In a joint operation between the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and the Central Texas Criminal Interdiction Unit from Kendall County, a routine traffic stop conducted on September 20, 2023, yielded significant drug-related arrests.
The incident occurred in the 1200 block of Lower Turtle Creek Road in Kerrville when deputies approached the vehicle and detected the distinct odor of marijuana emanating from the passenger compartment. Subsequently, a narcotics detection K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle.
The driver, identified as 32-year-old Alexander Taylor Stinson of Bandera, exited the vehicle and was subsequently detained. During the arrest, Mr. Stinson discarded a bag of suspected methamphetamine on the ground. Further investigation revealed that he also possessed a second bag of suspected methamphetamine on his person, which was recovered by deputies.
The passenger, 43-year-old Tara Lynne Hise, also of Bandera, was found to be in possession of two additional bags containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine. In addition to the narcotics, drug paraphernalia was discovered within the vehicle. The total amount of suspected methamphetamine seized during the investigation amounted to at least four and a half ounces.
Both Mr. Stinson and Ms. Hise were booked into the Kerr County Jail on charges of Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, PG1, >=4G<200G, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Their bonds were set at $50,000 each. Further investigations revealed that Ms. Hise had concealed two more bags of a substance believed to be methamphetamine on her person, resulting in additional charges pending against her.
It's important to note that in all criminal cases, charges may be subject to modification or addition prior to trial, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office expressed their gratitude to the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office and their K9 Tajga for their invaluable assistance during this operation. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Special Operation Division also played a vital role in the successful investigation.
“This case is another win, not just for our deputies and law enforcement partners, but most importantly for the safety of Kerr County. Our teams work to send a clear message every day – don’t engage in the drug trade here,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha. “The methamphetamine trade and the halo of criminal activity that surrounds it affects everyone who lives here, even if it seems invisible. We will continue our focus on disrupting the drug trade, crimes that run parallel with human smuggling and other criminal enterprises that affect our county,” said Leitha.
If you have information on illicit drug sales in Kerr County, call Kerr County Crime Stoppers at (830) 896.TIPS. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to felony arrests
