Traffic Stop Uncovers Methamphetamine Haul West of Bedford

Two individuals are facing high-level felony charges following a Wednesday evening traffic stop that took more than a pound of methamphetamine off local streets.

According to an official statement released by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began on June 10th at approximately 6:15 p.m. when Deputy Gus Hogan pulled over a vehicle along State Road 450, west of Bedford.

The Traffic Stop and K9 Alert

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Crystal L. Travis, 47, of Bedford, and her passenger was identified as Thomas J. Mitchell, 60, a resident of California. During the interaction, Deputy Hogan noted distinct indicators of criminal activity inside the vehicle.

Deputy Kenton Carter arrived on the scene to assist and deployed his K9 partner, Boon. The police service dog conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle and gave a positive alert for the presence of narcotics.

The Seizure

A subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle by deputies uncovered a massive amount of contraband, including:

• Just over one pound of methamphetamine
• Hypodermic syringes
• Assorted drug paraphernalia

Incarceration and Heavy Charges

Both Travis and Mitchell were taken into custody and booked into the Lawrence County Jail at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening. They are currently being held on the following preliminary charges:

• Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
• Possession of Methamphetamine over 28 Grams
• Possession of Hypodermic Syringes (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of Paraphernalia (Class B Misdemeanor)

Sheriff Day Commends Deputies

Sheriff Greg Day highly praised the proactive road work of his deputies, noting that a drug seizure of this scale takes a major bite out of local distribution operations.

“Thanks to the excellent police work by Deputy Hogan and Carter, more than a pound of methamphetamine will not reach the hands of our community members who are struggling with addiction," Sheriff Day stated. "Seizures of this size do not happen without dedication and hard work. They continue to make a difference!”

The Sheriff's Department reminds the public that all tips regarding illegal drug activity can be submitted anonymously through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s App.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in a court of law.