ASHTABULA – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers filed felony drug charges against an Ohio man after a traffic stop in Ashtabula County. During the traffic stop, troopers seized more than 1 ounce of methamphetamine valued at approximately $3,434.
On August 24, 2018, at 12:08 a.m., troopers stopped a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban with Ohio registration for a stop sign violation on State Route 84. During interaction with the driver, troopers detected an odor of raw marijuana coming from the vehicle and the driver voluntarily removed a small bag of marijuana from his pants. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine, a digital scale, a box of sandwich bags, a snorting straw, and several additional small bags of marijuana.
The driver, Coben Gilliam, 27, of Kingsville, was charged with possession of a scheduled II substance and trafficking in methamphetamine, both second-degree felonies, possession of drug paraphernalia, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, and possession of marijuana, a minor misdemeanor.
If convicted, he could face up to 16 years in prison and up to a $30,000 fine.
Last year, troopers removed 145 pounds of methamphetamine from Ohio’s roadways. For a complete list of drug arrests by county visit: http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/statistics/statdocs/Highlights/2018/Drugs.pdf