BEDFORD — A routine traffic stop for faulty equipment led to the discovery of a significant amount of marijuana and a court summons for an Indianapolis teenager early Monday morning.
Booker J. Deford, 19, was issued a summons to appear in court after a Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy discovered approximately 54 grams of marijuana hidden inside his vehicle during a stop on Rariden Hill.
The incident began around 2:28 a.m. on February 2, 2026, when Deputy C. Pruett observed a black 2008 Dodge Avenger traveling southbound on State Road 37. The deputy noted that only one brake light functioned when the vehicle slowed, and the rear turn signal was inoperative.
Upon initiating a traffic stop, Deputy Pruett reported an “overwhelming scent of marijuana” as soon as Deford opened the driver’s side door. When questioned, Deford reportedly handed the deputy a used marijuana cigarette, or “roach,” and admitted to smoking earlier that morning.
A probable cause search of the vehicle, assisted by several additional Lawrence County officers, yielded a tan “Crown Royal” cloth bag tucked under the driver’s seat. Inside the bag, deputies located two clear plastic bags containing a green leafy substance (later weighed at 54 grams), several “Fireball” alcoholic beverage shooter bottles, and cigarettes.
Under questioning, Deford allegedly claimed he thought he had lost those specific bags two weeks prior. He further told deputies that he typically travels to Terre Haute once or twice a month to purchase approximately eight ounces of marijuana.
While the female passenger claimed ownership of the alcohol, she corroborated that Deford frequently purchases marijuana.
Rather than a physical arrest, Deputy Pruett issued Deford a written warning for the vehicle’s equipment violations and a criminal summons for the marijuana possession. The seized substances were logged into evidence and sent to the Indiana State Lab for formal testing.
Deford is facing a preliminary charge of possession of marijuana.
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.
