Pike traffic stop triggers meth bust in Williamson

Authorities display suspected crystal methamphetamine, cash and firearms following a search of a Vinson Street residence in Williamson. The search, which stemmed from a Pikeville traffic stop, yielded approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine and $19,357, according to Mingo County Sheriff Joe Smith. (Mingo County Sheriff’s photo)

BY ANNIE HOLLER
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PIKEVILLE — A traffic stop in Pikeville on July 28 led to a methamphetamine bust at a Williamson residence, where authorities seized approximately 3 pounds of the drug and $19,357 in cash.

Pikeville Police officers stopped a GMC Sierra on U.S. 119 after observing it traveling above the speed limit during inclement weather.

Police identified the driver as Don C. Mahon, 44, of Vinson Street in Williamson, West Virginia. His passenger was James Pinson, 48, of Joseph Avenue, Williamson.

Don C. Mahon
James C. Pinson

According to police, Mahon appeared to be intoxicated, and the two men gave conflicting explanations for their trip to Pikeville.

The officers requested assistance from a Floyd County K-9 unit, which alerted near the driver’s-side door, prompting officers to search the vehicle.

During the search, officers found a gray Walmart grocery bag containing a resealable plastic bag of suspected crystal methamphetamine. Police said the quantity was greater than an amount typically associated with personal use.

Both men were arrested.

Mahon was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance involving methamphetamine, first offense; driving under the influence, first offense; and two traffic violations. Pinson was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance involving methamphetamine, first offense.

Police transported Mahon to Pikeville Medical Center for blood testing.

The two were lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

Following the arrests, Pikeville Police contacted Mingo County authorities, prompting the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force, Mingo County Sheriff’s Department and Williamson Detachment of the West Virginia State Police to execute a search warrant at a residence on Vinson Street, according to a statement from Mingo County Sheriff Joe Smith.

Officers seized approximately 3 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and $19,357 in cash during the search.

Sheriff Smith said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are expected.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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