I-75 traffic stop in Miami County leads to prison time

A Lancaster woman arrested along with her boyfriend on Interstate 75 in Miami County in a stolen vehicle with a stolen firearm and more than $3,300 in hidden cash was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison.

Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Gee said the circumstances involved in the traffic stop by state troopers and subsequent arrests didn’t support the passengers’ claims of being on vacation.

“This is hardly the way people travel around on vacation,” Gee said, noting cash was found stuffed in various areas of the vehicle during a search.

Amber Davis, 36, and Robert Neal, 43, also of Lancaster were arrested July 3 by troopers.

Neal later was picked up by federal authorities as part of an investigation of bank robberies, county Prosecutor Tony Kendell said Tuesday. Local charges against Neal were dismissed, according to Municipal Court records.

Davis was charged locally with having a weapon while under a disability following a previous criminal conviction. She pleaded guilty.

Davis told Gee she had not had criminal problems for 10 years and wanted to go home and “deal with my irresponsible actions.” Gee said a warrant for her arrest out of Michigan was confirmed by court personnel.

She was sentenced to 18 months and will receive credit for 76 days served in the county jail.

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