Routine stop nets 63 grams of the drug

BY SUSANNE HINKLE

Staff Reporter

EDGARD – Two men from St. Charles Parish were arrested and charged with possession of nearly 63 grams of cocaine. Deputies found the stash of drugs under the back seat after conducting a search of the vehicle.

The men were stopped for a routine traffic violation on U.S. 90 Westbound at I-310. St. Charles deputies charged the driver of the vehicle, Milton Johnell, 33, of 203 West 2nd St., Edgard, with no driver license on person, improper lane use and an outstanding attachment for failure to appear for arraignment after receiving a speeding charge.

According to Capt. Pat Yoes of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle was impounded and after completing a search of the vehicle, deputies found 63 grams of cocaine stashed away under the back seat. Due to the large amount of cocaine with a street value of $4,500, officials believe that the two men intended to distribute the cocaine.

The passenger in the vehicle, Gilbert P. Bartholomew, III, of 123 East 6th St., Edgard, was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of 28 grams of cocaine. Johnell was also charged with possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine.

Both subjects are currently incarcerated. Bartholomew is being held on $75,000 bond and Johnell is being held on $75,450 bond.