For further information please contact: Sergeant Dale H. Moreland
(573) 840-9500
070232
July 2, 2008

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop On I -55 Results In Drug Arrest

On June 24, 2008, at approximately 11 a.m. a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped a 1994 Chevrolet Caprice traveling north on Interstate 55 at the 53-mile marker in New Madrid County for exceeding the posted speed limit.

Willie B. Duckworth, 26, of Kennett, Missouri, was identified as the driver of the vehicle. As the trooper spoke to the driver he asked for consent to search, but was refused. A Highway Patrol K-9 officer was requested to respond to the scene. The K-9 alerted on the vehicle and a subsequent search revealed marijuana concealed in trash bags located in the trunk of the vehicle. Duckworth was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and taken to the New Madrid County Jail.

The charge for which Willie B. Duckworth was arrested is a mere accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.