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Over
100 grams of heroin seized in traffic stop
Wanda
English Burnett
Editor
A traffic violation has led to
an Illinois (Chicago area) man being arrested, and if convicted
of the crimes hes charged with, he could spend up to 50
years in prison.
According to information from Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel,
Steve L. Cotton, 39, was stopped for a traffic violation on May
25 on I-74 by Indiana State Trooper James Wells. During the course
of the stop, Trooper Wells conducted additional investigation
that led to the discovery of several plastic bags containing a
brown, powdery substance. Preliminary tests indicated the presence
of heroin - over 100 grams. Heroin has a street value of approximately
$100 per gram, according to the prosecutor.
Cotton was arrested at the scene, near the 150 mile marker on
I-74, and his BMW was impounded for further investigation.
Cotton has been formally charged in Ripley County Circuit Court
by Prosecuting Attorney Hertel with Dealing in a Schedule I, II,
III Controlled Substance. The charge, a Class A felony, is punishable
by 20-50 years in prison. At Cottons initial hearing held
May 28 bail was set at $300,000. A December 15 jury trial was
scheduled. He was still incarcerated at the Ripley County Jail
as of press time.
Prosecutor Hertel noted that Cotton has been formally charged
with a crime, but is innocent until proven guilty.
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