WCSO: Man stuffed container of suspected fentanyl in backseat of police car during transport

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Washington County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) arrested a Johnson City man on Monday after deputies reportedly found various substances during a traffic stop. Police later discovered he allegedly attempted to hide a container of suspected fentanyl while being transported to jail.

A news release from the WCSO states Stephen Burleson, 41, was taken into custody following the traffic stop on Plymouth Road. The release said deputies discovered Burleson was driving on a suspended license, and upon making contact, he advised them that the vehicle he was driving was not his.

The WCSO said Burleson then gave verbal consent to a search of the vehicle, and a large quantity of meth “shake” was found in the driver’s seat, floorboard and seat storage pouch.

“Burleson had a metal cigarette holder inside his front pocket that contained nine Xanax totem poles for which he did not have a prescription,” the release states.

Deputies placed Burleson under arrest, and once they got him to the Washington County Detention Center, police found a “plastic container stuffed between the K9 kennel cage and seat in the back of the vehicle that transported Burleson.”

The release said deputies discovered “a white powder substance believed to be fentanyl scattered throughout.”

After a comprehensive search, deputies located four grams of fentanyl, two grams of meth and nine Xanax bars, the release said.

Burleson was charged with tampering with evidence, possession of meth, possession of a legend drug without a prescription, schedule II drug violations for resale and driving on a suspended license.

He was being held on a $55,000 bond as of Tuesday, the WCSO said.

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