Copperopolis CA…On 1-2-2023 at about 1130hrs., a Calaveras County Patrol Deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop on Hwy 4 near Main St, Copperopolis, CA. During the traffic stop, the deputy contacted the driver Jason David Copeland, 39 years of age, Wilseyville, and passenger Michele Lynn Alec, 44 years of age, West Point. The deputy noted both displaying typical symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. During the investigation, the deputy placed suspect Copeland under arrest for driving while impaired. The passenger, Michele Alec, was also placed under arrest for being under the influence of a controlled substance. The deputy located 25 grams of methamphetamine inside the vehicle.

Suspect Copeland was transported to the county jail and booked. He was charged with H&S 11379 transportation of a controlled substance (felony), H&S 11378 possession for sale (felony), 23152 (f) CVC drive while impaired (drugs- misdemeanor), 11364 H&S possession of unlawful paraphernalia (misdemeanor), 11377 H&S possession of controlled substance (misdemeanor) and 14601.2(B) CVC drive while license suspended for DUI (misdemeanor). Copeland also had a misdemeanor warrant issued for his arrest.

Suspect Michele Alec was arrested, transported to the county jail, and booked. She was charged with H&S 11379 transportation of a controlled substance (felony), H&S 11378 possession for sale (felony), 11364 H&S possession of unlawful paraphernalia (misdemeanor), 11377 H&S possession of controlled substance (misdemeanor), and 11550H&S under the influence of a controlled substance (misdemeanor).

The Calaveras Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with knowledge of methamphetamine or any other illegal controlled substances to call the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at (209) 754-6030.