On Saturday, June 06, 2015, at about 1150 hours, a driver license violation prompted the stop of a GMC truck in Sweetwater that led to discovery of suspected heroine, paraphernalia used in its consumption and the arrest of two occupants.

Nolan County deputies stopped a green GMC truck for a driver license violation in the 500 block of Sam Houston, Sweetwater. Contact was made with the driver, Robert Rodriguez, of Sweetwater who was accompanied by passengers Jenny Valenzuela, and a small child, both of Roby. The adult occupants were requested to exit the vehicle and separated where a roadside investigation could be conducted.

While speaking with Rodriguez, deputies detected deception in the answers he was providing; thereafter consent to search the vehicle was requested and received. A search of the vehicle was conducted which lead to the discovery of a clear plastic baggy containing a dark substance determined to be heroin and paraphernalia used in its consumption.

The deputy placed suspected heroine and paraphernalia on the side of the truck, as he continued the search of the vehicle. Another deputy on scene was with Valenzuela, when he observed Rodriguez grab the spoon and eat the corner of the plastic baggy that contained the suspected heroin. While Rodriguez distracted both Deputies, a mailbox near where Valenzuela was seated could be heard being shut. An immediate search of the mailbox was conducted that lead to the discovery of bag containing heroin residue on paraphernalia used in its consumption.

Rodriguez and Valenzuela were both placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where they were charged with the felony offense of tampering with evidence. The child was released to a responsible family member who arrived on scene after being contacted by deputies. Child Protective Services was contacted and a report was filed. The case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.