An Eastern Kentucky man and woman were charged on drug-related offenses following a traffic stop.

Deputy Caleb Carmical with the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on February 8th on a vehicle that was leaving the Dayhoit community. Deputy Carmical noticed drug paraphernalia inside of the vehicle when he spoke to the people inside.

After an investigation, Deputy Carmical discovered that the driver was driving on a DUI suspended license. After gaining consent from the driver, Deputy Carmical searched the car and found a large amount of what is believed to be methamphetamine, heroin and pills. 

5 guns and a ballistic vest was also found in the car, along with a noticeable amount of cash, with some of the bills being counterfeit.

James Stephenson was charged with 3 drug trafficking offenses, buying and possessing drug paraphernalia, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, criminal possession of a forged instrument, receiving stolen property(firearm),  and various traffic offenses.

Amanda Troxell was also charged with 3 drug trafficking offenses, criminal possession of a forged instrument and on 2 probation violation warrants out of Russell county.

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