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Two arrested after vehicle stop; meth seized
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A vehicle stop conducted Thursday afternoon has resulted in two arrests and the seizure of over an ounce of methamphetamine.
Michael Brandon Jaco, 24, of Kelseyville and 28-year-old Ashley Nicole Saxon of Clearlake were arrested after the stop, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
At 3:50 p.m. Thursday a member of the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force was traveling northbound on Main Street in Lakeport when he noticed ahead of him a burgundy colored sedan which had a defective left brake and turn signal light, Brooks said.
He said the detective conducted an enforcement stop of the vehicle in the area of 15th and Main streets in Lakeport.
The detective approached the vehicle on the passenger side and contacted the front passenger, who was identified as Saxon. Brooks said the detective recognized Saxon from prior contacts due to her history of using and selling methamphetamine.
Central Dispatch conducted a records check of Saxon and advised she was on searchable probation, which Saxon also confirmed, Brooks said.
Brooks said the detective noticed that Saxon was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant. She admitted to smoking methamphetamine the day before at approximately 10 a.m.
The detective administered a series of tests to determine if Saxon was under the influence, which she failed, Brooks said.
Saxon was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Brooks said the narcotics detective conducted a search of Saxon and placed her in the back of a patrol vehicle.
The detective contacted the driver, Jaco, who said he was unable to provide a driver's license due to it being suspended. Brooks said Jaco also admitted to having a methamphetamine pipe concealed between his seat and the center console, which was located and seized as evidence.
Brooks said the detective noticed Jaco was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant.
Jaco admitted to smoking methamphetamine three days prior to the enforcement stop, Brooks said. The detective administered a series of tests to determine if Jaco was under the influence, which Jaco also failed.
Jaco was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia and for driving with a suspended license, Brooks said.
While speaking with Jaco, narcotics detectives noticed Saxon was moving her body around excessively in the patrol vehicle, according to Brooks. When detectives looked into the vehicle they saw Saxon trying to push a plastic bag under the security cage with her feet.
Brooks said Saxon was removed from the vehicle and the plastic bag was retrieved. Inside the bag was a white crystalline substance, which was immediately recognized as being methamphetamine.
Saxon, who has a history of concealing controlled substances on or within her person, adamantly denied ownership of the methamphetamine. Brooks said detectives believe she had it concealed on her, in an area where a female deputy would be required to search.
Saxon was also arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale, transportation of a controlled substance and for concealing evidence, according to Brooks.
Brook said both Saxon and Jaco were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.
The methamphetamine was weighed and determined to have a gross weight of 35.9 grams or 1.27 ounces. The street value of the seized methamphetamine is approximately $3,600, Brooks said.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.