Two New Yorkers arrested on drugs, counterfeiting charges

Among the illegal items found in a Monday morning traffic stop by the Indiana State Police were these 21 counterfeit traveler's checks. Two New York men were placed in the Putnam County Jail following the stop.

An early morning traffic stop near the Putnam-Clay county line resulted in the seizure of fraudulent documents and drugs.

Just before 1 a.m. Monday, Indiana State Police Trooper Yan Dravigne was patrolling Interstate 70 near the 27-mile marker in Clay County. Dravigne spotted an eastbound black Nissan Maxima traveling 81 mph in a 70 mph zone.

The Nissan continued eastbound and made lane changes without signaling. Trooper Dravigne stopped the vehicle in Putnam County near the 29-mile marker and detected several inconsistencies with information provided by the driver and passenger.

Dravigne summoned the assistance of Clay County Sheriff's Deputy Brison Swearingen and his K-9 partner Dayk.

The K-9 "alerted" to the vehicle and a subsequent search revealed traces of marijuana, eight Hydrocodone pills, 21 counterfeit traveler's checks, several clothing and home improvement items recently purchased with the fraudulent traveler's checks and one false driver's license from the State of Texas with a photo of the driver and an alias.

The driver, Barrington Howell, 26, Brooklyn, N.Y., was arrested for theft, production of counterfeit ID, counterfeiting and fraud, all Class D felonies.

His passenger, Quita Kellum, 27, Brooklyn, was also arrested and charged with theft, counterfeiting, fraud and possession of a controlled substance, D felonies.

Trooper Dravigne placed both suspects in custody and transported them to the Putnam County Jail for incarceration.