A rural Bloomfield man who was stopped for driving while suspended is being charged with felony pot possession – he has three prior convictions.

Tracy Edward Taylor II, 29, Bloomfield, was arrested late Thursday, April 30, on a warrant that was issued as a result of an investigation by Indiana State Police Trooper Caleb Garvin.

Trooper Garvin was on duty traveling on Sylvania Road when he saw Taylor’s Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling the same road in front of him. Trooper Garvin conducted a random license plate status check. Taylor was the registered owner of the vehicle and Taylor’s driver’s license was suspended. Trooper Garvin stopped the Jeep.

As he was talking to Taylor, Trooper Garvin reported the odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle and he asked Taylor if he had anything illegal. Taylor allegedly admitted there was a small amount of marijuana in a pouch on the back of a seat.

During a search of the vehicle, Trooper Garvin said he found approximately two ounces of plant material that appeared to be marijuana.

When the trooper checked Taylor’s record, he found Taylor had three prior convictions, all in Greene County, for possession of marijuana, so Taylor could be charged with a felony.

The stop occurred in mid-March, but Taylor was not arrested at that time. A criminal case was filed against him on Friday, April 17, and a warrant issued.

Following his arrest, Taylor’s bond was set at $4,000 surety with ten percent cash allowed. He posted $400 and was released the same day.

When he appears in Greene Superior Court for an initial hearing, he will be formally charged with possession of marijuana – with a prior drug offense conviction, a Level 6 felony.