Cameron Parish Deputy Arrested For Transporting Pot

A former Cameron Parish Sheriffs Deputy finds himself looking at the world on the wrong side of prison bars this morning. Louisiana State Police say that 28 year old Derek Northagel of Lake Charles was arrested and charged following a traffic stop on I-10.

Sgt James Anderson with Louisiana State Police says a truck that Northagel was driving was stopped on Interstate 10 for a routine traffic violation. When the vehicle was stopped and the driver was questioned it was decided that further investigation was needed at the scene. Troopers requested and received permission to search the vehicle.

After a K-9 officer alerted on possible illegal substances in the car. A duffel bag filled with marijuana was discovered. The stash included almost 18 pounds of marijuana and a smoking pipe with residue.  Troopers then  place Mr. Northagel under arrest. Trooper Anderson described the charges that Northagel is now facing.

Possession with intent to distribute marijuana, use and sale of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, following too close and expired inspection decal.

Northagel was terminated from his position with the Cameron Parish Sheriffs Department. He is currently being held in the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center on a bond of $237-thousand dollars.