Traffic Stop Results in K2 Bust

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT – An early morning traffic stop resulted in the arrest of two men for possession of synthetic marijuana (K2).

Nolen Richard Rasberry, 23, and Craig Allen Rasberry, 21, were both taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance, penalty group two after they were stopped for speeding on Loop 304 in Crockett.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper Austin Roberts, the two men were pulled over for speeding at 12:28 a.m. on Saturday, July 14.

C. Rasberry was driving the vehicle and N. Rasberry was in the passenger seat.

“While detaining the defendant (N. Rasberry) for my safety, I observed the defendant try and toss a large bag containing suspected synthetic marijuana. The defendant later admitted the synthetic marijuana belonged to him and that he did try and hide it,” the affidavit reported.

Due to N. Rasberry’s actions, a search was conducted on the vehicle which resulted in the discovery of approximately 3.3 ounces of K2.

In addition, the search also resulted in the discovery of K2 located in the shoe of C. Rasberry. Both subjects were arrested and transported to the Houston County Jail where they were booked into custody on charges of possession of a controlled substance, PG 2.

Because of the amount N. Rasberry claimed as his, he was charged with a third degree felony while C. Rasberry was charged with a state jail felony.

According to Section 12.34 of the Texas Penal Code, “An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the institutional division for any term of not more than 10 years or less than two years. In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.”

A state jail felony carries a sentence of between 180 days and two years in a state jail facility along with a fine of up to $10,000.

Bond was set at $1,500 for both men. It was posted and they were released pending further legal proceedings.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].