Madison County Sheriff John Mehr is pleased to announce that Deputy James Martin was presented the prestigious award, ‘Beyond the Traffic Stop,’ by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

According to a press release from Tom Mapes – public information officer, Madison County Sheriff’s Office – the award was presented to Deputy Martin at the annual THSO, Lifesavers Conference, on August 19 in Franklin.

This award resulted from a traffic stop made by Deputy Martin, as follows:
On February 16, 2022 at 0335 hours, while patrolling Interstate 40 in Madison County, Deputy Martin observed a blue Hyundai Genesis bearing Illinois tag BZ 92997 fail to signal while changing lanes and cross the fog line.

Deputy Martin conducted a traffic stop at the 92.8 mile marker of Interstate 40 (westbound) with the vehicle. Deputy Martin made contact with the driver and passenger, and while speaking with the driver he observed a green, leafy residue all over the center console.

Due to Deputy Martin’s experience and training, he knew that the residue was marijuana.

While waiting of backup to arrive Deputy Martin continued to speak with the driver while filling out a warning site for the infraction and noticed discrepancies in his story about where he had been and where he was going.

Once backup arrived a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and deputies located four duffle bags containing vacuum sealed bags of marijuana. The total weight of the marijuana was 62.97 pounds.

Over the past year, Deputy Martin has seized over 648 pounds of marijuana, 54.9 oz. of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of cocaine, 296 doses of oxycodone, 16 firearms, $185,470 in U.S. currency, and several other miscellaneous drugs.

Sheriff John Mehr is extremely proud of Deputy Martin for his hard work and dedication to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.