Local law enforcement discovered nearly $300 in counterfeit currency, along with high grade marijuana and packaging materials, after a passenger in a vehicle allegedly tried to discard the contraband during a traffic stop last Friday.
Coffee County officials initiated the stop on Hwy. 221 N. for reckless driving. According to authorities, the driver attempted to elude officers briefly before pulling into a residence on Spring Meadow Rd.
Deputies made contact with the driver of the vehicle, identified as Leetavou Dyshun Pittman, and the passenger, identified as Briana Thigpen. Pittman and Thigpen allegedly stated to officers that they were lost.
Deputies conducted a brief investigation of the vehicle after detecting the odor of marijuana and discovered a backpack and pocket book abandoned in the middle of the road. Officers searched the abandoned property and found a driver’s license that belonged to the passenger. Also found in the bag was a large quantity of suspected high grade marijuana.
Drug agents were summoned to the scene, and Thigpen allegedly admitted the pocket book belonged to her, but stated she was unaware of the drugs. A further search of the bag resulted in the discovery of digital scales and sandwich bags used for packaging, and a search of the vehicle yielded $280 of counterfeit ten dollar bills.
Pittman and Thigpen were arrested and transported to the Coffee County Jail. Both have been charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and authorities state further charges are pending.
Leetavou Dyshun Pittman