Clay County—Last evening at 9:10, Indiana State Police Master Trooper Todd Brown stopped a white, 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass for erratic driving and failure to dim headlights westbound on US 40 near Murphy Avenue in the city of Brazil.

During the traffic stop investigation, the driver was found to not have a valid Indiana driver’s license and listed as a Habitual Traffic Violator. As the female passenger exited the vehicle she was allegedly seen kicking an object under the front passenger seat, later found to be items commonly used in the manufacture and storage of illegal drug substances. Officers continued to investigate the pair, as well as the vehicle’s interior, and located nearly 12.4 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, four grams of suspected Marijuana, a switchblade knife, and numerous items of suspected drug related paraphernalia (including syringes). The pair was taken into custody and transported to the Clay County Jail for incarceration.

ARRESTED DRIVER:    Tony T. Lalen, age 51, of Staunton, IN. Lalen was preliminarily charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, D felony; Habitual Traffic Violator, D felony; Maintaining a Common Nuisance, D felony; Possession of Marijuana, A misdemeanor; Reckless Possession of Paraphernalia, B misdemeanor; and Open Alcoholic Beverage Container, infraction.

ARRESTED PASSENGER:    Tracey G. Kline, age 48, of Staunton, IN. Kline was preliminarily charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, D felony; Possession of Marijuana, A misdemeanor; Visiting a Common Nuisance, B misdemeanor; Reckless Possession of Paraphernalia, B misdemeanor; and Possession of a Switchblade Knife, B misdemeanor. 

Assisting Master Trooper Brown were Brazil City Police Officers Elliott Mullinix and Graig Bass.  

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.