Not wearing a seatbelt is a valid reason for a traffic stop
Facts In 2009, Officer Lance Luckey of the Columbus Police Department observed a maroon colored vehicle where neither the driver nor the passengers of the vehicle were wearing seat belts. After being pulled over, the driver, Thomas Austin, stated that he did not have a driver’s license or insurance. Luckey smelled the odor of marijuana emanating […]
Overly suggestive hairstyle and whiteboard in lineup was admissible based on totality of circumstances
Facts In 2009, Roosevelt Williams went to the Walnut Game Room in Clarksdale, Mississippi, to play dominoes with Joe Spencer, the owner of the game room. As Williams entered, he noticed a man pull a chair up to the building and sit to the side of the entrance to the game room. Later, while Spencer […]
Constructive possession of drugs affirmed when large plastic bag found on driver’s side floorboard
Facts In 2006, Sergeant Greg Goodman and Detective Steve Compston, both of the Gulfport Police Department, were conducting traffic stops in Gulfport, Mississippi. Goodman noticed a truck turning without using a turn signal. Compston pulled the truck over to the side of the road. The driver, Gary Glidden, exited the truck and walked to the […]
constructive possession found when defendant sitting on couch containing drugs and a firearm
Facts In 2007, Lieutenant Chad Dorn of the Picayune Police Department received instructions to be on the lookout for a stolen, green Ford Explorer. Dorn located what he believed to be the stolen vehicle at 615 North Buren Avenue in Picayune, Mississippi. Dorn knocked on the door and Kenneth Knight answered. After requesting the driver […]
Informant tip does not provide enough information for a traffic stop in this case
Facts An unnamed informant called Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department Officer Willie Edwards on his personal cell and said that Wendell Barnes was in Port Gibson driving a red Cadillac with Texas plates. Edwards and Officer James Jefferson knew Barnes had three arrest warrants but only Edwards would recognize Barnes. Soon, they happened upon a vehicle that […]
Form Search warrant for DNA that had errors was deemed admissible
Facts In 2009, just after closing, two armed black males, with their faces masked, approached an employee taking out the trash at a Sonic Drive In in Poplarville, Mississippi. They directed all employees into the cooler and then stole the cash drawer and a green Bank Plus deposit bag full of cash. Approximately an hour before […]