Special to the Enquirer  

On Sunday February 16th, 2020 Deputies, a ring on a tip from the public, conducted a traffic stop for switched tag and obstructed windshield in the 1600 block on Nethery Rd SW in Hartselle AL. 

During the stop Deputies made contact with the Driver Benjamin Smith 36 of Cullman and passenger Debbie Burkhalter 52 of Hartselle. 

Dispatched advised Burkhalter had an outstanding warrant with Hartselle Police Department. She was detained for further investigation. 

Smith gave Deputies consent to search the vehicle. Upon Search Deputies recovered two glass pipe with methamphetamine residue. During the search both Burkhalter and Smith were standing at the front of the vehicle. 

A Hartselle Officer arrived on scene to take Burkhalter into custody when he observed a plastic bag under the vehicle where both subjects were standing. 

Deputies recovered the plastic bag which contained a quantity of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Hydrocodone pills. Both subjects denied tossing the bag under the vehicle. 

Agents with the Morgan County Drug Enforcement Unit were notified and arrived on scene shortly after. Agents charged both Smith and Burkhalter with Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute – Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree. 

This led to a Search warrant to Burkhalters residence which resulted in more Drug Paraphernalia being recovered. 

Both Subjects were transported to the Morgan County Jail with a bond set at $5,300.00