According to a report by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Jean FitzGarrell and Timothy Allen Cope were arrested yesterday by Deputy Steven Richardson on drug charges. The traffic stop was originally conducted because FitzGarrell failed to maintain his Lane while driving on I-40 East.

The vehicle, A Nissan Rogue, took exit 311 and drove over the fog line several times and in a continuous motion before turning right onto Plateau Road. Deputy Richardson conducted his traffic stop on Plateau Road and identified FitzGarrell and Cope.

FitzGarrell claimed that he was heading to Franklin Mint Casino, which he told the deputy was located in Nashville, however, the deputy knew it to be in Kentucky.

Deputy Richardson asked the driver there was anything illegal in the vehicle such as meth, to which the driver said no. The deputy advised that he had a drug canine and was going to perform a canine sniff of the vehicle and that if the dog alerted, then a search would be completed. The driver said okay.

While Deputy Leary was conducting a Terry frisk of Cope, Cope handed Deputy Leary a cut straw with burnt residue. The deputy then asked for consent to search, during which a cut straw, a working digital scale, five small white round pills with m4 printed on them believed to be hydromorphone hydrochloride, and $207 in small denominations were located on his person.

A search of the vehicle turned up 15.9 oz of a white Crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine inside a Doritos chip bag inside the center console as well as a $100 bill and a cut straw with white residue.

Both Cope and FitzGarrell were transported to Cumberland County jail for processing.

FitzGarrell was charged with driving while in possession of meth as well as manufacture, delivery, sell, or possession of meth.

Cope was charged with simple possession, as well as manufacture, delivery, sell, or possession of meth.