Traffic Stop Nets Tahlequah Duo

A Sept. 19 traffic stop in Sallisaw led to the arrest of two Tahlequah residents with prior felony convictions.

Records show that Miceal Stiofain Kelley, 35, was charged with several drug and weapons offenses, while Christie Eloise Vaughn-Kessinger, 51, is facing a felony charge of possession of a firearm after former felony conviction.

A Sallisaw police officer stopped a vehicle being driven by Kelley after it was spotted driving slower than the posted speed limit.

When the officer approached the vehicle, he could smell marijuana, the report shows, and he saw a jar containing a green, leafy substance in the passenger-side floorboard.

Kelley became increasingly nervous and was sweating profusely, the report states, and he was unable to provide proper identification. A license and warrant check revealed that Kelley had a suspended license and that he had violent tendencies and a valid Cherokee County warrant. He was then placed in handcuffs.

Vaughn-Kessinger told police that she has a medical marijuana license and that she had grown the pot found in the car herself. 

A further search of the vehicle turned up more marijuana hidden in a McDonald’s sack in the trunk and a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol was found in the back seat.

A check with dispatch revealed that Kelley and Vaughn-Kessinger had previous felony convictions and they were transported to the Sallisaw Police Department.

A field test of the white substance found in the vehicle was positive for methamphetamine. The drugs were sent to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for further testing.

Kelley was charged with possession of a firearm after conviction or during probation and unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, both felonies, as well as misdemeanor charges for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.

Kelley’s felonies are punishable by up to 10 years in prison for the weapons charge and imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to $20,000 for the drug charge. The misdemeanors are punishable by imprisonment and fines.

Vaughn-Kessinger was charged with possession of a firearm after former felony conviction, a felony that is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Kelley’s next court appearance is set for 9 a.m. Oct. 9. Vaughn-Kessinger’s next court appearance is at 9 a.m. Oct. 23.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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