Monday, March 24, 2014
Columbia Men Garner Local Drug Charges During Traffic Stop
Columbia residents are facing local drug charges in the wake of a traffic stop conducted by Lawrenceburg Police Officers Saturday night.
Driver Deterines Cortae Cathey, age 24, was issued a citation for a license plate violation and illegal possession of narcotics, while passenger Justice Laquintus Buchanan, 19, was arrested on charges that include possession of marijuana for the purpose of resale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and other drug related charges.
Reports show that the traffic stop was made along North Locust Avenue shortly before 11:00 p.m. when the officer noticed that the license plate on the Nissan Maxima was not illuminated as required by law.
The reporting officer indicates that as he approached he noticed Buchanan attempting to conceal pills with his arm.
When he questioned them about whether there was any contraband inside the vehicle, both Buchanan and Cathey denied that there was.
The officer reports that he explained to the pair that he had noticed Buchanan concealing the pills, then had them exit the vehicle.
When the men were searched officers report finding 11.56 grams of marijuana, digital scales, and rolling papers concealed on Buchanan’s person. Cathey was reportedly found to be in possession of $1,210 in cash that officers said had an odor of marijuana.
All of the items were seized as evidence. Reports show that Buchanan’s phone revealed that he had been selling drugs.
Buchanan was incarcerated at the Lawrence County Detention Center under a bond of $7,500. Both he and Cathey were scheduled an initial appearance in General Sessions Court on May 1, 2014.
