicted Tuesday of one count each of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tampering with evidence, as well as two counts of violating the street gang terrorism and deterrence laws.

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The Elgars were arrested on October 29, 2020 at the America’s Best Value Inn on Highway 155 in McDonough after the Henry County Police Gang Unit detected a strong odor of marijuana in a room.

Deputies obtained a search warrant and heard a flush coming from the room as they approached the door.

When deputies entered the hotel room, they found more than a pound of marijuana.

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Elgers was the only person in the hotel room and Elgers’ driver’s license was in the backpack with the marijuana. Law enforcement also found drug packaging materials and a large amount of cash in the room.

At trial, evidence showed Elgar’s social media accounts identified him as a member of the Bloods gang, as well as selling marijuana.

Elgers was ordered not to contact any gang members.

In total, Elgars was sentenced to 25 years in prison and had to spend the first 15 years behind bars.

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