Meth, Heroin & Cash
During a traffic stop, Spokane Valley Deputy Veronica Van Patten and Deputy Clay Hilton developed probable cause and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. Heroin, Methamphetamine and other items used to sell illegal drugs were located and seized along with nearly $2000.00 in cash.
On March 1, 2018, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Deputy Van Patten stopped a vehicle near Thor and Pacific for traffic violations and a computer check of the license plate showed the registered owner had a suspended driver’s license.
Deputy Van Patten contacted the driver, later identified as 49-year-old Dennis G. Smith. Smith said he purchased the vehicle a month ago and was not the registered owner. While talking to Smith, Deputy Van Patten observed a plastic tube, commonly used to ingest illegal drugs with residue on it, sticking out of the area of the odometer. A check of his driving status showed his driving privileges were suspended. Smith was arrested for driving while suspended and, during a subsequent search, Deputy Van Patten located a trinket with a white powdery substance residue in his pocket. She also observed a digital scale on the floorboard of the passenger’s side.
Deputy Hilton, who arrived to assist, contacted the passenger, identified as 25-year-old Emily H. Baldwin. When Baldwin exited the vehicle, Deputy Hilton observed a large amount of cash in her coat pocket. Baldwin stated Smith gave it to her and it was a couple hundred dollars. It also appeared she was attempting to conceal items under her shirt which she denied.
Smith did not give consent to search the vehicle and initially stated he didn’t know about the cash Baldwin said he gave her. He later recanted and admitted he gave the cash to Baldwin.
The Deputies continued their investigation to include obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle where they developed probable cause to arrest Baldwin for possession of a controlled substance and Smith was advised he was being charged as well.
Two baggies containing substances believed to be Heroin and Methamphetamine were found, hidden in Baldwin’s bra. The substances were later field tested and showed presumptive positive results. The cash found totaled just over $1,800 and was seized as evidence.
Both Smith and Baldwin were transported and booked for two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver. Smith was also charged for Driving while Suspended 2nd Degree.