ST. GEORGE, Utah, Feb. 14, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — A driver and passenger were jailed in Washington County after a traffic stop for an obscured license plate and a window tint violation led to the alleged discovery of more than 120 pounds of illegal drugs.
Driver Jeremiah Jordaiah Laday Bruner, 25, and passenger Amauri Tremelle Brown Fleming, 24 were in a gray Kia sedan with an obscured Illinois plate, their arrest documents say. A Utah Highway Patrol trooper stopped them at 8:52 a.m. Tuesday near Interstate 15 exit two.
“While speaking with the occupants, I observed evidence of possible criminal activity, including inconsistent travel plans, lack of details, lack of fresh recall, third-party registration, nervousness and evidence of tradecraft related to narcotics smuggling,” the men’s arrest documents say.
“I attempted to get consent to search the vehicle from both occupants (including the driver Jeremiah Laday Bruner), but was denied consent. I called for a K-9 and a free air sniff was conducted around the vehicle.
“I was informed by the handler that the dog indicated to the odor of narcotics. A probable cause search was conducted and approximately 114 pounds of methamphetamine, 4 pounds of marijuana and 16 oz. of promethazine liquid were located in the trunk of the vehicle.
“The items were located in suitcases and packaged consistent with drug trafficking organizations. Both subjects (including Laday Bruner) were arrested, with follow-up investigation pending.”
The men were arrested for investigation of identical alleged crimes:
- Distribute/offer/arrange distribution of controlled substance, a second-degree felony
- Distribute/offer/arrange distribution of controlled substance, a third-degree felony
- Distribute/offer/arrange distribution of controlled substances, a class A misdemeanor
- Possession or use of controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor
- Two counts of possession or use of a controlled substances, a class B misdemeanor
- Use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor
Laday Bruner and Brown Fleming were ordered held without bail. As of Saturday, they remained listed among inmates in the Washington County Jail.
