SALYERSVILLE – A Lexington man is facing drug trafficking charges after police received a report of a reckless driver on New Paintsville Road last Friday night.
According to the arrest citation, Magoffin County Sheriff Deputy W. Lafferty received a call on May 9 from an off-duty deputy, Blake Cantrell, regarding a reckless driver on New Paintsville Road.
From this tip, Deputy Lafferty performed a traffic stop on Nathan Cox, 41, of Lexington, while traveling on New Paintsville Road. Deputy Cantrell reportedly had videos of Cox operating the Chevrolet Malibu in a very reckless manner, crossing the center line several times while increasing and decreasing speed, according to the police report.
During the traffic stop, Lafferty observed a green water bong laying in the back seat floorboard, spurring further investigation and searching the vehicle, yielding approximately 21 grams of methamphetamine, a set of digital scales, multiple individual baggies, marijuana, several used syringes, one ledger and 5 ½ Xanax bars, according to the citation.
Cox was taken into custody and transported to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, where he remains at press time. He is currently facing the following charges: reckless driving; no registration plates; no registration receipt; registration and title requirements vehicle not to be operated on the highway; failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance (first offense); failure to register transfer of motor vehicle; trafficking in controlled substance, first degree, first offense (greater than or equal to two grams methamphetamine; possession of marijuana; and possession of a controlled substance, third degree – drug unspecified.
Cox is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 19 at the Magoffin County Justice Center.
Editor’s Note: The indictment or charge of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
