Woman denies crack charges
Toolbox
By Gordon Dritschilo Staff Writer - Published: July 4, 2009
Police said a traffic stop led to a felony crack bust late last month when a state trooper said he became suspicious because a motorist didn't appear upset at getting a ticket.
Kari-Sue A. Smith, 24, of Upper Cold River Road in Shrewsbury, pleaded innocent June 22 in Rutland District Court to a felony charge of possession of cocaine and a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana. The charge stemmed from an incident that day.
If convicted, Smith could face a maximum of 5-1/2 years in prison and $100,500 in fines. She was released on the conditions she observe a curfew at her father's home and stay away from potential witnesses in the case.
Vermont State Police said a trooper saw Smith's Chevrolet Cavalier swerving along North Main Street in Rutland at about 3:30 a.m. Monday and pulled her over.
Smith did not have her license, registration or proof of insurance with her, police said, and she seemed unfazed when the trooper began to write her civil violation tickets.
This aroused the trooper's suspicion, according to affidavits, and Smith gave vague answers to questions about where she was coming from and who her passengers were.
More officers arrived on the scene and they spotted marijuana under the driver's seat of the car as they tried to identify the passengers. After getting written consent from Smith, they searched the car and found a package of crack cocaine.
A search of Smith also turned up marijuana in her pocket, according to police.
Police said the marijuana weighed 1.5 grams, including packaging. The crack cocaine, separated into four small, individually packaged chunks and one larger chunk, weighed a total of 11.3 grams, including packaging, according to police.
gordon.dritschilo@rutlandherald.com
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