Second traffic stop nets large cash amount

Four people in a vehicle stopped for speeding early Monday morning were charged with felony drug possession and Flomaton police seized $30,740 cash during the traffic stop.

It marks the second time this month Flomaton police have seized cash following traffic stops where drugs were found. On Dec. 1, police seized $74,000 from Robert Smith, 36, 5788 Hermitage Circle, Milton, following a traffic stop where Smith was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Escambia County District Attorney Steve Billy said the process for seizing cash involves his office filing condemnation action in circuit court. He also noted it needs to be proven the money is tied to illegal drug activity. Until such a hearing, the money is held in a forfeiture account. If the court rules in the state's favor, the money would be split in half between the district attorney's office and the town of Flomaton.

Monday at 1:36 a.m., Flomaton Officer Scott Walden made a traffic stop on Highway 31 for speeding.

According to police reports, when Walden approached the vehicle he reported smelling the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A further search of the vehicle revealed 2.45 ounces of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The four occupants, all from Pensacola, were searched and officers reported seizing the $30,740 cash. All four were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana I and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arrested were:

Keontres M. Tate, 22, 618 West DeSoto St., Javon M. Booker, 22, 858 Garrett Circle, Aaron M. Booker, 26, 858 Garrett St., and Damonta M. Ikner, 21, 217 Ruby Ave.

All four were transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton and jailed on $5,000 bond each.