Westminster Man arrested on Drug Trafficking Charge

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office reports a Westminster man was arrested on a charge of drug trafficking. 31-year-old Robert Keith Abernathy was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center at around 11am Wednesday. Deputies from the Uniform Patrol Bureau responded to the Dollar General location on Highlands Highway near Walhalla in reference to a report of shoplifting in progress. After arriving on scene, a deputy spoke with a store employee and began an investigation. During the investigation, the deputy obtained evidence that Abernathy had concealed an item of merchandise in order to deprive the business of the merchandise. After receiving consent to search his person, the deputy discovered a quantity of methamphetamine in Abernathy’s jacket. Abernathy was placed under arrest and transported to the Oconee County Detention Center. The amount of narcotics seized during the arrest was approximately 34.94 grams. Based on evidence that was obtained during the investigation, Abernathy was charged with one count of trafficking in methamphetamine and one count of shoplifting. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation.