Tyler County, TX — A late-night traffic stop in the Hillister area led to the arrests of two people after deputies allegedly discovered methamphetamine and a handgun during a vehicle search.
According to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were patrolling U.S. Highway 69 near County Road 4450 at approximately 2:28 a.m. on July 31 when they stopped a Nissan Altima for a traffic violation.
After making contact with the occupants, deputies reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Investigators also observed a hypodermic syringe containing what appeared to be blood in plain view.
Deputies identified the driver as Jason Nesbitt, 49, of Palestine, and the passenger as Barbara Steele-Jones, 36, of Texas City.
During a search of Steele-Jones’ purse, deputies allegedly found two small plastic baggies containing a white crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
A continued search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun beneath the driver’s seat. Deputies said they determined Nesbitt is a convicted felon whose most recent felony conviction was for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
Steele-Jones was arrested and charged with Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance after deputies reported recovering approximately 2.4 grams of methamphetamine.
Nesbitt was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
Authorities said Justice of the Peace Mike Hughes set bond at $50,000 for each defendant. Both remained in the Tyler County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
