Powell man charged for possession

A Powell man faces a charge of possession after his history of failing to appear in court led to his arrest during a traffic stop.

At around 7:05 p.m. on June 22, a Crook County Sheriff’s Office deputy was stopped on Juniper Hills Road when a vehicle passed with a badly broken windshield.

After conducting a traffic stop, the deputy identified the driver as Benito Juarez. The deputy reports that he recognized Juarez from prior contacts.

Juarez allegedly stated that he had just purchased the vehicle, did not know the name of the previous owner and did not have insurance. A vehicle title confirmed this information.

Juarez allegedly stated he works at a salvage yard and lives with the owner, though he was unable to provide the name or address of the company.

The back of the vehicle title gave a Powell address for Juarez, though his driver’s license reflected an address in Rozet.

According to the deputy’s report, a check of Juarez’s driver’s history showed his driving privileges were currently “not eligible” with more than 20 enforcement records and a financial responsibility suspension.

Since 2014, his driving record allegedly indicated six convictions for driving with a suspended or cancelled license and four insurance violations.

The deputy himself reports having issued a citation to Juarez for improper registration and compulsory insurance violations in 2019, but Juarez failed to appear in court and moved from Crook County.

Juarez allegedly also has four prior “failure to appear” charges in his criminal history.

Due to the history of failing to appear in court and the use of multiple addresses, the deputy reports feeling there was a significant concern that Juarez would not appear for court.

Juarez was placed under arrest and, per the policy of the sheriff’s office, an inventory of the vehicle was taken prior to towing. The search revealed a smoking pipe and a bag of possible methamphetamine weighing 1.4 grams, which later tested positive.

A review of Juarez’s criminal history allegedly also showed seven prior convictions for controlled substances.

Juarez has been charged with possession of methamphetamine, third or subsequent offense, which carries a maximum penalty of five years of incarceration, a $5000 fine or both. He has a prior known conviction in Crockett County, Texas, and two in Campbell County.