For Immediate Release: January 12, 2012
Contact: Lt. Jon Payer (937) 773-1131

Patrol seizes 70 pounds of marijuana in Preble County

EATON – Two men are facing felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 70 pounds of marijuana, valued at more than $150,000, following a traffic stop yesterday on Interstate 70 in Preble County.

Troopers stopped a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica for an unsafe lane change violation and failure to use headlights in the rain, eastbound on Interstate 70, near milepost 14, at approximately 8:42 a.m. Criminal indicators were observed and a Patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed the marijuana.

The driver, Rockford Matheny, 32, of Ashville, Ohio, and the passenger, Victor Alderete Perez, 34, of Mexico, were incarcerated in the Preble County Jail and charged with trafficking and possession, both second-degree felonies.

If convicted, the suspects could each face up to 16 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

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