From The Bell County Sheriff's Department -
On Monday, December 16, 2019 Bell County K-9 Deputy Adam Southern was on routine patrol speaking to an individual on Polly Hollow Road.
As the deputy was talking to the individual, 39 year old Frank Morton of Middlesboro passed by on a bicycle when Southern noticed a very strong odor of Marijuana as he went by.
The deputy then made contact with Morton asking him about the odor and he stated he had a “bag of weed” in his backpack which he gave consent to retrieve. As Deputy Southern opened the backpack he found a large bag of Marijuana in the large compartment.
While the bag was being searched by Deputy Southern, Morton was seen quickly sticking his hand in his boots pulling out a napkin containing a crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine along with another small bag of Marijuana. He was attempting to dispose of the items, but was caught by the deputy.
Frank Morton was arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with possession of controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (Methamphetamine), trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 2nd offense greater than 2 grams Methamphetamine, possession of Marijuana, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.