LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – An unreadable tag cost a Speedwell man at trip to jail. Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Preston Mullins was travelling on Old Middlesboro Hwy late last Thursday night where he saw a white Ford Ranger that did not have any operational registration lights. As Mullins got closer to the vehicle, he noticed the vehicle’s displayed registration was severely obstructed and unreadable. As Mullins was following the truck the driver turned onto Calhoun Rd, where Mullins conducted a traffic stop.

The deputy made contact with the driver Mitchell Wayne Claiborne and noticed his speech was allegedly slurred, and he appeared to be having trouble staying awake, commonly known as being “on the nod.” When he was asked for a driver’s license, proof of insurance and proof of registration, Claiborne was unable to provide the documents and told Mullins that he did not have a driver’s license, according to a report from the sheriff’s office. A check of Claiborne’s license revealed they were revoked for DUI. Deputy Mullins had Claiborne get out the pick up truck, and placed him under arrest.

A search of Claiborne revealed a plastic bag containing a green leafy substance in his left front trouser pocket. Mullins asked if he had smoked any of the substance or taken any other kind of medications, to which he replied he had smoked marijuana earlier in the day as well as injected Methamphetamine. Mullins searched the truck and found a clear plastic bag on the driver side floorboard with a clear rock like substance inside. Claiborne was transported to the jail where Mullins conducted field sobriety tests on which Claiborne performed unsatisfactorily.

Claiborne, 46 was charged with violation of Tennessee financial law, violation registration law, driving while revoked, driving under the influence (DUI), possession of marijuana and possession of schedule II controlled substance.

Based on jail records, Claiborne was released on bond the next day. He’s due in court today. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/03/2022-6AM)