To assist the interpreter, separate hearings were held for the women and the man.
Oda also continued their bonds at $750,000. All three are being held in the Warren County Jail.
During the hearing, the trooper, also a handler of a drug detection dog, said Martinez was stopped for a marked lanes violation on I-71 north at milepost 41 in Massie Twp.
During the stop, the trooper said he became suspicious about the Arkansas women driving Garcia back to Columbus. In addition, the trooper said Garcia was wearing “religious disclaimers” that he said are often worn by drug traffickers.
The trooper had his dog walk past the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, and alerted the trooper that drugs may be in the vehicle. After a search of the vehicle, troopers found packages of white compressed powder, wrapped in cellophane and duct tape. The trooper said the substance was analyzed and was confirmed to be cocaine with a street value of nearly $275,000.
If the three defendants are convicted, they could each face up to 21 years in prison and a $42,500 fine.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4504 or erichter@coxohio.com.
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