Cameron Parish Deputy Arrested for Transporting Marijuana

Sulphur, La. — Approximately eighteen pounds of marijuana was discovered in the vehicle of an off-duty Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Deputy on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at 8:49 p.m., by state police.

According to a press release, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop D stopped a 2004 Toyota Tundra for traffic violations on Interstate Highway 10 Eastbound in Sulphur. The Driver 28-year-old Derek Nothnagel of Lake Charles, refused Troopers request to search the vehicle.

A K-9 was brought out and detected the presence of illegal drugs in Nothnagel's vehicle, which lead to the search of the trunk where Troppers discovered approximately eighteen pounds of marijuana in a duffle bag.

Nothnagel was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, use and sale of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, following too close and expired inspection decal. He was booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center. Bond was set at $27,300.

24-year-old Taylor Nothnagel of Lake Charles, a passenger in the vehicle was questioned and released. The investigation is ongoing and could present more charges.