A traffic stop for fictitious tags resulted in the arrest of a local man Sunday on multiple felony charges after drugs, a gun, counterfeit money and other items were allegedly found in his possession.
Jaquez Damien Walker Jones, 21, who lists a Manor Lane address, was taken into custody shortly before 1 p.m. and charged with simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, punishable by up to life in prison, six counts of first-degree forgery, each punishable by up to 20 years, and possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, punishable by up to six years.
Jones, who was previously convicted of armed robbery in 2016 in Indianapolis, Ind., was also charged with possession of a firearm by certain persons, punishable by up to 20 years, and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, punishable by up to one year in jail.
He was being held on zero bond and appeared Monday in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, shortly after 12:30 p.m., Hot Springs police Officer Richard Davis stopped a gray Honda Accord in the 300 block of Oakwood Street for having fictitious tags and made contact with the driver, identified as Jones.
While talking with Jones, Davis allegedly smelled marijuana emanating from the vehicle so he asked Jones if there was anything officers should know about and he reportedly claimed there was nothing in the car.
Jones was removed from the car and searched and then because of the marijuana odor the vehicle was searched. A loaded .40-caliber handgun was found in the driver's seat under a camouflage jacket. Jones said the gun had been in the glove box and he moved it out when getting his paperwork.
A computer check revealed his prior felony conviction so he was taken into custody at that point.
A further search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered a pill bottle with a baggie of what later tested positive for cocaine, 1 gram, and a set of digital scales. A pipe with the odor of marijuana was found on Jones' person and in his wallet police allegedly found six counterfeit $100 bills, all with the same serial number.
In addition to the felony and misdemeanor charges, Jones was cited for driving on a suspended license, no liability insurance, driving a vehicle without tags and having fictitious tags.
Local on 03/19/2019