Traffic stop leads to methamphetamine arrest
/A traffic stop late last month led to the arrest of a Bedford woman after deputies reported finding methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia hidden inside her vehicle.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Deputy Devan Goad of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department initiated a traffic stop Aug. 30 on a black 2000 Chevrolet S-10 traveling on State Road 54. Dispatch records showed the license plate returned to a maroon and white truck registered to Lani D. Stark, 34; however, the color of the truck didn’t match its registration.
Deputy Zachary Goad soon arrived to assist, along with Deputy Carpenter and his K-9 partner “Mater,” who is certified in narcotics detection. During a free air sniff around the vehicle, K-9 Mater alerted to the presence of drugs on the driver’s side. Deputies said they could also smell the odor of marijuana as the driver and passenger exited the vehicle.
A search of the truck revealed five hand-rolled cigarettes believed to contain marijuana. Deputies also located a green plastic box hidden behind the glove box in the dash. Inside the box, officers found two glass smoking devices with residue and plastic bags containing a crystal-like substance. A field test later indicated the substance on one of the smoking devices was methamphetamine.
During questioning, Stark allegedly admitted the drugs and paraphernalia belonged to her, stating, “It’s all mine,” and told deputies her passenger did not know the items were in the truck.
Evidence collected, including 1.2 grams of crystal-white substance, was seized and sent to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for confirmation. The hand-rolled cigarettes were also sent to the lab.
She faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony, possession of marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor, and possession of paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor.
Stark was held without bond until her initial hearing on Sept. 2. At that time, a bond of $50,000 surety with 10% cash was allowed. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Nov. 10.