Report: Routine traffic stop uncovers narcotics stash

SPRING CITY — A traffic stop for driving on a revoked license landed a Rhea County man behind bars and facing several drug-related charges, according to an arrest report on file at the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department.

Joseph Godsey is facing numerous charges after being pulled over in the 500-700 block of Rocky Springs Road in North Rhea County on Monday, Aug. 5.

Rhea County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dakota Cox said he was on routine patrol in the area when he observed Godsey driving a Ford Bronco and pulling a trailer.

“I had prior knowledge that Mr. Godsey’s Tennessee driver’s license was suspended,” Cox said. “I got behind the blue Bronco and could not see the registration area of the vehicle due to the trailer.”

Cox said he pulled Godsey over and asked to him to step out of the vehicle and asked for his license.

“Mr. Godsey said he did not have it,” Cox said. “Upon running Mr. Godsey’s information through central dispatch, it was confirmed that his Tennessee driver’s license was suspended and showed six prior driving on a suspended license (charges].”

Cox said that upon further inspection of the vehicle, he noticed that the registration plate had been removed and also noted that Godsey could not provide any proof of insurance for the vehicle.

“While looking inside the vehicle, in plain view, I observed an orange pill bottle with a baggie containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine with a field weight of 2.16 grams, one orange pill marked ‘N8’ believed to be suboxone and two small blue pills with no identifiable markings believed to be pressed fentanyl.”

Cox said he then placed Godsey under arrest and transported him to the Rhea County Jail.

Godsey was charged with driving on a revoked license, having an unregistered vehicle on the highway, violation of the financial responsibility law, improper display of a registration plate and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with the intent to sell.

According to jail records, Godsey was still incarcerated as of press time Thursday.