A Forest Park man was arrested on multiple charges on Jan. 31 following a traffic stop and ensuing investigation that revealed his juvenile passenger had marijuana hidden beneath her clothing.
Barry Lester Bell, 34, of 6192 Holiday Blvd., Forest Park, has been charged with for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by convicted felon and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The juvenile was detained and transported to the Wilkes County Regional Youth Detention Center, which serves Elbert, Greene, Hancock, Lincoln, Madison, Morgan, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Taliaferro, Washington, and Wilkes counties.
According to reports, Deputy Leosbel Sierra initiated a traffic stop on a gray Chevrolet Impala at Exit 138 on I-20. Sierra said he detected the odor of marijuana while walking to the vehicle to make contact with the driver, who was identified as Bell.
The passenger did not identify herself but told Sierra that she was 14 years old.
Bell was asked to exit the vehicle and was asked about the marijuana odor.
Bell reportedly told Sierra he had smoked some earlier and that he possibly had a small amount in the vehicle. He also said that he had a firearm in the vehicle under his seat, but that it did not belong to him.
Sierra explained to Bell that he would be conducting a probable cause search of the car due to the odor.
When Sierra asked the passenger to exit the vehicle, he observed a bulge on her upper body, according to the report.
Sierra asked the passenger about the bulge, but the juvenile dismissed the question and said the bulge was just “her breast and nothing else.”
However, Bell told the passenger that he had spoken with Sierra regarding marijuana that she had in her possession.
The juvenile passenger then retrieved three clear bags containing marijuana from her sweatshirt. Later Sierra found a small clear bag containing marijuana in the floorboard, a gray backpack containing two digital scales, a box of clear plastic bags, two plastic containers with a green leafy substance inside, and a handgun with a loaded magazine under the driver’s seat.
Bell said that the marijuana was for his personal use.
A GCIC inquiry revealed that Bell had a felony conviction of theft by receiving stolen property.
Bell told Sierra that the passenger was his neighbor.
After Sierra spoke with representatives of the Department of Juvenile Justice, he was advised to detain and transport her to the Wilkes County RYDC.
Sierra was also able to contact the juvenile’s mother who said she has an open case through the Henry County Police Department regarding Bell and her daughter. According to mother, Bell has been advised not to be around the juvenile.
Bell was later booked into the Greene County jail. The vehicle was recovered by Chancey’s Towing Services.