A traffic stop on April 23 around 11:50 am, conducted by NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies, led to the arrest of a convicted felon and the recovery of illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, a stolen firearm, and U.S. currency, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. Deputies were patrolling in the Clarence community on US-71 when they stopped a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe for a traffic violation.
Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 43-year-old Nicholas J. Casson of Natchitoches.
According to reports, deputies say when they came in contact with Casson he exhibited nervous behavior and they smelled a strong marijuana smoke odor. Deputies also learned Casson was a convicted felon with a history of narcotics and weapons charges. Casson admitted that he had recently smoked marijuana.
A probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of:
• 5 grams of suspected marijuana
• Brass knuckles
• A loaded Taurus Judge Public Defender handgun, reported stolen from Rapides Parish. Casson is prohibited from possessing firearms.
• Multiple bags of suspected crack cocaine and powder cocaine
• Oxycodone pills
• Digital scale, cigar rollers, and drug packaging materials
• $773.00 in small denominations
• Two cell phones
Casson, was placed under arrest without incident, transported and booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with:
• Improper Use of Turn Signals
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Oxycodone (LA RS 40:967C)
• Two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II Narcotics
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Possession of a Firearm in Presence of CDS
• Possession of a Stolen Firearm
• Second or Subsequent Narcotics Offense
Casson, remains in the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center.
NPSO Detectives will contact Rapides Sheriff’s Detectives in reference to the recovered stolen firearm. The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis. The investigation remains ongoing. Deputy C. Halliburton made the arrest.
