The Former Head of The Cherokee County GOP Republican Party has resigned following his arrest earlier this week on Marijuana Possession and Drug Paraphernalia charges – 52 year old John Lloyd Ellis of Ellisville was arrested by Cherokee County Sheriff’s deputies Friday at his home charged with first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia after 13 marijuana plants were found at his residence according to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver.

Ellis has been an adjunct instructor of political science at Jacksonville State University – Ellis told the Anniston Star by phone on Tuesday that he had resigned from the party position, saying (quote) I’ve stepped down and I have no other comment (end-quote)

In a letter submitted to WEIS Radio News on Tuesday evening the Cherokee County Republican Executive Committee has accepted Ellis’s resignation – Vice Chairperson Linda Pickelsimer will now take over as Chairman.

The letter went on to say that Mr. Ellis’s matter was a local issue and in no way involved the State Republican Party.

Angie Finley, a JSU spokeswoman has confirmed that Ellis is no longer employed by JSU.

According to Ellis’s resume, which was found on JSU’s website prior to being taken down Tuesday, Ellis had been an adjunct instructor at the university from “Fall 2000 to present.” Ellis taught courses in American government as well as state and local government, according to the resume.

Finley said Ellis was last employed with the university during the Spring 2014 semester.

First-degree unlawful possession of marijuana is a class C felony, punishable by no less than 1 year in prison, but no more than 10 years.