Money seized in traffic stop the subject of civil action

MADISON - A routine road patrol stop developed information about crack cocaine trafficking, according to court records.

Last August, State Trooper G.S. Walter, II, observed a small pickup truck traveling north on US 119 near Low Gap Road that had no visible inspection sticker.

Driver Monte Bowen of Mingo County, according to Walter, was "acting very nervous, sweating profusely, and unable to consistently answer or replay to requests." There was a female passenger, Angel Ruth Bowen, seated between the driver and Sherman D. Johnson, the report noted. Monte Bowen was asked to exit vehicle, with suspicion of driving under the influence.

The two passengers were asked to get out of the vehicle, Walter reported, and Johnson became uncooperative and Angel Bowen seemed very nervous.

During a safety search, $1,580 was found in Johnson's pants pocket. While interviewing Monte Bowen, Walter says he was advised Johnson was being driven to Cleveland to purchase crack. Another $2,100 in currency turned up in the woman's purse.

Trooper Sgt. A.S. Perdue of the US Route 119 Drug Task Force was called to assist with conducting additional drug investigation when the trio was transported to the Madison State Police Detachment.

The police report says the Bowens gave a statement that said they had driven Johnson, also known as "Young," to Ohio three times to obtain crack cocaine for sale.

Assistant Boone Prosecutor Justin Marlowe filed case Number 12-C-236 Nov. 27 as a Petition For Forfeiture of the $3,680 discovered by Walter as property subject to seizure in commission of a crime.

Boone Circuit Court Judge William S. Thompson scheduled a hearing for Jan. 9 on the petition.

Boone Circuit Court case number: 12-C-236