Tail Light Being Out Leads to Drug Charges

A man wanted for back child support spent some time in jail on drug charges after a traffic stop in Caledonia.

Melecio Carothers, 32, of Racine, was charged Monday in Racine County Circuit Court with one felony count of possession of THC. If convicted, he could face up to 3-1/2 years and/or up to $10,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint, Calediona police were involved in speed limit enforcement on Green Bay Road at 8:11 p.m. Friday when an officer spotted a vehicle with a tail light out.

Police initiated a traffic stop, and Carothers presented insurance information but said it was his girlfriend's car so he wasn't aware of the tail light being out, the complaint reads.

The officer ran a routine check on Carothers license and information was returned saying he had a warrant for back child support. Police reports indicate that while he was being taken into custody, Carothers advised the officer that he had some marijuana in his jacket pocket.

He was booked on a single felony charge of possession and given a warning for the tail light. While Carothers was in the Racine County Jail, his girlfriend picked up the vehicle.

Carothers was released from jail after his initial appearance Monday on a $500 signature bond. He is due back in court on April 4 for his preliminary hearing.