NCSO: Traffic stop leads to discovery of drugs and stolen catalytic converters

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office says a man is facing several charges after a traffic stop led to the discovery of drugs as well as stolen catalytic converters and a pressure washer.

On Monday, a deputy said he recognized 31-year-old Justin Marcus Lambert driving on Highway 121 and had knowledge that Lambert had outstanding bench warrants. When Lambert was brought into custody, authorities say they found meth and marijuana in his possession, as well as catalytic converters and a pressure washer.

Justin Marcus Lambert
Image: Newberry County Sheriff’s Office

While deputies were with Lambert, NCSO says other deputies received a call from “Car Baby” reporting that catalytic converters were missing from vehicles at the business, and a pressure washer was taken from a closed shed. Investigators say they determined the missing items were the ones found with Lambert.

Authorities say Lambert is charged with simple possession of marijuana second offense, trafficking meth third offense, Transportation of Non-Ferrous Metal without a Permit, Possession of Stolen Non-Ferrous Metal, theft from a motor vehicle (three counts), burglary third degree, possession of burglary tools and burglary second degree violent (four counts).

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster says, “Investigators are continuing to follow-up on items from Lambert’s truck and residence and speaking with witnesses that are linking Lambert to other Burglaries and Larcenies.”

If you have any information about criminal activity involving Lambert, deputies say you should call the sheriff’s office at 803-321-2222 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.