Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Charges

A traffic stop by Sallisaw police on June 4 resulted in multiple drug-related charges against a Tennessee man. Jackson Clark Oakes, 19, of Brentwood, Tenn., is free on a $32,000 bond. He was charged June 12 in Sequoyah County District Court in Sallisaw with three counts of possession of a controlled, dangerous substance, maintaining a place for keeping or selling controlled substances and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Police reported Oakes was a passenger in his own vehicle, driven by another man, at the time of the traffic stop. According to the Sallisaw police report, the vehicle was stopped at the intersection of South Kerr Boulevard and West Ruth Street after officers noticed a large star crack in the vehicle's windshield. The driver and three passengers appeared nervous, and police asked for permission to search the vehicle. Oakes complied. Officers reported finding a glass smoking devise, small propane torch and small plastic bag with two small containers filled with a brown paste. The officers said the paste had the odor of marijuana. When asked if there were any other items in the vehicle, Oakes said there were none. But, during a search, the officers found a purple vile containing a liquid that field tested positive for LSD (lysergic acid), and several small bags containing a white crystalline substance and a white powder. The contents of one of the those bags tested positive for methamphetamine or Ecstasy. In a suitcase in the back of the vehicle, officers found $12,545. The officers noted that, "Nobody would claim ownership of any of the narcotics." The alleged drugs and money were seized. All four occupants of the vehicle were transported to the Sallisaw Jail, but only Oakes has been charged. His next court appearance is slated for Aug. 8 before District Judge Larry Langley. Stay tuned to KXMX or visit www.kxmx.com for the latest news. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director