State Police find three lbs. of marijuana during traffic stop

On Thursday May 27, 2010 at 1:50 pm Kentucky State Police Sergeant Tackett Wilson observed a 1994 maroon Ford Explorer, traveling northbound on I-75 in Whitley County, being operated in a careless manor with the occupants not wearing seat belts.

Trooper Wendell Higginbotham, who was on "Click-It or Ticket" patrol in the area, responded to the location and upon a check of the operator’s license learned it was suspended.

Further investigation into the traffic stop led to the discovery of approximately three (3) pounds of Marijuana, with an approximate street value of six (6) thousand dollars, inside the vehicle.

Trooper Higginbotham arrested and charged the following people:

* Anthony W. DeBord, 35, of Mount Orab, OH – charged with Failure to Give Turn Signal, Failure to Wear Seat Belt, Operating on a Suspended Operators License, Trafficking in Marijuana 8 ounces to 5 pounds 1st offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

* Michelle L. Darnell, 39, of Mount Orab, OH – charged with Trafficking in Marijuana 8 ounces to 5 pounds 1st offense.

Both were lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center.

Trooper Higginbotham is in charge of the investigation and was assisted by Sergeant Tackett Wilson.