On Friday, July 19, 2024, at approximately 10:05PM a Bethel Township Police Officer conducted a traffic stop in the 8600 block of Lancaster Avenue after checking the vehicle's registration and finding the registered owner to have a suspended driver’s license.
The driver was confirmed to be the vehicle owner, Nicole Marie Ruiz, 28 of Williamstown, Dauphin County. While speaking with Ruiz the officer detected an odor of marijuana emanating from the interior of her 2015 Ford Fusion.
Ruiz stated she did not have a medical marijuana card and became extremely anxious when asked about the odor and began reaching around the center console. Due to Ruiz’s anxious behavior and furtive movements, she was instructed to step out of the vehicle.
Ruiz stated there was a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia in the car near the center console under the radio where she had been reaching.
Ruiz was then asked to consent to a search of her vehicle. She refused to consent. Her vehicle was impounded at the Bethel Township Police Department, and a search warrant was applied for through Magisterial District Judge Andrea Book.
After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, the investigating officer located inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle approximately three pounds of suspected methamphetamine contained in three separate bags, each weighing approximately one pound. The substance field tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine seized is up to $68,000.
On Thursday, July 25, 2024, an arrest warrant was obtained for Ruiz charging her with Felony Possession With the Intent to Distribute, Misdemeanors for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, in addition to a summary charge for driving with a suspended license.
After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, the investigating officer located inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle approximately three pounds of suspected methamphetamine contained in three separate bags, each weighing approximately one pound. The substance field tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine seized is up to $68,000.
On Thursday, July 25, 2024, an arrest warrant was obtained for Ruiz charging her with Felony Possession With the Intent to Distribute, Misdemeanors for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, in addition to a summary charge for driving with a suspended license.
Ruiz was taken into custody the same day without incident. She was transported to MDJ Andrea Book’s office and arraigned on the charges. Ruiz posted her $25,000 straight cash bail that day and was released.