Fayetteville Woman Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Suspected Fentanyl, Heroin Seizure

According to the police report, Patrolman First Class S.A. Gunnoe and Patrolman First Class J.P. Hannigan were patrolling along Route 16/Beckwith Road at approximately 8:10 p.m. on July 3 when they observed a U-Haul box truck swerving across the solid white line.

Officers initiated a traffic stop near Lakota Lane and Ball’s Grocery and identified the driver as Jeanie Gail Fleshman, 50, of Fayetteville.

While speaking with the occupants, officers reported that the passenger appeared extremely nervous, shaking and breathing rapidly. Police also noted inconsistencies in the stories provided by the driver and passenger regarding their travel plans. Fleshman reportedly told officers they were traveling from Beckley to her aunt’s home on Bachman Road in Fayetteville, while the passenger allegedly said they were simply riding around and were not headed to Bachman Road.

Police said Fleshman denied having any illegal narcotics in the vehicle and gave officers consent to search the U-Haul.

Before the search was conducted, Deputy Wickline of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department arrived with a K-9 partner. According to the report, the police dog conducted a free-air sniff around the vehicle and gave a positive alert for the presence of narcotics.

During the subsequent search, officers reported finding a clear plastic bag containing approximately 7.22 grams of a white powdery substance believed to be fentanyl, along with a small vial containing a brown powder believed to be heroin. Both substances were allegedly found inside the pocket of a purse.

Fleshman was taken to the Fayetteville Police Department for processing before being transported to the Southern Regional Jail.

She is charged with possession with intent to deliver and reckless driving.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Fleshman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.