Speeding driver is arrested after traffic stop led to the confiscation of drugs

PRESS RELEASE – On Tuesday, Oct. 15, a deputy with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office S.T.I.N.G. Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 Alternate near New Road. The stop resulted in the arrest of a male driver in possession of illegal narcotics.

At approximately 1:49 p.m., a deputy was traveling south on Highway 17 Alternate near New Road when he observed a gray in color Nissan Altima traveling north at a high rate of speed of 71 mph in a 55 mph zone. The deputy activated his emergency equipment to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle.

While approaching the vehicle, the deputy observed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as Travis Cleveland, 40 of Walhalla, S.C., admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle and gave the deputy a small purple tray with a small amount of marijuana. Cleveland and his passenger, identified as Brandon Parris, 23 of Walhalla, S.C., were instructed to exit the vehicle. The deputy then began a detailed search of the subjects and the vehicle. In the backseat, the deputy found a grocery bag containing suspected marijuana and several drug-related objects. In other areas of the vehicle, the deputy found more suspected marijuana, drug-related objects, and a small white pill suspected to be Tramadol which is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

After questioning both Cleveland and Parris, Cleveland claimed ownership of the marijuana and drug-related objects in the vehicle. Parris was released. The deputy then performed a field sobriety test on Cleveland and determined that he was not under the influence. Cleveland was arrested and transported to the Stephens County Jail without incident.

Cleveland has been charged with Illegal Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, Illegal Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, and Possession and Use of Drug Related Objects. He also received a citation for speeding. Cleveland was released from the Stephens County Jail on Thursday, Oct. 17, on a $27,000 bond.