A man accused of possessing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia while riding in a car with a 5-year-old is facing criminal charges in Miller County, Ark.
Todd Aaron Tietge, 48, was arrested Jan. 12 after allegedly being found in possession of meth and paraphernalia while riding as a passenger in 2012 Chevy Malibu with expired registration, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account.
Miller County sheriff's deputies stopped the Malibu shortly before noon as it traveled along the 6300 block of East Street.
Deputies noted that Tietge appeared unusually nervous. When the car's driver was asked to step out, Tietge allegedly attempted to conceal something in the passenger floorboard. Under the front passenger side floor mat, deputies discovered two plastic bags containing a crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine. A used syringe with residue inside of it and a 6.3 mm socket with what appeared to be narcotic residue in the socket hole were collected as well.
Both Tietge and the Malibu's driver allegedly denied knowing about the drugs or paraphernalia when questioned separately by deputies. Because of Tietge's behavior and the contraband being found where he was sitting, Tietge was arrested.
Tietge's 5-year-old daughter was allegedly riding in the back seat.
"Exposing his daughter to these dangerous narcotics recklessly placed her at risk for physical and mental injury, thus Tietge was also charged with endangering the welfare of a minor," the affidavit states.
At an initial appearance before a Miller County judge Jan. 13, bail was set at $20,000 on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Tietge posted a commercial bail bond and was released Wednesday. He is scheduled to return to court Feb. 14.