Colfax couple arrested after 13-year-old child found driving vehicle

Marijuana was found in a vehicle being driven by a 13-year-old resulting in child endangerment and other charges for a Colfax couple.

Paul E. Deaton, 51, and Jacqualine R. Deaton, 48, both of Colfax, were charged after being arrested during a Jasper County Sheriff's Office traffic stop that happened at 2:18 p.m. Sunday in the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in Colfax. The couple were both passengers in the vehicle, and a 13-year-old child was driving at the time of the stop.

A heavy odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle and both Paul and Jacqualine admitted to marijuana being in the vehicle.

Paul then reached behind the seat and grabbed a pipe along with a bag with four grams of marijuana in it. The couple admitted that the victim (the 13-year-old child) should not be driving, as the child was not of age to legally drive.

Paul was also charged with possession of controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia following the incident. Jacqualine received additional charges of possession of marijuana and permitting an unauthorized driver.

Paul and Jacqualine were taken to the Jasper County Jail. Both were released on $3,300 bond and have an upcoming court date of June 7.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com