Traffic offenses of speeding and driving with a suspended license were the reasons for a 2023 traffic stop, but what was found in the car is the reason the driver is on his way to prison to serve 10 years.
Cedric Walter Whitehead was in Jones County Superior Court Feb. 26 to enter a negotiated plea for the lesser-included offense of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. He received a sentence of 20 years with the first 10 years served in confinement. The remainder of the sentence may be served on probation, and Whitehead will receive credit for time he has served since his Feb. 12, 2023, arrest.
A report of Whitehead’s arrest by Gray Police Department Officer Daniel Pointer stated he was running radar on Bill Conn Parkway near Stonebrook Drive when he was alerted to a vehicle traveling 62 mph in a 45-mph zone.
Pointer said he conducted a traffic stop on the black Buick Lacrosse and explained to the driver why he was stopped. Whitehead was the driver, and the officer said a check of his license revealed his license was suspended.
Pointer said Whitehead was asked to exit the vehicle, and while speaking to him, the odor of marijuana was detected. The officer said he conducted a contraband search on the driver and found a baggy of marijuana in his jacket pocket.
The driver was taken into custody, and Pointer said the suspect was placed in the backseat of his patrol car. GPD Officer Paul Hathaway, who arrived to assist, asked the passenger, Denika Stanley, to step out of the car. Pointer said Hathaway advised him that the vehicle smelled of marijuana.
Pointer said a check of Stanley showed no warrants, and she was released from the scene.
The officer said a search of the vehicle on the driver’s side located more marijuana in the console, and Hathaway located a backpack in the passenger floorboard. Items found inside the backpack were a quantity of clear baggies, digital scale, marijuana, cocaine and a large bag of suspected MDMA/Ecstasy pills of various colors.
Pointer said a further search of the vehicle found a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun under the passenger’s seat. He said all the evidence was gathered and placed in his patrol car. Whitehead was transported to the Jones County Law Enforcement Center and warrants secured for his arrest.
In a supplemental narrative, the officer said in further investigation into the case, evidence was found involving Stanley. Pointer said he determined that she was also in possession of the narcotics and the firearm was within her reach. Warrants were secured for her arrest.
Whitehead and Stanley were indicted by a Jones County Grand jury Aug. 7, 2023.
Whitehead was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession firearm during commission of felony, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, speeding and driving while license suspended.
Stanley was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during commission of felony and possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
