A 25-year-old man who allegedly ran a stop sign while exiting Interstate 75 in northern Marion County has been arrested on drug-related charges after deputies reportedly found fentanyl-laced marijuana in his car during a traffic stop.
On Sunday, January 5, at around 7:55 p.m., a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw a Nissan sedan run the stop sign while exiting I-75 onto W Highway 318 in Reddick. The deputy conducted a traffic stop when the vehicle came to a complete stop at the Petro Travel Center located at 7401 W Highway 318, according to the arrest report.
The deputy noted in the report that the driver and sole occupant of the car – later identified as 25-year-old Anthony resident Stacey Brooks – was observed “throwing something to the back seat and moving around” inside the vehicle.
When the deputy approached the driver’s side of the car, Brooks allegedly admitted to throwing “some leftover marijuana” in the back of the vehicle.
After Brooks exited the car, a search of the interior was conducted. The report stated that the deputy found a clear sandwich bag that contained “(a) large amount of marijuana,” along with another green plastic baggie that was filled with marijuana.
In the report, the deputy mentioned that the items found in the car were “inside (Brooks’) personal bag,” which also contained his debit card.
The total raw weight of the seized marijuana was 32.5 grams. In addition, the marijuana also field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl, according to the report.
After being read his Miranda rights, Brooks allegedly told the deputy that he “uses the marijuana for personal usage only.”
Brooks was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with possession of marijuana (over 20 grams) and trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or more).
On Tuesday, February 4, Brooks is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m., according to jail records.