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

Troop H Headquarters - 3525 North Belt - St. Joseph, MO 64506-1370


News Release

For further information please contact: Sgt. Sheldon A. Lyon
816-387-2345
H01102
January 22, 2010

EMPHASIS: Daviess County Drug Arrest


On January 22, 2010, a northbound 1999 Ford truck was stopped for a lane violation on Interstate 35 in Daviess County. During the traffic stop, information provided by the driver caused the trooper to become suspicious of the occupants, thus the trooper asked to search the pickup. The driver consented and troopers found what they believed to be a void area near the front of the pickup’s bed. A Patrol canine made a positive indication for the odor of narcotics, and officers found 111 pounds of marijuana.
The driver, Abisai Benitez, of Austin, Texas, was arrested for possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver. A passenger, Maria James, also of Austin, Texas, was arrested for possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver. Both subjects were taken to the Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail and incarcerated.
The Ford pickup was towed from the scene.
The charges for which these individuals have been arrested are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.


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