BEDFORD — A routine traffic stop for a minor equipment violation led to the discovery of a substantial quantity of marijuana, numerous THC cartridges, and a loaded firearm, resulting in felony drug dealing charges for two men.
Caleb Coryea, 19, of Bedford, and Jordan Williams, 25, of Indianapolis, have both been charged with felony charges of dealing and possession of marijuana following an incident on October 5, 2025.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Deputy Augustus Hogan of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began when Deputy Hogan observed a black Chevy Malibu merge onto State Road 37 without using a turn signal.
After initiating a traffic stop, Deputy Hogan approached the vehicle and immediately noted a “very strong odor of marijuana” emitting from inside.
The driver, Coryea, claimed his taillight was not operational. The passenger, William, admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, specifying it was a vape device containing THC liquid, which was found in plain sight.
Deputy Hogan then asked the occupants about weapons. Coryea confirmed there was a 9mm Taurus pistol located between the driver’s seat and the center console. Williams demonstrated knowledge of the firearm, noting he knew more about the gun than the driver, despite Coryea claiming ownership.
Based on the strong odor of marijuana, Deputy Hogan initiated a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, officers located and collected the following items: a gun with an extended magazine capable of holding 25-30 rounds, inserted with five rounds of ammunition, an additional pistol magazine in the driver’s door, multiple bags containing marijuana located in a backpack on the passenger floorboard and in two white grocery sacks on the rear floorboard behind the driver and approximately 50 THC oil smoking cartridges were located throughout the vehicle, including four in the front passenger door, 18 in a white sack within the backpack, and several more in a black box in the rear seat.
The total weight of the marijuana was estimated to be 135 grams on a non-certified scale.
Deputy Hogan noted that due to the quantity of marijuana, the number of THC smoking devices, the packaging, and the presence of the firearm, he had probable cause to believe both subjects were dealing in controlled substances.
Despite the serious charges, both individuals received a verbal warning for the taillight issue. They were not immediately arrested at the scene, as Deputy Hogan had to assist another officer with a domestic physical dispute that required urgent attention. The case was submitted for review, and warrants were issued for the men’s arrest. Both were detained on November 3.
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.
