Traffic Stop for Tinted Window Leads to Drug Distribution Charges

A traffic stop for an illegally tinted window led to drug distribution charges for two north Georgia men.

A Gwinnett Police officer stopped the white Lexus on I-85 northbound at Hamilton Mill Parkway on May 15 for the window offense, but a strong whiff of marijuana told the officer there was more to the story. The nervousness of the men — one was described as being “frozen in fear” in the police incident report — grew his suspicions.

The men told police they were at a friend’s house on Sugarloaf Parkway the night before and on their way home to Hartwell.

But what about the pot smell?

Neither man denied there was pot, but didn’t say how much.

Police had probable cause to search the vehicle and found two plastic bags containing marijuana. One bag, which was vacuum-sealed, contained 124 grams. Another bag, which had a zip seal, contained 59 grams, for a total of 183 grams (6.45 ounces).

Police also found several small clear plastic bags “commonly used for packaging marijuana for distribution,” the officer wrote in the incident report. There was evidence suggesting large amounts had been transported in the car previously, the incident report stated.

Adam Skinner, the driver, was arrested and charged with marijuana possession with intent to distribute and cited for an illegally tinted window. Skinner also was wanted for failure to appear on a drug offense in Franklin County, Ga., but Franklin County waived extradition. The Lexus he was driving was confiscated.

Hulsey, the passenger, was arrested for possession with intent to distribute.

Hulsey was released on bond, Skinner was still in jail Wednesday May 21, being held without bond.