BEDFORD – Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested a Bedford woman on Wednesday, April 17, on drug charges after Deputy Brenten Trueblood stopped her vehicle for an expired license plate.
Police detained 37-year-old Stephanie Johnson, of Bedford, on charges of possession of a legend drug, possession of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Officer Trueblood was patrolling Mitchell Road and 22nd Street when he spotted a red car with an expired license plate. He initiated a traffic stop on Mitchell Road and 18th Street and spoke to the driver, Stephanie Johnson. Reserve Officer Logan McDowell assisted during the stop.
Johnson admitted to knowing her license plate was expired. When asked if officers could search the vehicle, Johnson denied the request.
Deputy Trueblood requested a canine officer to respond to the scene. That is when Johnson handed Deputy Trueblood a smoking pipe and a small baggy containing marijuana.
Indiana State Trooper Mackenzi Alexander arrived to assist.
Officers then searched Johnson’s car and found three baggies containing marijuana, a container of marijuana, and another container with marijuana. They also found a capsule that was identified as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and a black smoking device.
She told police she had forgotten about the other marijuana in her car and knew nothing about the pill in her purse.
Johnson was detained and transported to jail. Her mother arrived on the scene to take possession of the car.
