Jamey Johnson was arrested for alleged possession and speeding, just weeks after opening up about his addiction problems.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed to PEOPLE that the country star was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 17 in Williamson County, Tenn. The incident is still under investigation.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE from the General Court in Williamson, Tenn., Johnson was charged with violating a Tennessee law that is a Class E felony and prohibits the possession of between half an ounce and 10 ounces of marijuana. The penalties for this charge, if convicted, can result in one to six years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.
He was also charged with allegedly speeding, a Class C misdemeanor, which could result in a $200 fine.
Jamey Johnson says he ‘barely survived’ addiction. Why he refuses to ‘play games’ with alcohol anymore
The “High Cost of Living” singer, 49, was pulled over by Williamson County Highway Patrol officers for speeding just before 10 p.m. Sunday. According to the complaint, state troopers claim Johnson was driving 87 mph in a 70 mph zone and claim they discovered several Ziploc bags of marijuana and rolled joints in the musician’s car.
Johnson’s arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2025, according to Williamson County’s online court records system.
Representatives for Johnson have not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Earlier this month, Johnson opened up Billboard about his battle with addiction and the inspiration behind his recent single “Sober,” written about his choice to stop drinking alcohol.
“I had my last drink in September 2011. Then I quit weed in 2015. I think it was about eight years. Nine years,” he told the publication.
Johnson added, “During that time period, it was all about sobriety. And with a sober mind, I’m able to do things like get a pilot’s license, manage a business, launch a product line.”
At the time, he revealed that he identifies as “mostly sober” but “every once in a while, I can still pop a joint if I’m writing or something.”
After all, Johnson said he “doesn’t play with alcohol.”
“That’s what then took me down the dark path of self-destruction and I barely survived,” he added. “Alcohol was an incendiary way to destroy myself.”
Jamey Johnson in August 2024.
Jason Kempin/Getty
Jamey Johnson to Perform ’21 Guns’ at PBS Memorial Day Concert: ‘It Is Always Heavy’ (Exclusive)
In May, Johnson opened up to PEOPLE about the story behind his song “21 Guns,” a tribute to fallen servicemen and women, which he performed during PBS’ National Memorial Day concert on May 26.
“I can tell you that I’ve been to a lot of funerals for Marines that I’ve served with,” he said. “Some of them died in the fighting, and some have since passed away. It’s always hard and there’s always that realization that your friend will always be young. They stop growing at that age and will always be that age in your mind.”
Johnson continued, “It was written because he knew what I was thinking sitting there at the funeral and knowing what must be on their family’s mind.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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