By Sandi Saulsbury
The Banner

A routine traffic stop on Farm-to-Market Road 1013 near Kirbyville resulted in the discovery of crack cocaine and the arrest of two Newton County men.

Chief Deputy Ralph Nichols said Monday that due to the recent theft of a skidder near FM 1013 and 1005, the Jasper County Sheriffs Department has stepped up patrol checking out suspicious activity and looking for information. 

On the evening of Wednesday, July 21 Jasper County Deputy Scott Jacks stopped a vehicle for speeding and upon K-9 search, discovered a half “cookie” of crack cocaine.

According to the report, deputy Jacks arrested 32-year-old Charles Anthony Thomas and 38-year-old Michael Nathaniel Jenkins, both of Bon Weir.

Thomas and Jenkins each appeared before Precinct 6 Justice of the Peace Steve Connor on Friday and were charged with possession of a controlled substance. Their bonds were set at $25,000 each. Both men also had warrants out of Newton County for nonpayment of child support.

As of press time, both men remained in the Jasper County Jail.