Bennie Carltavious Kelly
By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
A Goodwater man was arrested on multiple drug-related charges, including methamphetamine and marijuana, following a traffic stop last week.
Chief Deputy Scott Hammond reported that on July 7, Deputy Kelley was patrolling Alabama Highway 9 when he observed a vehicle driven by someone he had previously come in contact with on traffic stops. Hammond said that Kelley knew the driver only had a learners permit, so he initiated a stop.
As Kelley approached he smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver was detained, and Kelley asked permission to search his pockets, which the driver reportedly refused.
Kelley saw a black grinder with marijuana residue in the center console of the vehicle and asked the driver if he had anything in his pockets. He advised that he had a crack pipe.
As Kelley was patting him down, he also found a package of marijuana in his pants.
Kelley conducted a search of the vehicle and retrieved the grinder. No other paraphernalia was found in the vehicle.
The driver was transported to Coosa County Jail, and during processing Kelley was asked to come to the jail because they had recovered a clear baggy containing a white crystal-like substance in the suspect’s right sock.
Bennie Carltavious Kelly, 46 years old, was ultimately charged with first-degree possession of marijuana, use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, and second-degree promoting prison contraband.
As of press time Kelly remained in custody at the Coosa County Jail awaiting trial, with him receiving no bond.
