OSHP seizes suspected marijuana in Belmont County

May 31, 2011 at 11:47a.m.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A man and woman from Columbus are facing felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized two pounds of suspected marijuana, valued at more than $4,500, during a traffic stop Saturday.

Troopers stopped a vehicle, for a marked lanes and speed violations on Interstate 70 at 3:43 a.m. The driver pulled out a small bag of suspected marijuana while retrieving his license. A probable-cause search of the passenger revealed a small bag of the suspected drug in her pocket. A continued search of the vehicle revealed two pounds of marijuana in the trunk.

The driver, Shawn E. Lipsey, 28, and passenger, Jessica D. Middleton, 26, were charged with aggravated trafficking, a fourth-degree felony. Lipsey was also charged with OVI and driving under suspension.