A man from Detroit and one from Preston County were arrested after a Monongalia County Sheriff’s Deputy found drugs, a gun and almost $15,000 during a traffic stop.
Chico D. Ford, 45, of Detroit is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and person prohibited from possessing firearms. The vehicle’s driver, Casey Blosser, 40, of Reedsville, was charged with conspiracy.
About 8:30 on Friday night Deputy A. Alger saw a white Jeep Land Rover with a burnt out license plate light traveling north on Interstate 79 near mile marker 157.5, according to a criminal complaint. Alger also saw the Jeep cross over the fog line on the right side of the road.
He “paced” the vehicle, determined it was speeding — 75 in a 70 — and activated his lights and sirens to stop the vehicle. The complaint states Blosser did not stop until the 159 mile marker despite the lights and sirens being constantly activated.
Blosser told Alger he was driving Ford to Detroit then coming back to Morgantown, according to the criminal complaint. Ford was sweating profusely, appeared to have a rapid heartbeat and was acting “extremely nervous” during the stop.
Alger had Blosser exit the vehicle while he received a written warning for the traffic violations, the complaint states. Blosser told Alger he only knew Ford for a few months and was giving him a ride to Detroit for money.
Another deputy, Lt. J. Burks, interviewed Ford and their stories did not match, the complaint states. A K-9 then did a “free air sniff” and detected narcotics.
The vehicle and its occupants were then searched. Seven bags, some with marijuana, others with psilocybin mushrooms, a Ruger 9mm pistol and cash were found in Ford’s personal property, the complaint states. A substance that field tested positive for cocaine was found in the center console. Burks also found cash in Ford’s pocket.
After finding the cocaine, the search was stopped so the vehicle could be impounded and a search warrant could be obtained to search it at a later date.
At the time the search was stopped, the deputies had found $14,894.
Both men are being held in North Central Regional Jail. Blosser in lieu of $50,000 bond and Ford in lieu of $75,000 bond.
