January 29, 2001 Preble County, Ohio
Troopers arrest Anthony K. Stephen and Wilmot A. Kerr with 440 pounds of marijuana at Interstate 70 platform scales

Two men are scheduled to appear in the Preble County Court today after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers recovered $1.1 million worth of marijuana at the Interstate 70 platform scale in Preble County last Friday. Troopers said Anthony K. Stephen, 37, of Jamaica, and Wilmot A. Kerr, 37, of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, were each charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony.

Troopers said at 11:20 a.m. Friday, the 2000 Volvo tractor towing a box trailer being driven by Stephen was determined to be overweight at the Interstate 70 platform scale in Preble County. Due to the vehicle which was hauling produce being overweight, troopers had Stephen pull around to the back of the scales. While speaking with the vehicle occupants several criminal indicators were present. A drug detecting canine was summoned to the scene and alerted to the cab of the vehicle. During a search, troopers found 14 boxes of marijuana, weighing approximately 440 pounds, in the top bunk of the sleeper area.

Both suspects were incarcerated at the Preble County Jail.

Source: Ohio State Police