A St. Joseph man has been charged with multiple felonies after a recent traffic stop in Lafayette County.
A probable-cause statement says just after 2 a.m. on June 21, 2018, Odessa Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for improper license plate registration in the area of Mason and 4th Streets.
Officers spoke with the driver, 29-year-old Joseph Romero, who was noticed to be very lethargic and could barely keep his eyes open. In speaking with Romero, the officers reportedly noticed a child sleeping in a car seat, but was not buckled in. The officers also noticed brass knuckles, a butterfly knife and tools commonly used in burglaries on the floorboard of the vehicle. During a further search of the vehicle, officers reportedly found a bag containing a white substance and other drug paraphernalia which tested positive for methamphetamine.
Online court documents say Romero has been charged with a Class D Felony for Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class E Felony for Possession of Burglary Tools and a Class D Felony for Endangering the Welfare of a Child Involving Drugs in the First Degree, as well as drug and driving-related misdemeanors. Bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety.
Romero’s initial hearing at Lafayette County Circuit Court is pending.