LEWIS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A routine traffic stop in Weston quickly escalated into a drug arrest and child neglect case after a man was pulled over for a traffic violation and found with suspected meth, marijuana, and a child in the back seat.
On May 23, 2025, officers observed a black Chrysler make an improper left-hand turn onto U.S. Route 33 East from Washington Street. The driver, identified as Charles Sheets, was also following another vehicle too closely, prompting a traffic stop near the Four Lanes KS.
When officers approached the vehicle, they detected the smell of marijuana and noted a small child in the back seat. Sheets showed visible signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, eyelid tremors, and a notably relaxed demeanor — all common indicators of cannabis use.
Sheets was reportedly argumentative and delayed providing his identification. After failing multiple parts of a field sobriety test and exhibiting signs of drug impairment during ARIDE (Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement) testing, officers initiated a search.
Inside Sheets’ pants pocket, officers found a bag containing approximately 11 grams of a white crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine. Sheets claimed the pants were not his. A further search of the vehicle uncovered drug paraphernalia, including two straws with white residue and a bag containing approximately 14 grams of suspected marijuana, along with several smoked marijuana blunts.
Sheets was arrested on the scene and charged with Child Neglect Creating Risk of Injury or Death. Additional charges for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and drug possession will be presented to the Grand Jury.
The child was removed from the vehicle and is now in safe custody.
