An 18-year-old Newfane man was charged with marijuana possession following a traffic stop Sunday night.

According to a report by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Austin Sheldon, 2938 Lockport-Olcott Road, was stopped near the intersection of Lockport-Olcott Road and Dale Road for not wearing a seat belt around 7:30 p.m.

While being interviewed by patrol, patrol could smell marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, the report said. Asked about the smell, Sheldon "lifted up the cup holder in the middle console and handed patrol a clear plastic bag containing a green leafy vegetable substance," telling patrol it was marijuana. The clear plastic bag contained approximately 15 grams of marijuana, valued at around $80.

Sheldon was issued an appearance ticket for both the seat belt and pot violations and ordered to apear in Newfane Town Court on May 6. Patrol placed the suspected marijuana into an evidence bag and secured it into a property locker to be sent to the Niagara County Forensic Laboratory for confirmation.

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