Harlan County Traffic Stop Leads to Multiple Drug and Weapon Charges

From The Harlan County Sheriff's Department -

On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, Deputy Caleb Carmical executed a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving the Dayhoit community. The deputy observed drug paraphernalia in the vehicle while speaking to the occupants. Through the investigation, it was determined the driver, 33-year-old James Stephenson of Pikeville, was operating on a DUI-suspended license.

Deputy Carmical was granted consent to search the vehicle and found a large amount of suspected Methamphetamine along with suspected Heroin and several pills. Also found in the vehicle were 5 guns and a ballistic vest. Also recovered was a substantial amount of US currency some of which was counterfeit.

James Stephenson was initially charged with Trafficking in a controlled substance - 1st degree (Methamphetamine), Trafficking in a controlled substance (Heroin), Trafficking in a controlled substance - 2nd degree (drug unspecified), buying/possessing drug paraphernalia, Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and various motor vehicle offenses. After the investigation was completed Stephenson was also charged with Criminal possession of a forged instrument - 1st degree and receiving stolen property (firearm).

Also in the vehicle was 34-year-old Amanda Troxell of Harlan. She was initially charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance - 1st degree (Methamphetamine), Trafficking in a controlled substance (Heroin). Trafficking in a controlled substance - 2nd degree (drug unspecified), and she was served two probation violation warrants out of Russell County.

After the investigation was completed, she was also charged with Criminal possession of a forged instrument - 1st degree. Deputy Carmical was assisted by Deputies Bryan Napier, Jeremy Jones, and Cody Bargo.

Both were lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.