On 9 Mar 2023 Deputy Peters, while patrolling southbound on Interstate 77 near the 6 mile marker, Muskingum Township, observed a passenger vehicle commit a traffic violation. 

A traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle, bearing Michigan registration.  The driver initially stated his name was Troy McGowan, however later it was determined that was a false name, and he was actually Jewerel Webster McGowan of Jackson, MI. McGowan initially provided a date of birth and social security number which belonged to Troy McGowan.

Deputy Peters detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked if anything illegal was in the vehicle, McGowan stated no.  McGowan was advised that Deputy Peters could smell marijuana, with McGowan stating he did have some and handed over a small glass jar containing, what he identified as, marijuana.

A search of the vehicle yielded 3,276 grams of marijuana equaling a total weight of 7.2 pounds. When asked where McGowan was headed, he stated North Carolina. When asked if he was going to drop the marijuana off there, he stated yes.

Jewerel Webster McGowan, age 45, 1843 River Street, Jackson, MI, was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana, a 3^rd degree felony, trafficking in drugs, a 3^rd degree felony, and obstructing official business, a 2^nd degree misdemeanor.

McGowan was transported to the Washington County Jail where he appeared in Marietta Municipal Court on 10 Mar 2023. 

McGowan is currently being held without bond on the felony charges.