A Lehighton man was charged this week with possession of methamphetamine following a traffic stop last year in Franklin Township.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Trooper Michael Sofranko of the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop N, Lehighton barracks in the case against Brian Mieczkowski:

At 6:50 p.m. Nov. 16, 2019, Sofranko was on routine patrol on Route 248 westbound in Franklin Township with another trooper when they were following a black Ford Ranger that had a loud muffler.

The vehicle was registered to Mieczkowski, 37. Records showed his license was suspended.

Police stopped the vehicle on Route 248 westbound near Keystone-Harley Davidson, and noticed the vehicle’s front windshield was cracked.

Sofranko asked Mieczkowski for his license registration and insurance. Mieczkowski gave his license and registration, but not his insurance information.

When Sofranko informed Mieczkowski of his suspension, he said he was not aware of it being suspended.

As Sofranko spoke to Mieczkowski, he noticed that he appeared nervous and shaky, and his eyes were red and glassy.

Sofranko then asked Mieczkowski to perform field tests, and patted him down. Mieczkowski pulled a Sonoma cigarette packet from his pocket. Inside was a small bag containing a white substance, which was seized and later entered into evidence.

Mieczkowski told Sofranko that the contraband was methamphetamine, and said he had last used it a few days ago.

Sofranko obtained consent from Mieczkowski to search the vehicle, and discovered a black plastic container which contained a white residue, a metal cigarillos tin that contained a white residue, a red plastic straw containing white residue and a Manila paper that had white powdery residue in it.

On Feb. 28, Sofranko received the drug lab results which concluded that the contraband was methamphetamine.

Mieczkowski faces charges of possession of controlled substance; driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked; and exhaust system, mufflers and noise control.

He is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Nov. 18 before District Judge William Kissner of Palmerton.