Report: Seatbelt stop reveals meth stash

Published 10:15 am Tuesday, February 12, 2013

A simple traffic stop for no seatbelt last week in Austin led police to a stash of methamphetamines, according to a court complaint.

An officer stopped Jared Thomas Freese, 31, of Austin for not wearing a seatbelt and noticed him reaching to the other side of the vehicle. The officer later discovered Freese’s license is revoked and he had a felony warrant for a weapons offense. The officer also said he saw Freese try to eat something quickly.

An officer and K-9 later searched the vehicle and found baggies, one with 2.5 grams of meth. One of the baggies appeared as if the corner were bitten off. Officers also found 1.5 grams of meth on Freese at the jail, the court complaint adds.

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Freese was charged Monday in Mower County court with felonies for second-degree drug sale of more than 3 grams of meth and third-degree drug possession of more than 3 grams of meth. Freese also faces misdemeanor charges for fourth-degree controlled substance DWI and driving after revocation.

His next court appearance is set for Feb. 21.