After being stopped for a traffic violation on Interstate 65 in Jackson County on Saturday morning, a Kentucky man was arrested and sent to the Jackson County Jail on drug and gun charges.
Stephen Richards, 40, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, faces preliminary charges of manufacturing/dealing in methamphetamine of 10 grams or more, a Level 2 felony; possession of a narcotic drug of 5 grams or less, a Level 5 felony; possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor; possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor; and carrying a handgun without a license, a Class A misdemeanor.
The arrest was made during holiday patrols initiated by troopers from the Indiana State Police Versailles Post this past weekend, according to a news release from public information officer Sgt. Stephen Wheeles.
The incident that led to Richards’ arrest started just before 11 a.m. when Trooper Randel Miller conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima that was being driven northbound on I-65 near the 54 mile marker north of Seymour.
Troopers Jason Hankins and David Owsley also responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.
During a search of the vehicle, police reported finding approximately 15 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 8 grams of suspected marijuana, THC gummies and fruit rollups, paraphernalia, prescription medications and a 9mm handgun.
Richards was identified as the driver, arrested and booked into the jail in Brownstown at 12:26 p.m. He was being held without bond pending his initial appearance in Jackson Circuit Court.
A Level 2 felony is punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison upon conviction with an advisory sentence of 17½ years.