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(FOX40.COM) — A traffic stop in Northern California revealed that a truck whose registration had expired more than 20 years ago was allegedly transporting narcotics.
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Around 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling the area of Serrano Road when a detective pulled over a pickup truck for multiple alleged vehicle code violations.
According to TCSO, the detective discovered that the driver, Frank Weiler, 50, was on parole and had a parole warrant. A passenger, Nicholas Pina, 42, was found to have four local misdemeanor warrants for his arrest.
TCSO said a records check of the truck revealed its registration had expired in 2002. Additionally, the license plate and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) did not match. Detectives attempted to contact the registered owner but were unsuccessful in doing so.
The pickup was later towed, and the investigation into its registration and ownership remains ongoing, according to TCSO. During a search of the vehicle, detectives located a vial of testosterone, drug use paraphernalia, and other evidence indicative of drug use and sales, which prompted further investigation.
Detectives, with assistance from patrol deputies, conducted a parole search at Weiler’s residence in the area of Oman Drive in Soulsbyville. When deputies arrived at the scene, they detained a 43-year-old woman, Michelle O’Connor.
During the search, detectives found a loaded, unserialized short-barrel AR-15-style rifle—commonly referred to as a “ghost gun”—and about 7 grams of methamphetamine packaged in multiple bags, drug packaging materials, and other items consistent with drug sales in a bedroom shared by Weiler and O’Connor, according to TCSO. Detectives determined the drugs and firearm were unsecured and accessible to a child living in the home.
A further records check confirmed that Weiler and O’Connor are prohibited from possessing firearms. Weiler and O’Connor were arrested and booked into the DDC on multiple charges related to drug sales, gun charges, and child endangerment. Pina was also arrested and booked into the DDC on his outstanding warrants.
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Veronica Catlin
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