BEDFORD — A routine stationary patrol and a high-tech surveillance system led to the arrest of two individuals on felony drug and theft charges on November 27, according to an affidavit for probable cause filed by the Lawrence County Police Department.
Captain Anthony Pope of the Lawrence County Police Department initiated a traffic stop on State Road 37 after receiving an alert that the vehicle, a tan 2003 Nissan Altima, was listed as stolen out of Monroe County.
The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Markeith Brown, 53, and Julie A. Pedro, 54, both listed as homeless.
The arrests followed a coordinated felony stop , where Officer Carter and his canine partner assisted Captain Pope. Both suspects were compliant and detained without incident.
After securing both individuals, the police canine, Boone, conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle and gave a positive indication on the front passenger side. A search yielded several items that field-tested positive for methamphetamine including a glass pipe and syringe filed with the drug.
All narcotics-related items were located on the passenger side of the vehicle.
Based on the evidence and statements, both individuals face multiple charges in Lawrence County. Brown was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of meth, unlawful possession of a syringe and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Brown also has a prior conviction for vehicle theft and was wanted on a parole violation.
Pedro is facing charges of possession of meth, unlawful possession of a syringe and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following his arrest, Brown, after being read his Miranda rights, stated he understood them and agreed to speak. He claimed a female he knew as Monica gave him permission to use the vehicle on the morning of November 26, and that he intended to return it after doing laundry in Bedford. However, Captain Pope noted that Brown was traveling northbound on State Road 37, toward Monroe County, at the time of the stop. Julie Pedro provided a conflicting statement to Officer Carter, claiming she was picked up by Brown on the night of November 26, and had no involvement in operating the vehicle. She claimed ownership of the syringe located in the vehicle but alleged that Brown tossed the glass pipe under her seat. She further stated that Brown threw another syringe out of the window prior to the stop.
The seized items were placed in a temporary evidence locker at the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was notified.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
