A Licking man faces a trio of felony charges resulting from a traffic stop conducted by a Texas County Sheriff’s Department deputy on Aug. 3.
Michael T. Vestal, 41, of 105 Kelsey St. in Licking, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon.
A deputy patrolling on westbound Highway B near Connolly Street in Raymondville observed a truck in the eastbound lane with a headlight not functioning. The officer pulled the truck over on Connolly Street and identified the driver as Vestal.
A computer check revealed that Vestal had an active Dent County warrant, and he was arrested.
While on the scene, the deputy searched the vehicle and found a black case under the driver’s seat with a bag inside containing two large shards of a crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Also found were 32 pills of a Schedule 3 controlled substance, numerous small plastic bags, a scale, a glass smoking device and other drug-related items.
The weight of the meth found was reportedly 15 grams.
A Walther .22 caliber pistol was also found in the truck and seized as evidence. Vestal was taken to the Texas County Jail. He was charged on Nov.14 with a cash-only bond set at $2,000.