WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Sunday evening traffic stop in Wyoming County led to the arrest of two individuals and the discovery of drugs, cash, and multiple firearms, according to the West Virginia State Police.
Around 7 p.m. on September 14, Trooper B.M. Bane observed a gray Chevy Equinox traveling southbound on U.S. 52 with a broken passenger-side mirror and defective exhaust. The vehicle, bearing Ohio registration, was stopped in Justice, WV.
The driver, Billy Ray, who admitted to having a suspended license, and passenger Lori Chapman (Fields), were asked to exit the vehicle. During the stop, Trooper Bane observed burnt aluminum foil inside the console and both occupants admitted there may be methamphetamine in the vehicle.
A search revealed multiple bags of suspected heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, CBD gummies, Neurontin, digital scales, plastic baggies, and $613 in cash. A loaded .380 Hi-Point pistol was found in a backpack in the back seat. Inside a safe, Chapman provided the combination, officers found two additional firearms – a loaded .380 Ruger and a loaded 9mm SCCY sealed in a plastic bag.
Dispatch confirmed the driver, Billy Ray, had active warrants out of Mingo County for petit larceny and burglary, as well as prior felony convictions for burglary and drug possession. Chapman also had multiple felony drug convictions in several states.
Both were arrested on charges of possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy to commit a felony, and felon in possession of a firearm. The driver also received citations for defective equipment, no proof of registration, no operator’s license, and no insurance.
The vehicle was towed and placed on an evidence hold while police await a warrant to search remaining contents, including part of the safe. All drug evidence has been secured at the WVSP Jesse Detachment for further testing.
Both suspects were processed at the Jesse Detachment before being transported to Southern Regional Jail, where they remain pending a hearing in Wyoming County Magistrate Court.
