Traffic stop leads to cocaine bust in Deerfield

DEERFIELD — An Interstate 91 traffic stop Monday of a Jeep Cherokee for loud exhaust noise subsequently led to a substantial cocaine bust.

The driver, Amanda Dodge, 31, of Winchester, New Hampshire, was arrested for driving illegally and passengers Todd Murphy, 44, also of Winchester, and Athol resident David LeBlanc, 29, were arrested on charges including drug trafficking. State police say they found 27 grams of cocaine in the back seat, owned by the two passengers.

“On July 3 at about 11:40 p.m., Trooper Scott Boutell, assigned to the State Police Barracks in Shelburne Falls, was on patrol on Route 91 in the town of Deerfield when he observed a black Jeep Cherokee traveling northbound with an excessively loud exhaust. Trooper Boutell subsequently stopped the vehicle. Trooper Anthony Lavigne arrived as back up,” state police said in a statement on Facebook.

Dodge, who had an outstanding New Hampshire warrant out for her arrest, was driving without vehicle registration or a license, which turned out to be suspended, and gave a false name to authorities when asked. All three were booked at the Shelburne Falls Barracks and the vehicle was towed.

“Bail was set at $25,000 for LeBlanc and $2,500 for Murphy. Dodge was held for court and extradition to (New Hampshire) on an outstanding warrant. They were all transported to the Franklin County House of Correction,” the statement continues.

Specific charges are as follows: Dodge was charged with equipment violation, loud exhaust; license not in possession; registration not in possession; motor vehicle operator refused to identify self; and unlicensed operation of motor vehicle. LeBlanc and Murphy were both charged trafficking in cocaine, and conspiracy to violate drug law.

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