MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop E Headquarters - 4947 Highway 67 North - Poplar Bluff, MO 63901


News Release

For further information please contact: Trooper Clark D. Parrott
(573) 840-9500, Ext. 221
E12191158
December 19, 2011

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop On Interstate 55 Results In Drug Arrest


On December 19, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped a 2011 Toyota Camry traveling northbound on Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County for a traffic violation.

The driver was identified as Shontai E. Charity, 27, of Houston, Texas. During the course of the traffic stop, several indicators of criminal activity were observed causing the trooper to become suspicious. Consent to search the vehicle was requested and granted. Patrol K-9 Edy was used to perform an exterior sniff of the vehicle. K-9 Edy alerted on the rear area of the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed three large duffel bags containing four large bundles of processed marijuana. The total weight of the marijuana was 91 pounds. Charity was arrested for felony drug trafficking.

The charge for which Charity was arrested is mere accusation and 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.

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