Texting and driving leads to meth arrest

DAYTON — A Rhea County Man was arrested on Friday June 28, for multiple offenses, including several drug and narcotic charges after a routine traffic stop for texting and driving.

According to the arrest report on file at the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD), Curtis Lovelady was involved in the traffic stop conducted by RCSD Deputy Jesse Wilkey.

According to Wilkey, he was parked on Delaware Avenue when he observed a white Ford Escort traveling southbound. Wilkey said he noticed the driver of the vehicle was talking on his cellphone and decided to stop the vehicle.

While he was communicating via radio with dispatch, Wilkey said he observed the driver throw a white object from the vehicle out the passenger’s side window, which landed in a ditch.

Upon contact, Wilkey said he spoke to the driver who was “extremely nervous,” avoided eye contact and informed the deputy that he was on TDOC active probation. The report states Lovelady apologized for utilizing his cellphone and stated that the vehicle he was driving was not registered.

According to the report, Wilkey was able to recover the white object that was thrown from the vehicle, and when found, discovered it to be a white and green Cetirizine pill bottle contained 12.9 grams of methamphetamine, 5.4 grams of marijuana, eight dosage units of hydrocodone and one dosage unit Clonazepam.

Wilkey stated that from training and experience of working narcotics, he was able to determine that the methamphetamine found was consistent with resale amounts and equal to 64 sales of methamphetamine valued at $1,290.

According to the report, Lovelady explained to the deputy that he was unemployed and provided no legal means as to obtaining the cash.

Wilkey said he then proceeded to arrest Lovelady, inform him of his rights and transport him to jail. A search of Lovelady’s person revealed $110. His vehicle and money were seized and he was informed accordingly.