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Washington Evening Journal
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Speeding leads to felony charge
Burlington man arrested for charges of driving while license suspended and later charged with possession of contraband
NEW LONDON — A speeding traffic stop near New London turned into more serious charges as Henry County Sheriff’s Office charged a Burlington man with Driving While Suspended and Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Institution, a Class D felony.
According to court documents, a Henry County Deputy Sheriff pulled over James Gerald Griffin Jr., 56 of Burlington, after observing his vehicle traveling 83 miles per hour in a 65 miles per hour zone on U.S. Highway 34 westbound. He received a written warning for speed, was placed in custody for driving with a suspended license, and transported to Henry County Jail.
Upon arriving at the jail, court documents state, Griffin was searched and his clothing was removed and washed. During the wash cycle a “plastic bag with a white clumpy powder” was found inside the washing machine.
When field tested, the substance tested positive for cocaine, and an additional charge of Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Institution was added to Griffin’s charges.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
