Country singer Jamey Johnson is facing a Class E felony after being arrested and charged with drug possession.
The 49-year-old “In Color” singer was pulled over by Tennessee Highway Patrol officers in Williamson County on Sunday (November 17) for speeding.
“We can confirm that Jamey Johnson was arrested on Sunday, November 17 in Williamson County. The incident is still under investigation,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol wrote in a statement.
He was arrested and charged with speeding and drug possession “with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell the controlled substance,” according to court documents seen by The Nashville Tennessean.
Johnson is now facing a fine of up to $5,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 6, 2025.
The Independent has contacted Johnson’s representative for comment.
Johnson first rose to prominence writing songs for fellow country stars, including Trace Adkins and George Strait. He’s since gone on to become a successful recording artist, releasing his debut album, The Dollar, in 2006, followed by That Lonesome Song in 2008.
Two of the second album’s singles — “In Color” and “High Cost of Living” — landed on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. The former became his first and only Top Ten country hit, peaking at No. 9. It also earned him Song of the Year in 2009 at both the Country Music Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards. That same year, he earned Grammy nominations for Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
Earlier this month, Johnson released his latest record, Midnight Gasoline, which includes the song “Sober,” in which he opens up about his journey toward sobriety.
“I am 13 years sober now,” Johnson said in a September press release. “I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since 2011, and I know that could end this afternoon.
“It is a day-to-day, hour-to-hour decision,” he continued. “Most of the places I play are bars, or I am still hanging out in bars. That’s where most of my friends are. Now I can hang out in them and not be drinking like I used to. That is what Sober is about.”
