Stolen Items Recovered During Traffic Stop

ROCHESTER, IN - Wednesday evening, February 20, 2008, Indiana State Trooper Mike Meiser clocked a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am with radar on southbound U.S. 31 near Olson Road allegedly traveling 78 miles per hour in a 60 miles per hour zone. Trooper Meiser stopped the Grand Am and conducted a license check on the driver, Jose Veliz Jr., 30, Lafayette, IN.

The check revealed Veliz Jr. did not have a valid operator’s license. He was also wanted on an arrest warrant issued from Fulton County for failure to appear for operating a vehicle while never having an operator’s license. Further investigation by Trooper Meiser, with assistance from Trooper Chris Miller, revealed that Veliz Jr. was purportedly over the .08 blood alcohol concentration limit, which Indiana law considers a driver intoxicated. Veliz Jr. was arrested and is being held in the Fulton County Jail with no bond. 

Prior to impounding the Pontiac Grand Am, which Veliz Jr. was driving, the troopers conducted an inventory of the vehicle’s contents. Officers found numerous cologne and perfume bottles. The troopers suspected the items could be stolen and started a criminal investigation. Probable cause was developed allowing officers to obtain a search warrant from the Fulton Superior Court for the contents of the Grand Am. The troopers executed the warrant and found numerous clothing items and information indicating they were stolen from a Kohl’s Department Store in South Bend, IN. The items were valued at over $1,600. 

A call to the South Bend Police Department revealed their officers had arrested a male subject earlier in the day for shoplifting at a Kohl’s Department Store. His alleged accomplice was driving a Grand Am and wore clothing matching the description of Veliz Jr. The accomplice allegedly drove away from the Kohl’s Store prior to officers making contact with him.  

A report will be forwarded to the Fulton County Prosecutor requesting Veliz Jr. be charged with possession of stolen property. This is an ongoing investigation. 

Charges for Jose Veliz Jr., 30, Lafayette, IN

• Operating a vehicle while having never been licensed, class C misdemeanor
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, class C misdemeanor

Possession of stolen property is a class D felony punishable with up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Source: Indiana State Police

Technorati Tags: News State Crime / Police Indiana State Police - ISP Jose Veliz Jr. Mike Meiser Transportation

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