13 Dec Drug charges, other allegations stem from routine traffic stop

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Drug Charges on Friday, December 13, 2013.

Maryland State Police make routine traffic stops every day, but one recent stop on Kent Island resulted in multiple criminal charges being brought against the three occupants of the vehicle. After pulling a Kia Forte over for speeding, a trooper reported that the inside of the car smelled strongly of marijuana. He called for backup and ordered the three individuals out the vehicle when backup arrived so troopers could conduct a search. This investigation ultimately led to drug charges and other offenses.

After searching through the vehicle, troopers allegedly found 20 credit cards imprinted with names other than those of the three in the car. It was determined that the credit cards had been re-encoded with information that did not match the front of the cards. Troopers also found a total of 13 iPads and Samsung tablets, unopened and without any proof of purchase. These were allegedly purchased fraudulently from different wholesale store locations in Maryland. As the search progressed, troopers found a substance called methylone, which is commonly known as “bath salts.”

The three individuals were arrested. They all face charges related to credit card fraud and theft, and one of the accused faces a charge for possessing false identification. The discovery of the bath salts also resulted in a possession charge for one of the accused.

A conviction on drug charges and other criminal allegations carries the potential for serious consequences in our state. Each of the accused may benefit from seeking legal counsel that will examine the details of the troopers’ search of the vehicle and seizure of evidence to determine if it was done lawfully. In addition, they will want to ensure that they have representation that will stand up for their legal rights as they defend themselves against the charges.

Source: myeasternshoremd.com, Traffic stop leads to fraud, theft and drug charges, Angela Price, Dec. 4, 2013