Rutland County, VT – A late-night traffic stop in Rutland City led to drug and motor vehicle charges after deputies discovered cocaine during a consent search, authorities said.
According to the Rutland County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Tuesday night at approximately 8:37 p.m. on South Main Street near Town Fair Tire. A deputy observed a vehicle allegedly operating without illumination after dark and conducted a traffic stop.
Police identified the driver as Francis J. Merriam, 51, of West Rutland, Vermont. Investigators later determined Merriam’s driver’s license had been criminally suspended, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies conducted a consent search of the vehicle, during which they allegedly located crack cocaine, authorities said. Merriam was taken into custody and transported to the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department for processing.
Merriam was cited on charges of driving with a criminally suspended license under Title 23 VSA 674 and possession of cocaine under Title 18 VSA 4231.
According to officials, Merriam was later released with a citation and is scheduled to appear in Rutland Superior Court – Criminal Division at a later date. The vehicle involved in the incident was towed from the scene, and the license plates were seized, authorities confirmed.
The case remains pending in court, and all charges are allegations until proven in court.
Residents with information related to this or other incidents are encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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