Lawrence County - On July 10th, Indiana State Trooper Caleb Garvin and Sgt. Greg Day, both of the ISP Bloomington District A.C.E.S., were conducting a traffic stop along State Road 54 just west of Avoca on a 2007 Kia passenger car.

The driver was identified as Victor J. Roberts, 32, of Owensburg and the female passenger was identified as Julia (Jacobs) Sowders, 39, also of Owensburg.

Troopers immediately detected indicators of criminal activity.

While Trooper Garvin was speaking to Roberts on the driver’s side of the Kia, Sgt. Day observed Sowders reach in to her pants and attempt to hide a fairly large bag.  Sgt. Day then opened the passenger door and asked Sowders to produce the bag.

Sowders complied and when she did so, Sgt. Day observed a smaller plastic baggie with a crystal like substance sticking out of it. Further investigation revealed approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine packaged in baggies for sale, items of drug paraphernalia, digital scales, and several empty smaller baggies commonly used for drug packaging.

Both Roberts and Sowders were arrested and incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail.

CHARGES:

Victor J. Roberts

1. Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

2. Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

3. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor

Julia Sowders

1. Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

2. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington District at 812-332-4411.