Brown County man faces a felony and two misdemeanors after police stopped him for something obstructing his license plate.
In a probable cause affidavit filed Jan. 28, Indiana State Police Trooper reported that he stopped a vehicle driven by Jeremy Hendershot, 37, on Salt Creek Road Oct. 28 just after 11 p.m. Hatchett reported seeing the vehicle leave the Circle K gas station on State Road 46 East with a winch mounted on the rear bumper, causing the obstruction.
Hendershot told Hatchett he did not realize the license plate was obstructed and that he could remove the winch. While Hendershot was getting his license and registration, Hatchett reported seeing a small black case in the vehicle’s seat, the affidavit states.
When Hatchett asked Hendershot about the case, his behavior changed. He told Hatchett it was a cellphone holder. When Hatchett asked to see the case, Hendershot began to shake, according to the affidavit.
Henderson unzipped the case and Hatchett reported seeing several baggies. Hendershot was then asked to exit the vehicle and was placed in handcuffs.
Hatchett searched the case and reported finding one bag corner with methamphetamine inside, one bag with marijuana, one bag with four other baggies inside, and a piece of notebook paper that that was believed to be a drug ledger, according to the affidavit.
He also reported finding a glass pipe with residue, which Hendershot had been sitting on in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded a set of digital scales with residue which later tested positive for meth. Hendershot said the scales were used to make sure he was not getting “shorted” when he bought drugs, the affidavit states.
Hendershot was taken to the Brown County jail. Charges were officially filed on Jan. 28 for possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.
