A Baylor School tennis coach has been arrested on charges of buying meth in Whitfield County, Ga.
Philip Johnson, 51, of Ooltewah, was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with attempt or conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and use of a communication facilities during drug transactions.
He is currently being held in the Whitfield County Jail without bond.
Sheriff Scott Chitwood said, "During a recent investigation the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office received information that a coach (Phillip Johnson) from the Baylor School, Chattanooga, frequently travels to Whitfield County to purchase methamphetamine.
"On Thursday, investigators determined the subject was planning to make another purchase of the meth, and officers initiated surveillance around I-75 at the Tunnel Hill exit. At approximately 2:30 p.m. the suspect (Johnson) met with a cooperating source at a nearby store to purchase methamphetamine from him for $200.
"The source’s vehicle was equipped with recording devices and the transaction was recorded. After the transaction was completed, Mr. Johnson left the store parking lot and was stopped by officers as he was getting back onto I-75. The plastic bag containing the chemical substance sold to Mr. Johnson was recovered in an empty can in his vehicle. He also had a firearm in his possession."
Johnson grew up in North Georgia, the son of a preacher. The Tunnel Hill resident was a Georgia state champion as a junior and the top-ranked 16s player in 1981.
He played on the first national championship team at the University of Georgia in 1985 and later played in the pros. He twice played Andre Agassi at the U.S. Open.
He was at the Racquet Club before coming to Baylor.
His boys team won the state championship this past spring.
Johnson has headed the Baylor tennis program since 2004.
He has been honored as the Tennessee Tennis Coach of the Year.