Fake license plate and false identity lead to serious charges during North Carolina traffic stop, deputies report

Updated: 9:59 AM EST Feb 26, 2024

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has revealed that a routine traffic stop in North Carolina took a serious turn when a driver, pulled over for a fake license plate, provided a false name and was subsequently found with illegal substances in their vehicle.

On a recent Friday, the Street Crimes Unit and Narcotics Unit of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office were conducting patrols in the Main Street area of Spindale when they stopped a vehicle displaying a fictitious registration plate.

Image source: Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office

During the traffic stop, it was discovered that the driver had provided a false name to the authorities. Subsequently, a K9 unit was brought in and during an air sniff of the vehicle, the K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, resulting in the arrest of the driver, Angelica Dawn Spencer, 26, from Forest City, and Dimetri Martese Strother, 27, also from Forest City.

Angelica Dawn Spencer is facing charges of identity theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with a revoked license. Dimetri Martese Strother, on the other hand, is charged with trafficking opium or heroin, possession of methamphetamine, simple possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper identification and compliance with the law while operating a vehicle on North Carolina roads.