On Saturday, Deputy Shawn Aytes observed a Pontiac Grand Am traveling west on I-40 across the fog line multiple times. The Deputy then conducted a traffic stop near mile marker 327 and identified the driver as Jesse Johnson along with three passengers. The Deputy explained the reason for the stop and asked the driver to step out of the vehicle having prior knowledge that Johnson did not have a license and was aware of his prior drug use.

While getting out of the vehicle, Johnson gave consent for the deputy to search the vehicle and stated that he was currently on state probation.

A search for the vehicle found nothing, but a check through central dispatch confirmed Johnson’s license was still revoked and had an active warrant in Roane County. Johnson was placed into custody and searched and during the search, Johnson attempted to hand off a folded tin foil wrapped in a $5 bill to one of his passengers. However, the transaction was intercepted, and inside the tin foil was an off-white powdery substance believed to be fentanyl. Johnson was transported to Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for booking and charged with possession of a controlled substance, driving on a revoked license, and cited for failure to maintain lane of travel and no insurance.

Each of the three passengers was found to have revoked licenses as well but were released from the scene.