A traffic stop for a non-working headlight resulted in the Dec. 6 arrest of a 27-year-old Dugger woman on charges of obstruction of justice and possession of marijuana. 

Linton Police Department Officer Andrew Mifflin and Lieutenant Bobby Pierce conducted a routine traffic stop for a vehicle with a non-working headlight in the late evening hours of Dec. 5.

During the stop, Lt. Pierce asked for identification from the female passenger, later identified as Kimberly Dawn Witvoet. She said she did not have an ID with her. During this time, Pierce could smell an odor of burnt marijuana coming from the car. 

Both Witvoet and the driver were asked to step out of the vehicle. When asked, Witvoet denied having any drugs on her person; however, according to the probable cause written by Mifflin, it was apparent something was hidden as there was a large bulge in her front waistline area. 

When searching the vehicle, officers found a small black plastic box with magnets on the top lid located inside the passenger side door panel. The box had marijuana inside. Witvoet was advised a search warrant was being requested for the marijuana officers believed was on her person. She allegedly asked officers if it would be beneficial to just give them the marijuana, to which Lt. Pierce advised it was her decision to make. Witvoet did not turn over the marijuana.

The driver was advised to fix his headlight and released from the scene while Witvoet was transported to the Linton Police Department for questioning. Upon arriving at the station, Officer Mifflin wrote in his probable cause, it was apparent she had tried to retrieve items from her waistline as green, leafy plant-like material, later identified as marijuana, was found in the back seat of the police car and on the front of her pants. 

During a search of her person by Greene County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kelly Hutchens, the following items were located in her front waistline area: a pink zipper bag containing her ID, a bag of green, leafy plant-like material later identified as marijuana, rolling papers, lighters, grinder, and make-up. 

Also assisting at the scene were Linton Police Department Officers Janzen Franklin and Cayden Walker and Worthington Police Department Officer Trey Sparks. 

She was transported to Greene County Jail and held on $4,500 bond with 10 percent cash allowed. She later posted a $450 bond and was released.

She appeared in Greene Superior Court via two way video Dec. 7 and was formally charged with obstruction of justice, a Level 6 Felony and possession of marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor.