COLUMBUS – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers filed felony drug charges against a Colorado man after a traffic stop in Summit County. During the traffic stop, troopers seized 14 pounds of marijuana and marijuana edibles, 10 grams of solid hash and 16 grams of hash oil worth approximately $37,000.
On February 7, at 1:58 p.m., troopers stopped a rented 2018 Mazda 6 with Pennsylvania registration for a following too close violation on the Ohio Turnpike. Criminal indicators were observed and a Patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed the contraband.
The driver, Christopher Michael Cortazzo, 38, of Denver, was charged with possession and trafficking in marijuana and liquid hash, all third-degree felonies, and possession and trafficking in solid hash, both fourth-degree felonies.
If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine.