OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two men are facing felony drug charges after police say approximately 75 grams of a suspected controlled substance were discovered during a traffic stop in Fayette County.
David Neil Heater, 46, and Marc Carson, 37, have each been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and conspiracy. Both are being held at Southern Regional Jail.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Fayette County Magistrate Court, Sgt. J.M. Pauley was monitoring northbound traffic on U.S. Route 19 in the Pea Ridge area at approximately 12:57 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, when he noticed a Chevrolet Spark with a passenger-side headlight that was not working properly.
Pauley conducted a traffic stop near Oyler Avenue. Police identified Heater as the driver and Carson as the passenger.
The complaint states that Pauley noticed Carson making numerous movements inside the vehicle, including reaching beneath his seat. Another officer was called to assist.
Police said Heater’s driver’s license was found to be suspended. While speaking with Heater, Pauley questioned him about where the pair had been and asked whether anything illegal was inside the vehicle. Heater denied knowing of anything illegal and declined to consent to a search, according to the complaint.
Pauley then deployed K-9 Raven around the exterior of the vehicle. Police allege the dog gave an indication near the front passenger-side door, leading officers to conduct a probable-cause search.
During the search, officers allegedly found two large bags containing a white crystal-like substance in the passenger-side door pocket. Police said a yellow DeWalt tool case was also found beneath the passenger seat containing a pipe and another small bag of a white crystal-like substance.
According to the complaint, the three bags contained approximately 17.06 grams, 56.73 grams and 1.42 grams of the substance. Police reported a combined weight of approximately 75.21 grams on an uncertified scale.
Carson allegedly told investigators that he had traveled with Heater to Beckley to obtain what officers found inside the vehicle, according to the complaint.
Both men were arrested and transported to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
The charges are accusations, and Heater and Carson are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
