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A Piketon man is in the Pickaway County Jail after drugs were found in his possession during a traffic stop on U.S. Route 23 in Circleville. Sheriff Robert B. Radcliff says a deputy made the traffic stop at 2:20am Thursday, just south of North Court Street.
Initially the deputy observed criminal indicators and quickly learned that the Honda Accord had fictitious license plates. Sgt Eveland made contact with the driver, 39-year-old Johnny R. Kerns. The deputy learned that Kerns driver’s license was suspended. When Kerns got out of the vehicle Sgt Eveland observed a glass pipe on the floorboard. Kerns was then patted down and Sgt Eveland located approximately 5 ounces of suspected crystal methamphetamine, plastic bags and over $1,350 cash.
During the inventory of the vehicle Sgt Eveland and Deputy Clark Kreager located more drug paraphernalia, and a HiPoint 9MM handgun.
Johnny Kerns was transported to the Pickaway County Jail where he is charged with Trafficking in Drugs a Felony of the second degree, Possession of Drugs a Felony of the second degree, Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle a Felony of the fourth degree, Having Weapons While Under Disability a Felony of the third degree, Tampering With Evidence a Felony of the third degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia a Misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
The case remains under investigation by the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and the US 23 Major Crimes Task Force.