Kansas trooper's traffic stop leads to two arrests for meth trafficking, possession, infant child put in protective custody

(From the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)

Late Thursday morning, a Kansas State Trooper requested the assistance of a Cherokee County Sheriff's Office K9 unit after conducting a traffic stop on a 2004 Chevy Blazer. Upon arrival, the K9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.

"During the course of a search, approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia which is consistent with the distribution of methamphetamine, along with a small amount of marijuana and additional personal use drug paraphernalia was located and seized," according to Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.

Arrested at the scene of the traffic stop was Christopher Jon Markley, age 33, of Columbus.

Markley was transported to the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition, Markley, who is required to register as a drug offender due to previous drug convictions, is also being held on outstanding warrants for allegedly failing to comply with the Kansas Offender Registration Act.

Following Markley's arrest, and as part of an ongoing investigation, Cherokee County Sheriff's Investigators obtained a search warrant for the home at 301 North Vermont in Columbus.

While searching the home, suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia was located and seized.

Arrested at the home was 28 year-old Molly Lehman. She was transported to the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of Possessing Meth, Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. In addition, an infant child was taken into police protective custody.