A traffic stop led to the arrest of two individuals last Wednesday, March 8.
Sgt. Nick Gillilan of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a gray Toyota Camry on Main Street in Carthage.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Gillilan noticed a smell one would associate with marijuana coming from the vehicle.
Gillilan spoke with the driver, identified as 25-year-old Eric Lawrence of Alexandria, who stated the car belonged to the passenger, 18-year-old Bradley Ledbetter of Alexandria, according to the arrest warrant.
According to the arrest warrant, Ledbetter stated the registration and tag for the vehicle where located in the trunk.
Gillilan informed them that he did smell the marijuana, at which time he was handed marijuana, a pipe, a grinder and rolling parers from the middle console of the car.
Deputy Nick Campbell assisted with a search of the vehicle, in which a bottle of Jagermeister, suboxone strip, another pipe with marijuana inside and a grinder were located.
According to the arrest warrant, Ledbetter took ownership of the items found in the car, at which time he was placed under arrest.
Gillilan then conducted the Standardized Field Sobriety Test on the Lawrence, in which he did not perform satisfactory.
Lawrence was placed under arrest for driving under the influence.
According to the arrest warrant, Lawrence was read the Implied Consent Law, to which he refused to do a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test.
Due to Lawrence having a prior DUI with a conviction date of August 28, 2014, out of Putnum County, a search warrant for blood was obtained.
Lawrence is charged with DUI 2nd Offense.
Ledbetter is charged with possession of schedule III, possession of schedule VI, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol while minor.
Bradley Kyle Ledbetter
Eric Christopher Lawrence
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