A routine traffic stop for expired plates Thursday led to the arrest of two people on heroin charges.

William T. Minner, 28, of Jackson was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of Ecstasy, driving with a revoked license and driving with expired plates. Minner is on probation for a 2006 conviction for possession of a controlled substance.

The passenger in the vehicle, Emily B. Brown, 28, of Cape Girardeau was charged with possession of heroin and Ecstasy.

Patrolman Jeff Bourbon of the Cape Girardeau Police Department stopped Minner's vehicle after noting the expired plates, according to a probable-cause statement made by detective Rob Watson. A capsule filled with a powder believed to be heroin was found in Minner's pocket in a subsequent search.

Brown agreed to be searched after the capsule was found, the statement said. Officers found a wooden box that contained 85 similar capsules, most in baggies, in addition to two pills believed to be Ecstasy and a marijuana pipe.

According to the probable-cause statement, Minner told officers the heroin and pipe were his and that he paid $10 apiece for the pills but could sell them for $25 in Cape Girardeau.

Minner and Brown both admitted to using heroin, according to the statement.

Brown admitted she had several prescription medications at her apartment for which she did not have prescriptions. Officers found 19 pills at the residence, additional capsules, baggies and syringes, the statement said.

Brown and Minner are being held in the Cape Girardeau County Jail. Brown's bond has been set at $20,000, and Minner's has been set at $50,000.

pwylie@semissourian.com

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