California man arrested for possession

Michael Rodriguez of California was arrested late last month on possession charges when the vehicle he was traveling in was pulled over for speeding.

On November 24, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper observed a vehicle traveling 1-90 near milepost 202 faster than the posted 80 mph speed limit. Radar showed the vehicle’s speed to be 96 mph.

The trooper reports stopping the vehicle and making contact with the driver, who claimed he was heading to Indiana for Thanksgiving with his two passengers, one of whom was Michael Rodriguez. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle and the trooper allegedly smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside.

The trooper asked Rodriguez how much marijuana was inside the vehicle, to which he allegedly replied, “Very little” and indicated it was in a backpack sitting on his lap. Rodriguez then allegedly handed the trooper a plastic bag from inside the backpack, which appeared to contain marijuana.

According to court reports, the trooper noticed another plastic bag in the backpack that also appeared to contain marijuana. He asked Rodriguez to hand him the backpack and took it to his patrol car.

The driver claimed there was no additional marijuana within the vehicle.

The marijuana was later field tested and weighed at approximately 186.3 grams. Rodriguez was placed under arrest and transported to the Crook County Detention Center.

Rodriguez has been charged with possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana (third or subsequent offense, with three known prior convictions between 2010 and 2015 in California).