THP Traffic Stop Yields Prescription Medication Seizure

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol seized over $35,000 worth of prescription pills in a traffic stop made on Sunday, April 17 in McMinn County.

 

Trooper Kevin Hoppe was conducting stationary radar when a green 1995 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck was clocked at 78 miles per hour (mph) headed northbound on Interstate 75. The driver then made an improper lane change, before Trooper Hoppe stopped him at the 48 mile marker at approximately 7:24 a.m. (EST). The vehicle, bearing Florida registration, was occupied by two males.

 

Following contact with driver William Scott Von-Schriltz, 42, of Clermont, Fla., and passenger Jeffrey Alan Kirk, 45, of Dunnellon, Fla., Trooper Hoppe become suspicious due to inconsistent statements and requested consent to search the vehicle. After receiving permission to search, Trooper Hoppe located a canvas bag zip tied in the vehicle’s engine compartment. The bag revealed approximately 1,756 dosage units of prescription medications including Hydromorphone, Alprazolam, Oxycodone, Phentermine and Diazepam. Trooper Travis Ryans and Chattanooga Interdiction Plus Team Leader Trooper Terry Gann assisted at the scene.

 

Von-Schriltz and Kirk were both arrested and charged with possession of schedule II and schedule IV for resale. Von-Schriltz was also cited for speeding. They were taken to the McMinn County Jail on $48,000 bail each.   

 

The prescription pills and vehicle were seized in accordance with state law. Photos of the suspects can be obtained from the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office.

 

This case remains under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

 

 

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