Newton County-This morning around 10:15 a.m. Senior Trooper Aaron Trammel and his K-9 partner “Ryker” were patrolling I-65 northbound near the 232 mile marker (this is two miles north of the Demotte exit) when he observed a white 1995 Lincoln make an unsafe lane change and have a license plate violation.

Trammel stopped the vehicle and while speaking to the driver smelled the odor of marijuana from inside the car.  Trammel with the assistance of the Newton County Sheriff’s Department had the driver exit his vehicle. Trammel’s K-9 “Ryker” alerted on the passenger door and trunk.  A search of the vehicle revealed approximately a quarter pound of suspected heroin, five grams of marijuana and the driver had approximately $2,500.00 in cash on his person.

The driver, Sylvester R. Gavins, 21 of Madison, Wisconsin was arrested and taken to Newton County Jail where he was charged with Dealing Narcotic Drug, Class A Felony, Possession of a Narcotic, Class C Felony, Possession of Marijuana, Class D Felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Class D Felony, and Possession of Marijuana, Class A Misdemeanor.

This traffic stop is an example of how something that may seem “routine” often leads to something more serious or criminal.

Agency assisting:  Newton County Sheriff’s Department
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.