State Trooper Arrests Michigan Man on Drug Charges

NASHVILLE --- A Monday afternoon traffic stop in Marshall County led to a drug arrest by Tennessee State Trooper Phillip Long. Trooper Long is assigned to the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s West Bureau Interdiction Team.   

Deonta M. Jones, 24, of Kalamazoo, Mich., was arrested and transported to the Marshall County jail. He was charged with possession of a schedule I with intent to sale, possession of a schedule VI with intent to sale, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding. Jones’ bond was set at $31,000.

Trooper Long was conducting stationary observation on the northbound side of Interstate 65 on Monday, when he observed a black Kia Optima traveling 79 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone. He initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at the 27 mile marker at approximately 12:25 p.m.

Upon initial contact with the occupants, Trooper Long detected an odor of marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. Jones, the driver, accompanied by two adult females and a male juvenile, alleged they were en route from Alabama to Michigan. After noticing several suspicious indicators, Trooper Long removed Jones from the vehicle and requested assistance.

Trooper Long then deployed his K-9 Sunny, which alerted to the presence of drugs. Investigators conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and located a backpack containing a water bottle with baggies of marijuana and ecstasy. In total, approximately a half ounce of marijuana and a half ounce of ecstasy, along with digital scales were discovered in the vehicle.     

Jones was arrested. The two female and juvenile occupants were released.

A booking photo of the suspect can be obtained from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.   

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