On March 17th, Sgt. Fields initiated a traffic stop on a black Lincoln LS due to an expired tag. After further investigation it became obvious that 2021 expired tags had been altered by adding a 2022 sticker. Gordonsville Police Officer Dustin Holder also responded to the scene.
The driver was identified as Eugene Minor, 54, of Knoxville. Sgt. Fields explained he had smelled the odor of marijuana upon approaching the vehicle. Minor admitted to having smoked marijuana earlier. He was asked to exit the vehicle. A search of his person revealed a small baggie containing 2 grams of marijuana. While searching the vehicle, a Spiderman backpack was located in the trunk.
Inside the backpack 17.8 ounces of marijuana, 6 grams of cocaine and two sets of digital scales were discovered, along with a marijuana grinder. Minor was also found to be in possession of $2,566 in cash which was seized as a result of being suspected proceed from the illegal sales and distribution of marijuana and cocaine.
Minor was charge with two counts of manufacture/delivery/sell of controlled substance, alteration of vehicle tags and felony possession of drug paraphernalia. Minor posted $16,000 bond and was released from the Smith County Jail.
