BEDFORD — A Bedford man is behind bars following a late-night traffic stop that uncovered methamphetamine and led to charges of impaired driving.
Cory Brent Lee, 34, was arrested on Saturday night, April 11, after a Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputy observed him driving erratically on Mitchell Road.
The incident began around 9:15 p.m. when Sgt. R. Compton observed a 2019 Jeep Cherokee traveling northbound near Sandpit Road. According to the probable cause affidavit, the vehicle’s rear hatch was open with a small four-wheeler protruding from the back. Sgt. Compton reported seeing the Jeep cross the center yellow line multiple times, even striking a water drainage grate.
During the subsequent traffic stop at a Marathon gas station, Sgt. Compton noted that Lee appeared lethargic and his speech was slow. While Lee claimed a “donut” spare tire caused the swerving, officers grew suspicious.
Officer K. Carter and his K-9 partner, Boon, were called to the scene. Boon, who was certified with a 100% pass rate in narcotics detection last year, gave a positive alert on the driver’s side door.
A search of the vehicle initially yielded a pink nicotine can on the floorboard containing a crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
After failing several Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and an Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) evaluation—during which he struggled with balance and time perception—Lee was transported to IU Health Bedford for a blood draw.
The investigation took a further turn upon arrival at the Lawrence County Security Center. As he exited the patrol vehicle, Lee reportedly handed Sgt. Compton a prescription bottle, stating he “wanted to be honest.” Inside the bottle, officers discovered an additional 1.4 grams of meth, 1.8 grams of a black and white substance, and an unidentified pill.
Lee was booked into the Lawrence County Jail on the following preliminary charges of possession of meth, possession of a legend drug, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated/controlled substance.
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.
