Tribune staff reports

A traffic stop Monday afternoon just north of Seymour led to the arrest of a motorist from Hamilton County on drug-related charges.

John C. Stevens, 34, of Sheridan, faces a Level 6 felony charge of possession of methamphetamine and a Class B misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana after the incident reported by Indiana State Police Trooper Randel Miller.

Miller said in his report that he stopped a red 2004 Honda Accord being driven north on Interstate 65 near the 52-mile marker by Stevens. That traffic stop was at 3:39 p.m. Monday.

Miller said Stevens was driving well below the 70 mph speed limit in the passing lane, and other motorists were forced to pass him in the driving lane.

During the stop, Miller said he and Trooper Stephen Wheeles’ police dog Jinx walked around the vehicle, and the dog alerted on a drug odor.

In a subsequent search of the Honda, Miller said he and Wheeles found 3 grams of marijuana, 3 grams of crystal meth, a scale and a small amount of high-grade marijuana.

A false compartment used specifically to conceal drugs also was found inside the vehicle.

Stevens was arrested and taken to the Jackson County Jail. He was released at 4 p.m. Tuesday after posting a $1,005 bond.