Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling in the City Limits of Campti on Sept. 17 around 10:14 pm when they stopped a 2001 Toyota pickup truck for equipment violations on Hwy. 9 near Campti. Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 58-year-old Cleveland Telstead Jr., aka Cleveland Telsee Jr. of Campti.
Deputies say while speaking with Telstead, he informed them he was aware of the equipment violations. A NLETS computer check revealed that his driver’s license was suspended in the State of Louisiana. Deputies also learned Telstead had a prior arrest history and had been convicted of narcotics offenses in Natchitoches Parish.
Deputies say during the traffic stop, Telstead exhibited unusual signs of nervousness which led them to believe criminal activity existed. Deputies obtained permission to search the vehicle. Telstead informed deputies he had two marijuana joints on the seat. A back-up unit responded to assist for officer safety.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered 2 suspected marijuana cigarettes and several ripped bags as if they had been torn in an effort to destroy evidence. Near the vehicle, on the ground, deputies discovered the same bag material containing approximately 56 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and two other bags containing approximately 9.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine and suspected crack cocaine. Deputies also recovered approximately 14 grams of suspected synthetic marijuana. The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis.
Telstead was placed under arrest without incident. He was transported and booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with:
*Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute – 2nd or Subsequent Offenses
*Possession of CDS Schedule II Crack Cocaine – 2nd or Subsequent Offenses
*Possession of CDS Schedule I Synthetic Marijuana
*Criminal Obstruction of Justice (by allegedly attempting to destroy and discard evidence)
*Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
*Equipment Violations*
*Improper Display of a License Plate
*Driving under Suspension
Telstead remains in the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing. NPSO Drug Enforcement Agents are assisting in the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Stuart Wright stated: Our deputies remain committed to removing dangerous narcotics from our communities. This case is another example of how proactive patrol efforts can take drugs off the streets and keep our parish safe.
Deputy T. Hortman was assisted by Deputy Sgt. D. Caballero in the arrest. If you observe suspicious or criminal activity in your community contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-357-7851 or the Drug Enforcement Unit at 318-357-7830.
